The Department of Wildland Resources and the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State University seek applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in forest health and restoration. The position consists of 50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service.
The appointed faculty member will join and contribute to the mission of the Utah Forest Restoration Institute (UFRI) at Utah State University, a new entity that is being built as a hub to advance forest restoration science and management, to train the next generation of Utah forest managers, and to create new partnerships of forest managers and researchers throughout Utah and the Interior West. Thanks to a new ongoing appropriation by the Utah Legislature, UFRI joins existing institutes in adjacent Southwest states in efforts to improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems in the region by leveraging best-science practices to reduce the risks and impacts of wildfire and other forest disturbances. The incumbent will be expected to develop an externally- funded program that achieves both national and international recognition for research and graduate training in forest health and/or forest health restoration. Research areas may include, but are not limited to: forest entomology, forest pathology, invasive species, forest restoration, climate change impacts on forest health and ecology, and the use of forest management to improve forest stand and ecosystem health. We seek a colleague that brings demonstrated expertise that complements existing faculty strengths in the Quinney College of Natural Resources<https://qcnr.usu.edu/>. The incumbent will develop and teach an undergraduate- level class in forest health, plus one-to-two classes at the undergraduate and/or graduate level determined in consultation with the department head (specific courses will depend upon candidate expertise and the needs of the department). The appointed faculty member will mentor and advise undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds; will contribute to the Society of American Foresters-accredited Forest Ecology & Management degree program; and will actively engage with Utah’s forestry and forest health professionals. Review of applications begins December 20, 2024. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2025. Minimum Qualifications: • An earned Ph.D. in fields such as, but not limited to, forestry, biology, entomology, or ecology • Knowledge, experience, and training in forest health and/or restoration Preferred Qualifications: • Relevant post-doctoral experience • Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the research areas highlighted above • Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications commensurate with the applicant’s career stage • A record of securing research funding • An interest in developing field-based research projects in Utah and the Intermountain West • A demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively with land management agencies and various interested parties, and to contribute to USU’s land grant mission • Ability to effectively serve as a teacher and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students • A commitment to increasing participation of under-represented groups in natural resources • Expertise that complements those of current faculty • Demonstrated service to the profession Application All application materials must be submitted electronically through the USU Human Resources Jobs website (https://jobs.usu.edu). We request a cover letter, a complete CV, names and e-mail addresses of three references, and statements on (1) research interests and (2) teaching philosophy. Applications received by the initial screening date of December 20, 2024 will receive priority consideration; the position will remain open until filled. University and Community Highlights: Utah State University is an R1 research institution and Utah’s land-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence. USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education and has long been recognized for its contributions to social mobility, research, and public service. The Quinney College of Natural Resources is a welcoming, socially active community of faculty, students, and staff, and houses the Wildland Resource, Environment and Society, and Watershed Sciences Departments. Wildland Resources is the largest of the three departments and is an internationally renowned center of ecological research. Located in Logan, Utah, USU offers the amenities of a college town within the Cache Valley metropolitan zone of over 155,000 people. The USU main campus is a 90-minute drive to Salt Lake City, positioned along the scenic Wasatch Mountains and Bear River Range. Logan has a bonanza of outdoor activities within minutes of campus and is within a day’s drive of seven national parks. Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination<http://equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination>. Potential applicants with specific questions are welcome to contact the search committee chair, Larissa Yocom at larissa.yo...@usu.edu. Apply Here: https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/8570/job To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
