The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is recruiting a Project Specialist in Agricultural Engineering & Technology. UDC is a land-grant institution and this position is a 12-month land-grant faculty position with responsibilities in research and academic teaching. The best qualified candidates will have a PhD and a good publication and grant record. For full details and to apply, visit: https://udc.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2hbyxh87zru?sort=1&sortdir=a. Please note that you can negotiate a salary higher than what's specified in the job ad. Contact Matthew Richardson with questions: matthew.richardson@udc.edu .
Brief Description of Duties:
We are seeking a Project Specialist for Agricultural Engineering & Technology who will report to the Assistant Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE), which is one of the Land-grant Centers of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The project specialist is a part of the visionary team of Land-grant professionals dedicated to urban agriculture and to a comprehensive urban food system that improves the quality of life and economic opportunity for DC residents and urban population nationwide. At the heart of urban agriculture initiatives of CAUSES is Firebird Farm, an Urban Agriculture Experiment Station dedicated to advancing food security, urban sustainability, and economic capacity-building. The signature Urban Food Hubs of CAUSES are outposts of Firebird Farm in urban neighborhoods throughout Washington DC. Each Hub is a demonstration and training site committed to Food Production, Food Preparation, Food Distribution, and closing the loop through Waste and Water Recovery.
The Project Specialist designs, implements, and coordinates research and education initiatives that advance knowledge, technological innovation, and operational efficiency to improve the UDC Urban Food Hubs and other urban agricultural initiatives in the District of Columbia. The Project Specialist carries out day-to-day activities in close collaboration with the Assistant Director of the Center for Urban to ensure alignment of all urban agriculture initiatives with the strategic objectives of CAUSES. The incumbent is expected to have supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent will also serve as a Lead Coordinator, which requires the incumbent to review and direct the work of others on the assigned team in CUAGE. 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Develops and implements an active research program on cutting-edge agricultural production systems that foster regional, national, and international recognition. Example systems include aquaponics, hydroponics, aeroponics, and other urban production systems.
2. Identifies funding sources and actively pursues grant opportunities to fund research.
3. Publishes results through cooperative extension publications and high impact professional journals.
4. Uses assessment techniques to identify local needs and ensure cultural relevancy and appropriateness of urban agriculture programs and initiatives.
5. Develops and maintains an awareness of urban agriculture and innovative food production methods by involving professionals and lay people in program-planning, research, and education.
6. Works effectively and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies of CAUSES, including current and potential program sponsors, government agencies, non-profit & for-profit private sector entities, and students.
7. Teaches one undergraduate or graduate course per semester in the Academic Program of CAUSES or the equivalent in community education programs (extension services). Likely graduate courses include agroecology or advanced sustainable urban agriculture.
8. Designs, implements, and coordinates urban agriculture initiatives that are effective and outcomes-oriented and support the mission, reach and effectiveness of CAUSES.
9. Communicates program goals and desired outcomes as well as implementation procedures to the Assistant Director of CUAGE and CAUSES staff as requested.
10. Coordinates the Plan of Work with the Assistant Director of CUAGE as required by sponsoring agencies.
11. Works with academic and program staff members within CAUSES to foster a collaborative environment conducive to excellence in research and teaching.
12. Represents the Director and Assistant Director of CUAGE in appropriate internal and external meetings.
13. Performs other duties as assigned including special assignments related to urban and sustainable agriculture, environmental health, and other needs of the college.
Minimum Job Requirements:
1. PhD preferred from an accredited college or university in agricultural engineering, agricultural technology, agronomy, sustainable agriculture, crop science, horticulture, environmental science, or related fields.
2. A minimum of three years of experience in increasingly responsible academic and research positions.
3. A demonstrated publication record and success in garnering extramural funding to support research.
4. A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes-oriented work.
5. Ability to build and assess urban production systems using the latest technological advance, preferred
6. Experience with experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and peer-reviewed publishing, preferred
7. Monitoring and adjustment of nutrients, lighting and climate to optimize environmental conditions in plant growing systems to maintain adequate plant health and biomass output, preferred
8. Experience with controlled environment agriculture, plant physiology under controlled environment, plant nutrition, soilless agriculture (hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics), indoor agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, fish nutrition and health, fish husbandry and environmental microbiology, preferred
9. Valid driver's license
10. Reliable transportation
