Assistant Professor, Extension Crop Production Specialist

The Extension Crop Production/Cropping Systems Specialist provides leadership for an interdisciplinary team to develop and deliver strong Extension and applied research programs focused primarily in row crop production and cropping systems for Kansas and the Central Great Plains.

The Extension Crop Production/Cropping Systems Specialist is a 12-month tenure-eligible position that provides leadership for an interdisciplinary team to develop and deliver strong Extension and applied research programs, with a 70% Extension and 30% Research appointment, focused primarily on row crop production and cropping systems for Kansas and the Central Great Plains.

The primary responsibilities of this individual are to develop educational programs for a broad clientele, including farmers, crop advisors, agri-businesses, agency personnel, and commodity groups. Evidence of Extension scholarship includes the development and participation in traditional educational meetings and workshops (field days, plot tours, crop schools, and update meetings), producing Extension publications and training materials, newsletters and news releases, and development and contribution to appropriate websites, social media, and other innovative information delivery methods.

The Extension Crop Production/Cropping Systems Specialist must also have an understanding and appreciation of the role of the state and regional specialists, and county/district extension agents in developing successful state, area, district, and county programs that have a positive impact. Additional interactions include colleagues in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science and Industry, Entomology, and Plant Pathology on cropping systems, soil and water management, enterprise profitability, and utilization of grains, oilseeds, and forages.

Central to the Crop Production/Cropping Systems program is developing a strong, grant-funded applied research program, which complements and informs the Extension program. This includes the training of graduate students and publication of research results. The specialist must be able to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and contribute to an environment that supports collegiality and teamwork.

The Department of Agronomy was established in 1906 to promote advances in agricultural practices in the state of Kansas. Advances throughout the history of the Department have had major impacts on transforming the bounty of the natural resources of Kansas into the present standard of living enjoyed by its people.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or related disciplines, with a strong background in crop production and cropping systems under field conditions.
• Commitment to extension education at the university level.
• Excellent communication skills in written and oral English.
• Proven ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with current career level, and strong potential for securing extramural funding.
• Committed to graduate student mentoring and teaching.
• A commitment to fostering collegiality and teamwork in a multi-cultural environment.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in extension activities at the state and local level.
• Experience in leading and working as part of an interdisciplinary extension team.
• Experience in design and implementation of field research with agronomic crops and Great Plains cropping systems.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of Extension materials and building relationships with producers, commodity groups, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated skills to effectively use established and emerging communication technologies to disseminate knowledge.

Additional Role Information:

• A valid driver's license is required.

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship

Applicants should complete the application process through K-State's PageUp recruiting system at https://careers.k-state.edu to complete the application and upload the following:

• Upload a letter of application describing your interest in the position and relevant experience or training.
• Submit a statement of extension philosophy (maximum two pages).
• Provide a statement of research interests, including a rationale for how the research will inform extension efforts (maximum two pages).
• Upload a current curriculum vitae.
• Include graduate transcripts.
• Provide the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Peter Tomlinson, at ptomlin@ksu.edu with subject line: Cropping System Extension/Research Faculty Search, or telephone: 785-477-2389.

Applications close on: January 30, 2026

Commensurate with experience