Extension Assistant Professor Sustainable Fisheries & Coastal Resilience Gloucester Marine Station University of Massachusetts Amherst
The Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (http://eco.umass.edu/) seeks talented applicants for a permanent 12-month, non-tenure-track appointment as Extension Assistant Professor in Sustainable Fisheries & Coastal Resilience. This faculty will be based at the UMass Gloucester Marine Station in close proximity to North Shore communities and State, Federal and non- governmental collaborators. Earliest appointment date is October 2, 2017. Candidates should understand the critical link between applied research and extension in fulfilling the mission of a land grant institution (see https://ag.umass.edu/extension-outreach). The candidate is expected to develop and lead outreach and extension programming in the broad fields of community resilience, and adaptation-related actions to mitigate impacts of changing fisheries and/or natural hazards in coastal Massachusetts communities. Examples of relevant foci include, but are not limited to: (1) development of sustainable harvesting practices for commercial fisheries stocks, (2) integration of new fisheries products into the supply chain, (3) socioeconomic impacts of a changing environment, (4) coastal conservation and habitat restoration, (5) adaptation to sea-level change and other climate-related impacts, (6) community engagement in emerging coastal issues, such as wind energy, and (7) improving the integration of marine science into K-12 classrooms through development of curricula incorporating research and modern technologies. High priority will be given to the overall originality and promise of the candidate's work in engaging local and regional partners, rather than to the sub-area of specialization. We expect the candidate to help lead development of the UMass Gloucester Marine Research Station towards a vibrant multi-disciplinary research and teaching platform; develop a collaborative research program that meets the needs of local, state, federal and non-governmental organizations; and engage graduate and undergraduate students in projects with direct application to coastal and marine resource management and planning. Thus, experience in extension or related activities that emphasize personal relations, team- building, inter-organizational collaboration and leadership will be great assets. Teaching responsibilities will include 2 courses per year in marine science and conservation focused on the candidate's area(s) of expertise. Successful applicants will serve, as do all other faculty, as a mentor to students and be expected to supervise graduate students at the Master's and Ph.D. levels, as well as undergraduates in the Honors College and the Five College Coastal and Marine Sciences Programs and through the development of internship opportunities. Requirements: Candidates should have a Masters degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience or a Ph.D. degree in coastal environmental management, fisheries or marine sciences, or closely related field. The applicant's experience should demonstrate strengths in one or more fields related to marine fisheries, coastal hazards management, coastal and marine planning, climate adaptation, or marine science education. The position will require working with diverse local community officials and residents, an ability to work across disciplinary lines, and experience attracting external funding. A critical aspect of the position will be the role of liaison between UMass Amherst and local community partners. Thus, the candidate must demonstrate excellence in written and verbal communication skills. Previous teaching and research experience at a university level is desirable, as is experience in boat operation and management. There will be a strong preference for candidates with experiences in Extension and Community outreach. About the University: UMass Amherst is part of the Five College Consortium in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, with excellent social, cultural and recreational amenities in a town and rural setting. We are 2 hours from Boston, 3 hours from New York City, and 4.5 hours from Montreal. The Department of Environmental Conservation hosts a vibrant, multi- disciplinary, learning community where faculty and students are deeply committed to solving the complex, global challenges of environmental sustainability. In addition to our well-developed teaching and research programs in marine fisheries, marine spatial planning, and climate change ecology, we have very close working relationships with the National Marine Fisheries Service, MA Division of Marine Fisheries, U. S. Geological Survey, and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Further, the UMass Center for Agriculture, Food & the Environment (CAFE) is the home to UMass Extension, which provides extension outreach programs throughout the state. This capacity of research and outreach provide UMass faculty the opportunity to work with a wide diversity of partners to address critical needs in sustainable fisheries & coastal resilience. Additional Information: The university is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic degree and career. Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of outreach/extension, research, and teaching goals, and the names, addresses and contact information of three references. Search questions can be addressed to: Adrian Jordaan, Search Chair, (413) 545-2758 or [email protected]. Review of applications will begin August 28, 2017. The position will remain open until filled. Apply here: https://umass.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=1A369 A9C99FD5899E741AE63E148A60C;jsessionid=276247021657313531F9BF292A052A7F? JOBID=86885
