Assistant Extension Specialist – Grape and Wine Specialist
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architectur
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Oklahoma State University
Description:
The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a full-time, eleven-month, career track position as Assistant Extension Specialist – Grape and Wine Specialist. The successful candidate is expected to establish an effective statewide extension program in viticulture. This position will include a formal path for advancement and promotion as established for all career track appointments. Review of applicants will begin on January 31, 2027, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date will be after April 30, 2027.
For more information about our department, please visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/hla/index.html.
Oklahoma State University is a land-grant institution committed to excellence in diversity and inclusion. We strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates and values all members of the university community. More information concerning the OSU Office of Institutional Diversity can be found at: https://diversity.okstate.edu.
Oklahoma State University strives to become the nation’s preeminent land-grant university. More information about the OSU Strategic Plan can be found at https://strategy.okstate.edu.
Responsibilities:
The incumbent will coordinate an annual Oklahoma Grape Management Extension Course including teaching extension classes, scheduling speakers, updating extension educational materials, and organizing field trips. The incumbent will create an online grape management class, advanced training, or wine making-focused courses. The incumbent will submit grant proposals to support grape-related extension programs, research vineyards, and applied viticulture projects.
The incumbent will update, revise and develop extension fact sheets and sections of the extension educator handbook related to grape production. The incumbent will provide expertise to county Extension educators, growers, winemakers, and members of the public through telephone and email correspondence, virtual meetings, in-person consultations, and site visits. The incumbent will coordinate grape workshops and field days and will appear as a guest on the Oklahoma Gardening television program to address grape-related topics. The incumbent will manage content for the Oklahoma Grape Management webpage, the Enology and Viticulture YouTube channel, and associated social media platforms. The incumbent will contribute articles to the monthly Horticulture Tips email newsletter and provide in-service training in viticulture and enology.
The incumbent will facilitate the use of fruit demonstration & research vineyards at Cimarron Valley Research station to support research, field days and classes and plan updates/improvements as needed. The incumbent will work with Field and Research Service Unit (FRSU) personnel as needed for spray and maintenance needs. The incumbent will cooperate with plant pathologists and entomologists on relevant Extension and applied research projects needed. The incumbent will provide educational opportunities for winemaking and collaborate with the wine lab in the Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC).
Within nine months of hire, the incumbent must obtain Oklahoma pesticide applicator certification in categories 1A (Agricultural Plant), and 10 (Demonstration and Research). They will teach grape growers in proper pesticide selection, mixing, loading, and use, as well as proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). More information on certification is available at the OSU Extension Pesticide Safety Education website: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/pesticide-safety-education/.
The incumbent will help coordinate the Oklahoma State Grape and Wine Industry Conference as well as interact with the Oklahoma Grape Industries Council (OGIC) as appropriate. Participation in the Wine Forum of Oklahoma and regular submission of articles to the OGIC newsletter is expected. The incumbent will be responsible for verifying participation in the Oklahoma Vineyard Management Workbook assessment program.
The incumbent will obtain external grant funding through agencies including Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF), publish extension fact sheets, articles, and newsletters and disseminate extension and applied research results in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate outlets.
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
A master’s degree in horticulture, viticulture, enology, crop science, plant science, or a closely related discipline by the date of hire is required. The candidate must have at least one year of relevant experience in Cooperative Extension, the grape and wine industry, or a closely related field. Experience in program management and/or leadership; formal or informal teaching experience; and experience collaborating with Extension professionals, scientists, growers, winemakers, or other industry partners is required. An Assistant Extension Specialist hired with a master’s degree is encouraged to work toward completing an approved doctoral degree within 10 years. This position includes a formal path for advancement and promotion within the Extension Specialist career track. A doctoral degree in an appropriate discipline is required for advancement to a higher rank in the series.
Preferred qualifications:
A doctoral degree in horticulture, viticulture, enology, crop science, plant science, or a closely related discipline by the date of appointment is preferred. Additional preferred qualifications include demonstrated experience developing and evaluating Extension or other nonformal educational programs; experience in commercial grape production, vineyard management, enology, or winery operations; experience securing external funding and publishing Extension or applied research products; and experience working with multidisciplinary teams and industry organizations.
Salary:
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Procedures:
Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu
Applicants should submit: 1) a detailed letter of interest describing their qualifications and suitability for the position, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) the names and contact information of three professional references. All application materials should be submitted through the Oklahoma State University jobs website at: https://jobs.okstate.edu. Review of applications will begin on January 31, 2027, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries concerning this position may be sent to the position search and screening committee chair, Dr. David Hillock, at david.hillock@okstate.edu.
To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.
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