"Head, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture"

Head, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

Company: University of Connecticut

Job Location:

Category: Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Type: Full-Time

The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Department Head with an appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. We seek an inspirational, dynamic, and visionary individual to provide strong academic and administrative leadership for a highly ranked and productive department, in alignment with the strategic plans for the college and the university. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenured position with an additional month of compensated service in this administrative role. The successful candidate must meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Full Professor or be an accomplished Associate Professor with qualifications meriting promotion to Full Professor within the next few years. Active engagement in teaching, research, and/or extension programs is expected.

The Department Head serves as an advocate and leader for Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at UConn and with external constituents. Active participation in teaching, research, and/or extension programs is expected. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and record of achievement. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement and health insurance. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2026. The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is willing to accommodate an earlier summer start date in consultation with the selected candidate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• As the departmental administrative officer, the Head reports directly to the Dean. Duties include:
• Provide academic and administrative leadership to support and promote excellence in the department’s teaching, research, extension, and service missions.
• Oversee academic affairs, personnel, budgeting, and facility management, ensuring efficient and transparent departmental operations.
• Lead strategic planning and assessment to align departmental goals with the missions of the college and the university.
• Develop and implement effective recruitment and retention programs to increase undergraduate and graduate student enrollment.
• Teach at least one undergraduate course and participate in research and/or extension programs.
• Represent and advocate for the department within the college, university, state, and professional and international communities.
• Ensure compliance with university, college, and union policies and procedures, and develop departmental policies as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the CAHNR’s Director of Development to engage alumni, donors, and stakeholders in advancement activities.
• Foster faculty, staff, and graduate student success through mentoring, annual evaluations, and support for professional development.
• Build a collegial and collaborative departmental culture, encouraging interdisciplinary engagement within and beyond the department.
• Maintain compliance for and support the accreditation of the professional Bachelor in Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) degree granted by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).
• Promote innovation and entrepreneurship in academic, research, and extension initiatives.
• Develop, supervise, and support an effective staff structure to ensure smooth departmental operations.
• Oversee department facilities to ensure efficient operation and alignment with program needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and CAHNR missions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A doctoral degree in Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related discipline; or Master of Landscape Architecture from an LAAB-accredited program.
• A record of outstanding and nationally recognized scholarship and professional activities related to research, teaching, and/or extension/outreach that will qualify the individual to be tenured at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture.
• Proven ability or potential for strong leadership of an academic department with emphasis on strong interpersonal skills appropriate to sustaining a collegial environment, building a shared vision and mission for the growth of the department, delivering quality academic programs within a respectful work environment, and managing physical infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing departmental programs, coordinating capital improvements, or stimulating external funding from both public and private sources.
• A significant record of success in securing extramural funding from nationally competitive research programs, foundations, private donors, or other sources.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to an inclusive, respectful departmental culture and high-quality program delivery.
• A strong understanding of and commitment to the land-grant mission.
• A strong appreciation for and understanding of basic and applied research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• For applicants holding an MLA, a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture or a closely related field is preferred.
• Evidence of a nationally or internationally recognized program of scholarship in research, teaching, or extension.
• Demonstrated engagement and rapport with stakeholders, industry, and donors.
• Prior administrative or leadership experience in a department or program encompassing teaching, research, extension, and service within a land-grant university.
• Proven ability to build consensus and make decisions in a collegial and transparent manner.
• Experience supervising a diverse set of facilities such as greenhouses, research and service laboratories, farms, or related infrastructure.
• Rank of Full Professor or equivalent in Plant Science, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely- related discipline.

APPOINTMENT TERMS & BENEFITS

Salary is competitive, commensurate with applicant’s record. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month position with a 10th month of service in this administrative capacity. The University provides an extensive benefits package, which includes retirement and health insurance coverage. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2026. The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is willing to accommodate an earlier summer start date in consultation with the selected candidate.

TO APPLY

To apply, click on UConn Careers to complete your application. Review of applications will start January 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter that addresses how your experience meets the minimum and preferred qualifications (maximum of two pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (must include a list of publications, grants received, and records of teaching, extension and/or service)
• Leadership Statement summarizing how you will provide innovative leadership for CAHNR Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture and how you will contribute to the department’s success (maximum of two pages)
• Names and contact information for at least three references. Finalists will be notified prior to contacting references

Send inquiries about this position to the search committee chair, Rosa Raudales (rosa.raudales@uconn.edu).

Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All UConn employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

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