Description

WORK LOCATION: This position will be located in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences in the LSU College of Agriculture, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: This is a full-time 12-month, non-tenure track position with a 100% teaching appointment. The successful candidate will develop and design in-person and online course materials to teach key undergraduate level  horticulture courses including, but not limited to Introduction and Maintenance of Ornamentals in the Landscape I and II, Introduction to the Green Industry, Urban Landscape Management, Survey of Arboriculture, Landscape Construction, Horticulture Applications, and Herbaceous Plant Materials.                                                                                                                                                                                

JOB DUTIES/PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES: The successful candidate will be expected to teach classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The candidate must teach the above-listed courses as offered and described in the LSU Course Catalogue, follow the class syllabus properly, and effectively utilize the Learning Management System (Moodle). The candidate hired as the instructor is expected to provide personalized and instructive feedback on all student submissions and assignments. Grading assignments and responding to student emails and phone calls is expected to be in a timely manner. The posting of class information, content updates, and announcements should be done frequently and as appropriate. The instructor is expected to provide course evaluation feedback on APA format, writing structure, the use of critical thinking skills, and effective student learning skills. The instructor will also serve as an undergraduate student advisor for students majoring in turf and landscape management. Additional duties include participation in high school and undergraduate student recruitment events in collaboration with the College of Agriculture to increase the enrollment of horticulture students at LSU. Another duty will be to serve on the annual Horticulture Spring Garden Show Committee and co-chair this event with other faculty. The instructor will report to the Director of the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: An M.S. in horticulture is required with 2 plus years of professional experience in related field and two years of experience in instruction is desirable. The ability to work in a team environment with a variety of teaching, research and extension faculty cohort is critical. Teaching experience, urban landscape management, ornamental plant maintenance, and tree care experience are required, including favorable peer recommendations. Applicants should have demonstrated effective oral, written, and electronic communication skills necessary for classroom and on-line presentations to diverse student audiences.  The candidate must also be skilled in the planning, organizing, and prioritizing of tasks. Prefer candidate to have a commercial landscape & tree care certification/license. 

This position will require a physical evaluation based on the physical demands required.

FERPA - As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, a Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year along with a week off between Christmas Day and New Years Day), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until a suitable candidate is identified.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Must apply online at https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu/ by attaching a cover letter with statement of professional interest and goals, resume, university transcripts, and the names and contact information for three professional references. For more information contact the hiring manager below:  

Dr. David Picha

Director, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences

LSU 104-B Sturgis Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.