Resident Director- Livestock and Forestry Research Station

Description:

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture seeks an energetic individual to provide creative and exemplary leadership for the Livestock and Forestry Research Station (LFST).  The Director will provide leadership for all research and Extension programming at the station. The Director will supervise LFST non-classified staff and hourly support staff. The Director will be responsible for recruiting non-resident faculty to perform research on the LFST by proactively building and maintaining multidisciplinary research and Extension programs in forage and beef cattle management and forest management.  

In addition to Director duties, the successful candidate meeting all Preferred Qualifications will develop an applied research program and/or Extension Education program which complements either the beef or the forestry efforts of the station. He/She will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in addressing beef cattle/forage production issues or forestry production issues. The incumbent will be expected to develop external sources of funding for research, demonstration and education efforts. Publishing work in refereed journals and/or Extension Fact Sheets is an expectation.  

For candidates who do not meet Preferred Qualifications, this position may be filled with a 100% Administrative appointment.  It is anticipated that the successful candidate meeting all Preferred Qualifications will receive a 50% Administration appointment, 25% Research, and 25% Extension appointment in a relevant academic department. The Director will report to Department Head of Animal Science. The successful candidate with preferred qualifications will hold a faculty position in a relevant academic department, including but not limited to the Department of Animal Science at University of Arkansas or the Arkansas Forest Resources Center at University of Arkansas at Monticello.      

Livestock and Forestry Research Station: Located near Batesville, AR, the 3,042-acre station has a 1,250-acre beef cattle unit and 1,750-acre forestry unit. The livestock effort includes research on mitigating production losses attributed to fescue toxicosis and stocker calf production. The forestry research program focuses on using best practices to improve hardwood and pine timber stands. See https://aaes.uada.edu/research-locations/livestock-forestry-station/ for further information. 

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.  This is a full-time twelve-month, nontenure-track appointment.

Responsibilities: Provide leadership in planning, integrating, and implementing the research and Extension programs conducted at the LFST. Duties will include administrative and fiscal leadership for personnel, programs and physical resources; program planning, staff development; pursuit of extramural funding; coordination with other university programs, professional societies, governmental agencies, and industry groups. Engagement with industry support groups including but not limited to the Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association is expected. The Director will develop close working relationships with area County Extension Agents and industry representatives to establish programmatic priorities that address the needs of relevant stakeholders. The Director will also provide overall leadership for planning and execution of field days, workshops and classroom presentations that occur at the LFST.             

Application:  Applicants should submit a letter stating their interest in this position, and their qualifications including professional vitae and names of three individuals who may be contacted for letters of reference. In addition, applicants are required to provide a statement on: (1) professional goals, and (2) administrative and leadership philosophy, and (3) vision for the research and Extension programs at the LFST.  Applications should be submitted to:

Applicants may contact Michael Looper at looper@uark.edu for additional information before applying. 

Deadline:  Screening of applicants will begin on December 6, 2024 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. All applicants are subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and persons hired must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.