Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/8

Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience up to $72,727

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) seeks to fill a full-time Project Specialist in Horticultural Science position under its Center for Urban Resilience Innovation and Infrastructure (CURII). This position has an expected distribution of effort (DOE) of 50% Research, 30% Extension, and 20% teaching, a DOE that is subject to annual adjustment. The position will support current and emerging specialty crop production systems and producers in the District of Columbia and beyond, including greenhouse production, indoor farming systems, and/or other novel controlled environment applications. The expectations for this position are to develop a nationally recognized Cooperative Extension Service program in horticulture production and science with an emphasis on specialty crops, resulting in peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will develop scholarly applied research publications and resources and build, maintain, and lead impactful internal and external collaborations and partnerships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates, and establishes high-quality research priorities, protocols, and collaborative learning for a national horticultural plant science program.  
• Leads cutting-edge research that supports the production of nutritious foods and strengthens horticultural economic viability.
• Publishes research findings in professional journals and emphasizes innovative approaches in breeding horticultural crops to enhance culinary, post-harvest, nutritional quality, and flavor.
• Develops intersectional research approaches and findings of traditional plan breeding, modern genomic-assisted breeding, and horticultural innovation.
• Collaborates with and supports the community of practice about health that comprises internal and external stakeholders.
• Teaches one academic course per semester or its equivalent in land-grant certificates or conducts (applied) research in the field for which the incumbent qualifies.
• Prepares and delivers learning content and lectures. Evaluates and grades students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
• Supervises laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students.
• Leads community outreach efforts at UDC CAUSES Food Hubs and in target communities.
• Develops and implements applied research and peer-reviewed publications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master’s degree (PhD preferred) from an accredited college or university in horticultural science, plant science, or closely related field(s) of study with 5+ years of experience in horticulture and/or accelerated breeding.
• Experience in field data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Demonstrated skills in statistics and using best practices for environmental management, growing crops and nutritional value, and economic viability.
• Knowledge of greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), indoor farming, hydroponic, regenerative agriculture, soil health & fertilizers.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of 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).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

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 veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

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 Talent Management only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.

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: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .