Download X1645 Director, Soil, Plant and Pest Center

POSITION X1645
Director, Soil, Plant and Pest Center
LOCATION
Soil, Plant and Pest Center, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN,
University of Tennessee Extension
EFFECTIVE DATE
Review of applications will begin October 19 and will continue until the position
is filled, preferably by January 1, 2017.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Benefits include group hospitalization and life
insurance, State Employees Retirement; Workers' Compensation; study, sick and annual leave;
numerous University of Tennessee and state benefit programs, including liberal time off for holidays.
Primary Duties: The primary duties of the Director include directing, enhancing and expanding the dayto-day operations and management of Center activities and personnel as well as participation in
educational outreach activities.
Unique Opportunities:
• The Director will be encouraged to be entrepreneurial in operating and enhancing the SPPC’s
operation as a UT Extension fee-based service center serving clients and stakeholders statewide.
• The director will establish and maintain relations with other departments, units, agencies,
faculty and staff such as the Beef and Forage Center, Plant Sciences Department, Biosystems
Engineering and Soil Science Department, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department,
Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Southern Region Soil Testing Work Group, Tennessee
State University and others.
Center Management
• Implement strategic business planning for the Center.
• Develop and implement an annual marketing plan for SPPC operations including the ongoing
marketing and promotion of SPPC products and services.
• Evaluate and maintain appropriate fee schedules for SPPC products and services.
• Maintain proper fee collection practices and appropriate records.
• Implement strong financial management standards including annual operational budgets,
account reconciliations and financial reports.
• Oversee the hiring and supervising of all full-time and part-time employees of the Center.
• Oversee and maintain an active Web site for the SPPC.
1
•
Develop a comprehensive annual report for the SPPC.
Center Operations:
• Develop and maintain a high level of quality control protocol.
• Ensure accurate, timely and reliable testing and diagnostic services.
• Develop and maintain appropriate forms, testing supplies, technology and equipment.
• Create and maintain an overall safe work environment.
• Develop, maintain and utilize appropriate database management.
• Develop and ensure high levels of customer service.
• Oversee and evaluate the purchasing and maintenance of equipment.
• Provide appropriate training for all employees.
• Develop and implement appropriate lab standards, policies and procedures and maintain
compliance.
• Work with appropriate U.T. Faculty to gain assistance with difficult or complex diagnoses,
develop new or updated services, establish and maintain research based recommendations for
Center customers.
Educational outreach
• Assist with Extension educational presentations, workshops and seminars (as appropriate).
• Support County-based Extension programs including 4-H.
• Maintain close working relationship with Extension agents.
• Participate in training sessions for Extension agents.
• Participate in Extension publishing opportunities.
Requirements:
•
•
•
•
Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree are both required. One degree (BS or MS) must be in
Soil Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biosystems Engineering or other closely related
fields.
Previous experience in a similar laboratory environment is required with preference given to
three or more years of operation and or management experience.
Must have a demonstrated ability to serve as an effective leader, work with diverse groups and
communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Must have excellent computer skills.
2
•
Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD, significant work experience in the above
described or closely related fields and significant experience using and maintaining modern
analytical instrumentation and related software. An MBA or significant coursework/experience
in business administration or agribusiness is desired.
Additional information links:
Soil, Plant and Pest Center: https://ag.tennessee.edu/spp/Pages/default.aspx
Ellington Agricultural Center: https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/section/eac
UT Extension, ANR/CED: https://extension.tennessee.edu/Pages/ANR-CED.aspx
UT Extension Central Region Office: https://extension.tennessee.edu/central/Pages/default.aspx
Tennessee Department of Agriculture: https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/
TO APPLY:
• Complete and submit an online application using the appropriate link below:
Apply as an External Applicant
Apply as an Internal Applicant
•
A complete application package attached to will include a 1) letter of interest, 2) a resume or
curriculum vitae, 3) list of 3 to 5 references and 4)official or unofficial transcripts showing
degree(s) conferred.
Information may be sent directly to the chair of the search committee, but not as a replacement for
applying online – only complete application packets submitted online can be considered as official
applicants.
Contact:
Rob Holland, Search Committee Chair
Director, Center for Profitable Agriculture
PO Box 1819
Spring Hill, TN, 37174
931-698-3211
[email protected]
3