Job Title

Assistant Professor of Ag Communications

Agency

West Texas A&M University

Department

Agricultural Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Job Summary:

West Texas A&M University, a member of The Texas A&M University System, invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication. This is a 9-month, tenure track position that reports to the Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. WTAMU is seeking an innovative and dynamic educator and scientist to enhance a nationally recognized teaching and research program in Ag Media and Communication that complements existing programs. WTAMU is a four-year academic institution with more than 9,000 students serving the Texas Panhandle and beyond. The geographic region is noted for its diverse agriculture and related agri-business. The Department of Agricultural Sciences has over 1,100 students and offers B.S., M.S, M.Ag. and Ph.D. degrees.

Work Performed:

• Develop strong teaching in agricultural media and communication with emphasis on video and design coursework.

• Provide instruction in agricultural media and communication at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Contribute leadership to the agricultural media and communication program including recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students, supervision of student internships, and advisement of student organizations.

• Develop a program of scholarly contribution through extramural funding including publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and presentations at regional and national research conferences.

• Work closely with agricultural industry leaders and commodity groups in assessing regional needs for communications professionals.

Necessary Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in agricultural communication, or a closely related field from an accredited university.

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service.

• Commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to research and educational programs.

• Proven digital design and/or broadcasting skills within the agricultural sector.

• Experience in professional news writing and AP style and structure.

• Working knowledge of crop and livestock industries.

• Interpersonal communication skills, vision and desire to establish working relationships with external constituents.

Applicant Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

We require the following:

• Letter of interest or cover letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Personal statement to include philosophy and plans for research, teaching and service, as applicable

• Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts are expected to be submitted promptly by the successful candidate)

• Three professional references

Please attach all documents in the attachment box at the bottom of the “My Experience” page before continuing through the application. Please use the “Upload” button to add each document individually. All revisions must be made prior to application submission. If you need assistance with uploading documents, please contact WTAMU Human Resources at hr@wtamu.edu .

Texas law requires that males age 18 through 25 be properly registered with the Selective Service System in order to be eligible for employment.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits (https://www.wtamu.edu/business-finance/human-resources/benefits.html)

For additional questions or information regarding this position, please contact:

Search Committee Chair: Dr. Tanner Robertson

Department: Agricultural Sciences

Phone: 806-651-2591

Email: trobertson@wtamu.edu

Affirmative Action Commitment Statement

West Texas A&M University and the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and the Department of Agricultural Sciences are committed to hiring the person most qualified for the Assistant Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication position with equal treatment and access for all applicants, including affirmative action for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

We will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees.

WT’s long-standing commitment has always been to serve both the students and the region of the Panhandle. Our employees make a difference every day in the lives of thousands of students, and that has countless ripple effects on people throughout the region, the state and the world. Moreover, employees are encouraged to grow professionally and personally thanks to a supportive work environment.

At WT, your future is our future. Employees and their dependents get half-off their tuition and fees. The minimum starting wage is $15 per hour. Employees also have generous health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance packages, plus free basic life insurance and enrollment in the Texas Teacher Retirement System. Flexible or compressed work-week arrangements are also available.Find out more at: https://wtamu.edu/benefits

West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, home to Palo Duro Canyon and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Canyon also is conveniently located near Amarillo, the largest city on Interstate 40 between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. This region is renowned for its historical significance, vibrant arts and entertainment options, unique shopping, delicious food and the friendliest people in the state.