Chair & Prof

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

Duties and Responsibilities:  The chair of the department provides: (1) vision, support and coordination in planning, developing and implementing departmental programs in teaching, research, and extension in accord with the Land Grant Mission; (2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; (3) administration of the department’s human and financial resources; and (4) facilitation of external funding opportunities.  The chair administers state, national, and international programs of the department. The chair fosters shared governance, as outlined in the department by laws, evaluates faculty and staff performance, and encourages the proactive development of strategic programs.  The chair represents departmental and faculty interests with administrators, other departments, and units, and outside agencies, individuals and groups in natural resources, industry, and communities.  The chair collaborates with the Senior Vice President, Deans, Associate and Assistant Deans, other IFAS Chairs and Research and Education Center Directors, and other administrators in providing leadership for delivering integrated programs to meet the needs of students, Florida Agriculture, Citizens of the state of Florida, extension clientele, research sponsors, and other stakeholders worldwide.

Background Information: The mission of the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department is to provide scientific leadership in research, graduate and undergraduate education, and extension/outreach for soil, water, and environmental sciences. By discovering new scientific knowledge and imparting that knowledge to fellow scientists, students, and citizens, the Department shall assist in the resolution of land and water resource issues related to agriculture and natural resources and environment in Florida, the nation, and the world.  The SWESD has established itself as a leader in teaching, research, and extension/outreach programs in management and restoration of these resources. The SWESD faculty are located both in Gainesville and at 10 IFAS Research and Education Centers (REC) located throughout Florida.  Currently, the SWESD has 40 tenured/tenure-track faculty positions (19 at RECs and 21 in Gainesville) and 9 non-tenure track faculty in Gainesville. In addition, 2 tenure-track faculty positions and 1 lecturer are currently advertised.  Details about the SWESD teaching, research, and extension programs can be found here.  

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, which is often recognized as one of Florida's most livable cities and one of the best college towns in America. Located in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida, Gainesville maintains a small-town feel, but offers many amenities found in much larger metro areas. With an expanding downtown, a strong cultural arts following and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, world class medical care and facilities and low cost of living, Gainesville and Alachua County is one of the best places to work, live and play.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• The Chair must have an earned Doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Soil and Water Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.
• A record of outstanding scholarly achievement and professional activities related to teaching, research, extension, and/or industry that will qualify the individual to be a tenured full professor in the Department
• Evidence of ability to direct an academic department engaged in teaching, research, and extension activities at a major Land-grant university with faculty located throughout the state
• Demonstrated ability to direct interdisciplinary, grant funded fundamental science and applied research
• Ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary programs
• Effective administrative leadership and managerial skills in: defining organizational objectives; developing strategic approaches to planning; managing human, fiscal, and physical resources; motivating people and developing effective teams; pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities; generating and managing grant funds in support of teaching, research, and extension; facilitating mentoring and retention of new faculty; securing private funds; and attending to details.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student recruitment and retention for all academic programs in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.
• Demonstrated ability to interact well with students, faculty, staff, administrators within the university, and external stakeholders at the state, federal, and international levels
• Effective leadership in outreach to industry and engagement with diverse clientele groups
• Commitment to shared governance and fostering strong collaborations among state faculty located on the main campus and at the IFAS Research and Education Centers
• Commitment to continued professional development for self, and faculty and staff
• Commitment to international programs
• Strong support and understanding of the mission of a Land Grant university.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit additional materials by 14 March, 2025.  The position will open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions: This position is available Spring 2025 and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. 

Applications:   Individuals wishing to apply must go online to Careers at UF and submit:

1. 1. Cover letter stating applicant’s interest in the position, qualifications relative to the credentials listed above, previous professional responsibilities and achievements, administrative and management philosophy, and how these relate to the chairs’ position.  The letter should include the applicant’s general strategy for leadership, vision and growth strategy for the department’s research, teaching, and extension mission.
   2. Complete vita (which includes statement of current position and responsibilities)
   3. Names and contact information of three individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s qualifications for this position

Contact Information and Nomination Submission

Please refer to Position 00041889 and forward all nominations to:

Dr. John Arthington

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

Department of Animal Sciences

P.O. Box 110910

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611

Phone: (941) 661-8034

Email:  jarth@ufl.edu

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.