Academic Professional Track (Non-Tenure): Instructional Associate Professor, Instructional Professor, or Professor of Practice and Director Horticultural Sciences

Location Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Open Date 3/5/2024

Position ID 133354

Description

The Department of Horticultural Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applications for one full-time, Academic Professional Track (Non-Tenure) position with a 9-month academic appointment. The anticipated start date of this position is January 1, 2025. Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Instructional Associate Professor, Instructional Professor, or Professor of Practice depending on qualifications, with the intent of holding the Endowed M. "Buddy" Benz Chair in Floral Design. Nomination to the Endowed Chair will occur after the candidate is hired and requires approval at the College and University levels. The selected candidate will be the Director of the Benz School as well. A transition and training period for this position will occur with the current Benz Director/Endowed Chair until December 31, 2024.

Academic Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to teach two or three courses per semester. Courses may include Hort 203 Floral Design, Hort 451 Retail Floristry, Hort 452 Wedding and Personal Flowers, Hort 453 Floral Art, Hort 454 Special Event Design and Production. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the planning, procurement, and processing of lab materials and supplies for classes taught, serve as co-advisor for the Texas A&M student chapter of SAIFD, lead the coordination and implementation of the floral décor for campus special events through class projects and SAIFD, and assist with the management of the Certificate in Floral Design. The candidate should be proficient and tactful in his/her ability to meet, communicate, and deal effectively with students, visitors, the general public, and co-workers, and serve on departmental/college/university committees.

Director of Benz School Responsibilities:

As Director, the successful candidate will be expected to manage and teach Benz summer continuing education courses, administer the Benz Certified Floral Design (CFD) evaluation, and maintain a strong social media presence. The successful candidate will also research and provide (curate) exhibits for the Benz Gallery of Floral Art, maintain the Benz floral art collection, and manage the Benz Gallery atrium plantings. In addition, the successful candidate will administer and manage the Benz School Korea program, San Jacinto Publishing (Benz books), and iCEV contracts/collaborations. The candidate should engage with floral organizations, garden clubs, and horticultural organizations on a local, regional, state, and national level, and be active in professional organizations. Supervision of the Benz Program Assistant and two or three student workers will also be expected.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a master’s degree in floriculture or floral-related field, horticulture, plant science, plant biology, agriculture, or related discipline and significant teaching experience at the college/school level in the field or a related field, or have an extraordinary record of accomplishment in an applied setting. A strong knowledge and broad experience in floral design are required including national floral accreditation (CFD or AIFD). Additional qualifications include excellent oral and written communication skills, proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets, willingness to learn multiple TAMU software systems, and experience supervising personnel and student workers. Salary will be commensurable with qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

Applications will only be accepted online at apply.interfolio.com/141042.

Applicants must upload the following components: (1) a Cover Letter (two-page limit), (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) a Personal Statement (which should include your philosophy and plans for teaching, Benz directorship, and service, as applicable (3-5 page limit), and (4) Names and Contact Information of five (5) professional references. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

Questions: Address inquiries to Search Committee Chair: Dr. Charlie Hall, charlie.hall@ag.tamu.edu