Instructor - Agronomy
Fox Valley Technical College
Job Category
Regular Faculty
FVTC Worksite
Service Motor Company Agriculture Center
Hours Per Week
40
Fox Valley Technical College celebrates diversity, supports equity and inclusiveness, and encourages individual expression in our workplace.
Job Description Summary
Instructors are responsible for the facilitation of student learning and the on-going development of curriculum that meets the needs of students and employers utilizing instructional strategies that promote student success.
38-Week Contract
Job Description
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Learning Facilitation - Foster student learning by developing appropriate instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs and support student engagement. Create learning experiences that integrate instructional technologies to maximize student success and multiple delivery methodologies such as hybrid, in-person, virtual, and online course delivery.
- Provide hands-on instruction in crop production and management practices, agronomy equipment, planting, nutrient and pest management and optimizing crop performance.
- Integrate computer-based diagnostic tools and instructional technologies to enhance student learning.
- Explain complex agronomy concepts in accessible, engaging ways for diverse learners.
- Design and deliver learning experiences that incorporate emerging agroecology practices and sustainable agriculture principles.
- Assessment - Assess student learning and provide regular feedback to help students be successful. Use data to measure quality outcomes related to student persistence, retention, completion rate, course success, and learning and to design improvement strategies based on the evidence.
- Curriculum Development - Develop and continually revise curriculum and instructional materials that are competency-based, current, consistent with employer expectations, and aligned with the college policy on level of required documentation to successfully prepare graduates for their chosen career fields.
- Classroom Management - Fulfill assigned schedule, maintain accurate student attendance and grade records, maintain instructional environment with emphasis on safety, housekeeping, and equipment security, and ensure opportunities for student/engagement evaluation. Ensure course materials (including textbooks) are available to students.
- Cropland Planning Collaboration -Collaborate as part of a team to oversee and maintain cropland that supports instructional activities. Work with students, faculty, support staff, and community partners to plan and execute crop production activities, including planting, tillage, nutrient and pest management, and harvest operations. Participate in shared decision-making for ordering seed and inputs, coordinating with sales agronomists, crop scouting, and monitoring field conditions. Contribute to timely and efficient field maintenance to optimize crop performance and sustainability goals. Support budgeting and resource planning in coordination with team members to ensure operational needs are met .
- Team Participation - Support the college by engaging in division, department and team activities, and meetings including planning, development, and budgeting, and staying current with internal and external changes and initiatives.
- Business & Community Engagement - Build and maintain ongoing relationships with community, industry, clinical partners, and high school agriculture programs by participating in advisory committees, external meetings, business visits, and community groups. Collaborate with staff to recruit students, participate in recruitment events, and proactively promote the College and our programs.
- Student Success & Support - Serve as an advocate for students and engage in activities that help students reach their goals by collaborating with Student Services staff to retain students, close achievement gaps, and help all students be successful. Advise students regarding class schedules, career information, internships, and other program-related information.
- Professional Development - Continually improve knowledge and skills in emerging trends, current occupational practices, and teaching through professional development activities, networking with regional industry leaders, and the integration of new techniques and technology. Maintain Faculty Quality Assurance System requirements and licensure required to maintain individual and program accreditation.
Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Demonstrate flexibility in teaching assignments, including potential instruction during summer terms, evenings, or at off-campus locations as needed.
- May be asked to perform routine maintenance or minor repairs on classroom, lab, or field equipment to ensure safe and effective instructional use.
- Support and instruct in specialized training programs such as Custom Applicator Training, contributing to community outreach.
- Assist in organizing and coordinating program-related events, student competitions, or extracurricular activities that enhance student engagement and visibility of the program. Support and participate in FFA CDE competition and support PAS student club participation and activities.
- Ability to drive larger vehicles (12-passenger van) and equipment is beneficial, and training will be provided as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission of the college and the success of the Agricultural programs at Fox Valley Technical College.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Crops and Soils, Soil Science, Biology, Agriculture Education required.
- A minimum of two years of relevant industry experience is required, with at least one year occurring within the past five years. (One year of related occupational experience may be waived with at least two years of post secondary teaching experience in the appropriate occupational field within the last five years).
- Teaching or training experience is desirable.
- Ability to plan, organize, instruct, and facilitate quality education programs, including development of relevant curriculum.
- Upon hire, must maintain Faculty Quality Assurance System requirements and licensure required by other agencies to maintain individual and program accreditation, if applicable.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
- Must possess Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)Certification or be willing to obtain certification upon hire.
- Must possess a Wisconsin Pesticide Certification or be willing to obtain the certification upon hire.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Subject to FVTC's Motor Vehicle Records Check.
- Proficiency utilizing learning management system.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Adapt quickly to changing demands, assignments, and circumstances to meet student needs.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with various audiences.
- Engage in continuous improvement in the quality of instruction by embracing innovative methodologies, techniques, and delivery methods.
- Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
In evaluating candidates for this position, Fox Valley Technical College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
Work Environment
- Work is typically completed in classroom with work outdoors/lab or off-site facilities.
- Professional responsibilities may allow for flexible scheduling.
- Occasional evening requirements.
- Frequent work around equipment and/or livestock in all weather in and around traffic.
- On campus requirements vary by term and teaching assignment/
- This position requires handling chemicals used in crop production, following proper safety protocols and industry regulations. Additionally, this role may involve working with live animals, animal byproducts, and bodily fluids as part of routine duties.
Work environment may change based upon college needs.
Physical Requirements
- Standing and Walking: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, moving between classrooms, labs, and other instructional areas.
- Lifting and Carrying: The role has regular lifting and carrying of items of up to 35 lbs with occasional lifting of items (up to 50lbs).
- Stooping and Bending: Frequent stooping, bending, and crouching to work with equipment, livestock, and students.
- Reaching and Handling: Ability to reach and handle tools and materials, including fine motor skills for detailed tasks
- Climbing: Capability to climb stairs and ladders.
- Fine Motor Skills . click apply for full job details