Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: open to the public

Employment Status: full time, temporary

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: Grade 6

Salary Range:  $71,289-$78,267

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: Van Ness Campus, Washington, DC

Brief Description of Duties
The Assistant Director for Urban Agriculture Research reports directly to the Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture, one of the landgrant centers in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Assistant Director for Urban Agriculture Research designs, implements, and coordinates research initiatives that advance the research objectives of the landgrant centers of CAUSES and the overall mission of CAUSES to “…improve the quality of life and economic opportunity of residents and communities in the District of Columbia, the nation, and the world”.  The Assistant Director works in close collaboration with the Associate Dean of Landgrant Programs, and the other Landgrant Center directors, faculty members and project specialists in CAUSES.  The centers conduct applied research that requires the requisite technical skills and knowledge to assist in the design and implementation of research projects. These may include comparison of ethnic and specialty crop production methods, use of high intensity closed loop production methods such as aquaponics, data collection on alternatives to improve energy and water use efficiency, comparative design of community gardens to encourage wellness, and techniques to advance knowledge in urban agriculture, urban sustainability and urban health. Key areas of responsibility include research design, research project set up, testing functionality of research set ups, coordination of data collection, and other tasks related to the coordination and integration of relevant research and community outreach activities (AES and CES) within CAUSES. The Assistant Director carries out day-to-day activities in close collaboration with the Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and the Associate Dean of Landgrant Programs to ensure alignment of all applied research initiatives with the strategic objectives of CAUSES. The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CAUSES, UDC, and program sponsors, especially USDA NIFA.
 

1. Works closely with the Director of the Center Urban Agriculture and the AD for Landgrant Programs to identify priorities in applied research, research design, and implementation.
2. Works closely with faculty and staff members in CAUSES to assist in implementing research projects that foster regional, national and international recognition.
3. Works closely with the Director of the Center Urban Agriculture to identify appropriate locations, equipment and supplies to carry out identified research priorities.
4. Teaches one course per semester in CAUSES or the equivalent in community education programs (extension services)
5. Establishes a team approach to work as an integral part of the Center for Urban Agriculture and other Landgrant Centers and Academic programs in CAUSES.
6. Designs, implements, and coordinates urban agriculture research that is effective and outcomes-oriented and supports the mission, reach and effectiveness of CAUSES.
7. Communicates program goals and desired outcomes as well as implementation procedures to the Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture, the AD of Land-grant Programs, and CAUSES staff as needed.
8. Coordinates the Plan of Work with the Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and the AD of Land-grant Programs as required by sponsoring agencies.
9. Works with academic and landgrant program staff members within CAUSES to foster a collaborative environment conducive to excellence in research, outreach and teaching.
10. Represent the Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and the AD of Landgrant Programs in appropriate internal and external meetings and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external constituencies.
11. Acts as a senior scientist for CAUSES on other duties as assigned.

 
Required Qualifications
 

1. The incumbent is required to hold a Master’s degree (doctoral degree preferred) appropriate to the urban agriculture and environmental quality focus of the position.
2. Four (4) years of experience in increasingly responsible academic, research and administrative positions.
3. A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes oriented work in meeting the responsibilities and duties outlined in the position description.

 

Information to Applicant

Condition of Employment:  This is a sponsored program appointment. The duration of this appointment is subject to grant fund availability.   

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia’s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5020.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal opportunity/.