Posting Number:F2318P
Working Title:Assistant Professor in Sociohorticulture and Horticulture Therapy
Department:CAES-Horticulture
About the University of Georgia:Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.
Posting Type:External
Employment Type:Employee
Benefits Eligibility:Benefits Eligible
Underutilization:None
Advertised Salary:Commensurate with Education and Experience
Anticipated Start Date:08/01/2025
Job Posting Date:03/07/2025
Open until filled:Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:APPLICATIONS:Applicants should upload the following documentation: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) statement of extension, (5) statement of teaching, and (6) a list of references with contact information including email address.Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to:Dr. Julie Campbell, Assistant ProfessorEmail: Julie.Campbell@uga.edu
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 7, 2025. The position will be available effective as early as August 1, 2025.
Location of Vacancy:Athens Area
EEO Statement:The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Classification Title:Assistant Professor
Faculty Rank:Assistant Professor
Contract Type:Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status:Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications:Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in horticulture, plant sciences, or related discipline.
Position Summary:The Department of Horticulture (www.hort.uga.edu) at the University of Georgia is seeking applicants for an Assistant Professor of Horticulture with responsibilities in sociohorticulture and horticulture therapy. The position is a nine-month tenure-track position with a 38% instruction, 57% Extension, and 5% service appointment.
Horticulture therapy is a proven method for enhancing mental and physical health, supportingindividuals with disabilities, trauma, or chronic stress. Horticulture therapy and sociohorticulturebridge plant science, human well-being, and social sciences, and are increasingly recognized fortheir therapeutic and community-building potential.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach nine credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture and develop a Horticultural Therapy Program and a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, certified by the American Horticultural Therapy Association. The proposed courses include: Sociohorticulture and People-Plant Connections, Techniques in Horticultural Therapy, and Program Management in Horticultural Therapy. Additionally, they will supervise graduate students and conduct research on the impact of plant-based therapies on mental health, social cohesion, and rehabilitation, contributing to the growing body of literature on green care practices. The position will be in partnership with the State Botanical Garden, thus providing undergraduate and graduate students with experiential learning opportunities through horticulture-based projects, internships, and community engagement activities held at the Garden.
To maximize the program’s impact, the faculty member will be expected to engage with local communities, schools, and healthcare facilities, fostering partnerships that benefit both the university and the broader community.
The successful candidate will establish a program aimed at exploring and studying the therapeutic benefits of interacting with plants, gardens, and natural environments. The successful candidate is expected to (1) Educate the next generation of horticultural therapists, by designing and teaching courses that equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work in healthcare, rehabilitation, and community settings; (2) Play a key role in designing and developing horticultural therapy programs in partnership with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, university, and community partners; (3) Contribute to the advancement of the field through applied research and outreach activities, and explore the therapeutic benefits of interacting with plants, develop evidence-based practices, and improve the understanding of how horticulture can positively impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being; (4) Engage in outreach and service efforts to evaluate and communicate the impact and benefits of horticultural therapy; (5) Procure extramural funding and publish research findings in peer reviewed journals and regularly participate in other scholarly and departmental activities; (6) Facilitate collaboration with other UGA units (e.g., School of Medicine, College of Environment + Design, College of Public Health) and disciplines.
The offer will include an attractive startup and relocation package. The position will be housed at the University of Georgia – Athens Campus, Athens, Georgia.
Additional Requirements:3-5 years of experience in plant-people interactions and horticulture therapy. The incumbent must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:Completion of the certificate in horticulture therapy awarded by one of the institutions accredited by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) or comparable.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:Preference will be given to candidates with a record of excellence in Extension, formal and/or informal teaching record, research, grantsmanship, and good record of refereed and popular press publications.
Is this a Position of Trust?:Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? :Yes
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):Yes
Credit and P-Card policy:Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy:Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities:Instruction
- Develop and deliver courses totalling 9 credit hours per year including Sociohorticulture and People-Plant Connections, Techniques in Horticultural Therapy, and Program Management in Horticultural Therapy.
- Collaborate with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, university, and community partners to design and develop horticultural therapy programs.
- Evaluate and communicate the impact and benefits of horticultural therapy.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to graduate students in horticultural therapy research and practice.
- Educate the next generation of horticultural therapists, by designing and teaching courses that equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work in healthcare.
Percentage Of Time:38
Duties/Responsibilities:Extension
- Participate in outreach efforts to promote the field.
- Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration with other units at the University of Georgia, such as the School of Medicine, College of Environment + Design, and College of Public Health.
- Foster partnerships with local communities, schools, and healthcare facilities.
- Promote the university’s horticultural therapy program and facilitate collaborative projects that benefit both the university and the broader community.
- Contribute to the expanding body of literature on green care practices.
Percentage Of Time:57
Duties/Responsibilities:Service
- Support the service mission of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and Public Service & Outreach.
Percentage Of Time:5
