Position Summary
The Department of Horticulture (www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a pool of qualified fixed-term assistant instructors to teach one or more than one undergraduate course(s) commencing January of 2020, with renewal possible based on department teaching needs, funding, and performance.
Instruction is needed in the following areas:
Assistant Instructor for HRT 205 – Plant Mineral Nutrition (2-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). The course will be delivered on campus in East Lansing. Course Description: Mineral nutrition is a key aspect of plant production and management. Students will gain an understanding of how plants acquire and transport nutrient elements and how each element functions in plant physiology. This information will be integrated with practical aspects of nutrient management in horticultural crop production and landscape maintenance. Course meets first five weeks of Spring semester (weeks 1-5) from January 6 – February 7, 2020.
Assistant Instructor for HRT 242 – Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Production (2-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Course will be delivered on-line. Course Description: Season extension and year-round vegetable, herb, flower and fruit production in unheated, low cost passive solar greenhouses; marketing options, site selection, site preparation, structures, and organic crop management methods. Course meets first five weeks of Spring semester (weeks 1-5) from January 6 – February 7, 2020.
Assistant Instructor for HRT 243 – Organic Transplant Production (2-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Courses will be delivered on-line. Course Description: Seed ordering, storage, and germination; vegetative propagation; growing containers; organic root media; fertility, light, temperature and plant health; hardening off, considerations for organic certification. Course meets second five weeks of Spring semester (weeks 6-10) from February 10 - March 20, 2020.
Assistant Instructor for HRT 253 – Compost Production and Use (2-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Course will be delivered on-line. Course Description: Process and methods of composting and vermicomposting, maturity and quality analysis, and use of compost products at home and farm scale. Course meets last five weeks of Spring semester (weeks 11-15) from March 23 – April 24, 2020.
Co-Instructor (Assistant) for HRT 336 – Viticulture and Berry Production (3-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Course will be delivered on campus in East Lansing and the instructor will assist the current viticulture instructor by teaching the berry portion of the course. Course Description: Concepts in modern cultural practices used to produce commercial grapes, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and minor berries through classroom discussion and hands-on experiences. Students will develop an understanding of the growth, development, and physiology of these species as a basis for cultural techniques. Concepts will be discussed in canopy microclimate, methods of crop quality assurance, and techniques to improve canopy microclimate through structural support of most of the crop species studied. The laboratory practicum will provide experiential learning opportunities related to planting, pruning, training and establishment of these crops. An all-day field trip is required. Course meets last ten weeks of Spring semester (weeks 6-15) from February 10 – April 24, 2020.
Assistant Instructor for HRT 212 – Landscape Plants II (5-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Course will be delivered in East Lansing. Course Description: Identification, adaptation, and evaluation of flowering trees and shrubs, evergreen trees and shrubs, ground covers and bulbs.
Assistant Instructor for HRT 251 – Organic Farming Principles and Practices (5-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Course will be delivered on campus in East Lansing. Course Description: Principles, practices, policies and perspective of organic farming; farms as ecological systems; the certification process and agencies; organic matter management to support the soil food web and nutrient availability; managing biodiversity, crop rotations, plant competition, ground cover, and plant health; farming systems including diversified vegetables, perennial fruit, permaculture, agronomic field crops, integrating crops and animals; organic animal husbandry practices.
Assistant Instructor for HRT 311 – Landscape Design and Management Specifications (5-month fixed term system, 100% teaching). Course will be delivered on campus in East Lansing. Course Description: Landscape design technique; spatial organization; plant selection; plant/site interaction; relationship between design, construction and maintenance in project development; preparation of planting and maintenance specifications.
Positions may recur every Spring Semester.
Required Degree
Bachelors -Horticulture or related fields
Minimum Requirements
- B.S. in Horticulture or related fields
- Knowledge and skills to develop resources, teach specific concepts related to course content
- Excellent teaching, oral and written communication skills
Desired Qualifications
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Masters or Ph.D. in Horticulture or related fields
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Practical work experience in course related field
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Experience in development and assessment of learning outcomes
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Undergraduate teaching experience and a passion for teaching
Required Application Materials
- Letter of application/interest stating the course(s) applicant is interested in teaching
- Current resume
- List of three references
- A statement of experiences related to the course
Special Instructions
Questions about the positions can be directed to Dr. Brad Rowe, rowed@msu.edu.
Review of applications will begin 11/01/2019 and continue until positions are filled.
Applications will be reviewed as needed.
Website
www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/
Department Statement
At Michigan State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, we do not just accept difference, we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our faculty, our staff, our students, and our community. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer that is committed to achieving inclusive excellence through attracting diverse candidates and fostering a culture of equity where everyone can reach its individual and collective goals.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.