The Department of Horticulture (http://www.uky.edu/hort/) seeks to fill a 12-month, Lecturer position (Lecturer Title Series, non-tenure eligible). This position has an anticipated distribution of effort (DOE) of 75% teaching, and 25% activities in other defined areas in support of the undergraduate program(s) though it is reviewed annually. The successful candidate should be able to use high-quality pedagogical approaches that lead to demonstrated outcomes in teaching, career advising, and retention of undergraduate students. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2024.

The candidate will be the primary instructor for four or more horticultural classes per year (~16 credit hours); be the primary advisor for first and second year students in the Horticultural Science major; and support of departments recruitment and retention efforts. Specific teaching requirement will include courses related to identification, selection, and care of ornamental plants as well as the health benefits associated with people-plant interactions. Other educational support activities may include one or more of the following: teaching one or more courses in floral design, managing the Horticultural Science internship program; developing or adapting courses for distance education; providing support to the department’s internet presence; and/or contributing to Horticulture Club coordination. Scholarly activities will include course development, publishing peer-reviewed articles related to pedagogy, student retention, and/or related areas.

This faculty member will work in an interdisciplinary environment with faculty, students, and staff within the Department, University, and the Cooperative Extension Service, and will contribute to College’s strategic plan goals of producing innovative solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration. The Department’s Horticultural Science undergraduate program trains the next generation of plant scientists and specialty crop producers. Departmental faculty are also involved in two nationally recognized interdisciplinary undergraduate programs: Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems and Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology. The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is part of the campus with a mission to showcase Kentucky landscapes and serve as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research, and conservation.

Qualifications: A M.S. degree in horticulture or plant science or closely related field is required. Previous teaching experience or a PhD / EdD is preferred. Candidates are expected to possess, or be willing to develop, knowledge, and skills related to identification, selection, and care of ornamental horticultural plants. The individual should demonstrate the ability to function as a team leader as well as within a team and to communicate effectively.

Salary and Fringe Benefits: Salary is open and competitive. The faculty member is eligible for a generous benefits package with diverse rewards, focusing on employee total well-being. Benefit options include health, dental, and vision insurance. Employees receive term life insurance equal to their annual salary and may purchase additional amounts at favorable group rates. In the University retirement plan, the individual contribution of 5% of salary is matched by a 10% contribution by the university, with a 3-year vesting period. The university offers a variety of wellness and well-being programs. Additional information and updates to benefits can be found at: https://hr.uky.edu/insurance-and-retirement/health-insurance-and-benefits.

Application: Applications should be submitted by August 31, 2023 for full consideration while the position will remain open until filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. The application should include a letter of interest that outlines the candidate’s approach to the position’s qualifications, responsibilities, and vision for innovative and impactful instructional program that address existing and emerging issues for a diverse and inclusive community, followed by a career curriculum vita, and conclude with the name, address, email, and phone number for three references.