Academic Advising Specialist: Botany & Plant Pathology

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 4, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Statement of Advising Philosophy

Supplemental Question (upload response as a separate document):

Describe your experience supporting success for students from a variety of cultural or economic backgrounds, or underrepresented or underserved populations.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact:

Joseph Spatafora

[email protected]

(541) 737-8134

The Department of Botany & Plant Pathology is seeking an Academic Advising Specialist. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position

The Academic Advising Specialist will provide undergraduate students with advising toward retention and degree/qualification completion. These advising efforts may include orientation/supporting student transitions, academic success strategies, goal identification, course and experiential learning planning, and career considerations for Oregon State University’s diverse population of students.

The advisor monitors student progress and engages the student in conversation around strategies and resources to enhance their academic experience and works to resolve experienced difficulties. The advisor works as part of a team to achieve established goals in collaboration with representatives of campus services and community partners as appropriate, and they communicate with other University units regarding undergraduate academic requirements. The advisor may participate in various University, College, and unit-sponsored orientations and events, may also participate in prospective student visits and recruiting events, and engages in professional development activities for advisors. The advisor works with student information systems and various data files and sources and prepares a wide variety of reports using multiple tools. The advisor keeps abreast of University and unit policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to assist students in meeting academic requirements. In addition to direct academic advising, advisors may support other areas such as assessment, career exploration, early warning/proactive interventions, international student advising, connection to university resources, and working with students in academic difficulty. All advisor positions support the primary mission of the University, the academic units, and academic services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist students with academic program planning, course selection and registration, and exploration of experiential learning opportunities.
• Monitor academic progress of assigned caseload of undergraduate students.
• Participate in proactive advising interventions and outreach to students from diverse backgrounds.
• Assist students in understanding and applying academic regulations and requirements.
• Help students navigate and utilize university resources and services that support undergraduate education and student success.
• Meet with students on academic warning and academic probation and conduct proactive outreach as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic notes and records of advising appointments and student progress in OSU’s electronic record keeping systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience in a higher education student services setting, or related experience advising, counseling, or mentoring individuals in other settings (i.e., K-12 environments, non-profits, etc.).
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity in a multicultural setting and a commitment to advancing the participation of diverse groups and supporting diverse perspectives.
• Outstanding demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing rapport and using other social skills (in large group, small group, and/or interpersonal settings).
• Demonstrated computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar tools.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of full-time professional employment experience in a higher education student services setting, or two or more years of demonstrated full-time related experience advising, counseling, or mentoring individuals in other settings (i.e., K-12 environments, non-profits, etc.).
• Professional experience assisting diverse populations and/or diverse learners, such as non-traditional, online, international students, and/or groups historically underrepresented in higher education.
• Ability to communicate effectively in front of large groups and to provide presentations, workshops, and outreach programs.
• Knowledge and application of retention practices, student development theory, and/or proactive advising strategies.
• Experience with student information and/or customer relationship management systems (e.g. Degreeworks, Banner, Peoplesoft, Slate, Salesforce, Navigate, etc.)
• Educational background or experience related to the discipline(s) to be advised. 
• Master’s or doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration, Advising, Education, a closely related field, or an advising unit related field.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected].