Agronomy Instructor

Job Overview

SUMMARY

Southwest Tech is seeking a qualified, full-time Instructor to teach courses in the field of agronomy and production agriculture for various agriculture-based Associate Degree and Technical Diploma programs at Southwest Tech in Fennimore, WI. The Agronomy Instructor position may require evening/weekend hours and overnight travel tied to instructional needs and student professional organization mentorship. This position will begin early January in preparation to begin teaching courses on January 17, 2022.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Work cooperatively with the program staff to provide a quality-learning environment for students that achieves learning outcomes within agronomy, precision farming and agriculture-related courses
• Document students’ performance to provide assessment and evaluative feedback for students to promote learning, growth, and progress
• Courses taught may include but are not limited to: Soil Fertility & Fertilizers, Crop Protection Products, Pesticide Applicator Training, Field Application Equipment, Precision Agriculture Technologies, Spatial Data, Unmanned Arial Vehicles, Farm Machinery Maintenance, and Operations of Field Equipment
• Design, facilitate, revise, and maintain curriculum using campus curriculum repository and learning management system to promote optimum student learning
• Supervise & maintain lab/shop areas and incorporate agriculture equipment safety into instruction
• Use multiple learning style techniques in all learning settings
• Demonstrate promptness and preparedness for classroom and lab instruction
• Maintain appropriate professional and instructional credentials through professional development
• Participate in activities that provide service to the college and the community including committee assignments, promotion and outreach activities, co-curricular student activities and other needs within the department.
• Assist in the operation of the growtainer and college’s crop ground as an integrated lab area for the agronomy program.
• Follow agency policy, procedures, and protocol in all activities
• Demonstrate concise, clear, and inclusive information in communicating with students, agency staff, and Southwest Tech staff
• Demonstrate caring behaviors toward students, agency staff, and Southwest Tech staff
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student information – Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Other duties as assigned

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Agronomy, Agriculture Education, or similar agriculture-related field from an accredited degree program and meet Wisconsin Technical College System/Higher Learning Commission faculty qualifications
• Master’s degree is preferred
• Two years of full-time or equivalent direct occupational experience in the agriculture industry
• Employed in the field of agriculture or agriculture education within the last 5 years.
• Precision farming and crops production experience is preferred
• Ability to obtain WI DATCP commercial pesticide applicator license and FAA remote pilot license
• Two years previous teaching experience in a higher education environment preferred

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license

KNOWLEDGE

• Experience facilitating instruction using an online learning management system (LMS) preferred
• Knowledge and application of modern computer software and hardware (MS Word and PowerPoint), email, and internet experience

SKILLS

• Curriculum development and instruction
• Student assessment
• Classroom management
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and others sufficient to exchange or convey information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Position requires:  stooping, reaching, standing, walking, talking, hearing, and seeing; lifting up to 75 pounds on a regular basis.

APPLICATIONS

Internal and External applicants complete and submit the online employment application at www.swtc.edu/jobsatswtc.

For questions regarding the application process please email Human Resources at humanresources@swtc.edu or 608.822.2314.

SALARY BAND: 

Bachelors:  $48,898 - $77,750

Advanced:  $51,434 - $81,781

Masters:    $53,969 - $85,811                  

BENEFITS/SERVICES

Our comprehensive benefit package includes the following and much more:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account
• Health Club Access
• Wisconsin Retirement System Contribution
• On-campus day care (hourly rate charge)

SELECTION PROCESS

The Review Committee will screen applicants and contact them for an interview.  Meeting the minimum qualifications does not assure the candidate an interview.  Final candidate’s employment offer will be subject to completion of a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.

PLEASE NOTE: All candidates selected for an interview will prepare a 10-minute classroom teaching demonstration. Information regarding this teaching demonstration will follow.  

Southwest Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. Call 800-362-3322, Ext. 2315 (TDD: 608-822-2072) or write Southwest Tech, 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809