Primary Purpose: To develop, co-ordinate and instruct undergraduate plant ecology and plant agriculture laboratory courses in the Department of Plant Sciences.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Department Head, the Department Assistant will design, prepare, teach and supervise laboratory exercises in consultation with the course instructors. There will be a requirement to ensure that program goals are met to the satisfaction of students and faculty. The department assistant will organize and supervise off-campus field trips throughout the academic year, and during the summer collect plant samples and seed for teaching purposes off-site. The Department Assistant works independently, and must demonstrate professional judgment to ensure the smooth delivery of all laboratory classes. A variety of issues will require discretionary decision making; decisions may impact individual students and programs.
The Department Assistant will be responsible for the management of risk with regard to student participation in field trips, and as such will develop productive relationships with the appropriate administrative units. Productive and positive relationships will be developed and maintained with faculty, students, and colleagues. Some situations may be stressful, requiring tact and diplomacy.
Accountabilities:
- Course laboratories and field trips are effectively planned, coordinated and executed.
- Students receive accurately marked laboratory reports, projects and examinations in a timely manner.
- Faculty are supported in ensuring a high standard of teaching.
- Teaching laboratories and preparation rooms are well-maintained and equipment is fully functional.
- Live and preserved plant and insect materials, and other teaching materials are maintained and available for effective delivery of courses.
- The success of others is supported through effective recruitment, training, and supervision of student teaching assistants.
- Knowledge of University safety protocols and policies is applied appropriately and communicated to others; the safety and well-being of students participating in field trips is ensured.
- Emerging issues are prioritized and problem solving is applied in consultation with the Department Head and teaching faculty.
- Effective participation as an active member of the Plant Sciences instructional staff, and representation on College committees as assigned.
- Remain current with advances in academic area and develop a high level knowledge in all areas of the teaching curriculum.
- Deadlines are routinely met.
Qualifications:
Education:
A M.Sc. degree in a plant science or related area is preferred. Lesser qualifications will be considered with substantial relevant experience.
Experience:
Several years of teaching or related experience in plant sciences. Supervisory experience is an asset. Possession of a valid driver’s license would also be an asset.
Skills:
Ability to work independently; proven effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff and students, with sensitivity to cultural differences; tact, diplomacy, good judgment and conflict resolution skills; strong technical knowledge of all areas of plant ecology and plant agriculture specifically including native plant identification, rangeland management, and management and identification invasive or weedy species; excellent public speaking ability; demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement of knowledge and skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities; supervisory, decision-making, organizational and time-management abilities; a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) as well as internet and email software applications; attention to detail; creative problem solving abilities; and the proven ability to ensure deadlines are met.
Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 18 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Instructional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 6/23/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
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