Deadline: Sun, 03/24/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Auburn University, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location: Alabama Location Detail: Auburn, Alabama Job Description: The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University invites applications for an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in forest health with an expected start date of August 2024. This is a tenure-track, 12-month appointment, with 65% Extension and 35% research. We seek exceptional applicants with expertise in forest entomology or forest pathology to understand, mitigate, and educate current and future forest health issues. The successful candidate will perform educational functions of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and develop a successful extramurally funded Extension program with related applied research on forest health with focus on forest insects and diseases. Responsibilities The successful candidate is expected to work independently and in collaboration with other faculty in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Regional Extension Agents, and other Auburn University faculty to: (1) develop and deliver Extension programs, in collaboration with Regional Extension Agents, through a variety of media including publications, web sites, distance learning, demonstrations, and other formats (2) Work with stakeholders to develop applied research to address the educational needs in Alabama and beyond, (3) Develop and deliver niche technical training and service programs for Regional Extension Agents (REAs), organizations, private sector, and federal agencies of Alabama and beyond, (4) secure extramural funding to support research and Extension programs, and (5) mentor graduate students and publish research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications A PhD in forestry, forest pathology, forest entomology, forest pest/pathogen ecology, forest health or a related field, by the time of appointment. The successful candidate must demonstrate a compelling interest and capability to deliver science-based information to a variety of audiences. Excellent written, organizational and communication skills are required and a commitment to inclusion and diversity is essential. Ability to act creatively, confidently, and professionally when working with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, evidence of drive and initiative as demonstrated by personal experiences and previous employment, and a collaborative approach to working with others is required. Candidates must be willing and able to work closely with members of the Extension Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resource team, forest managers, communities, and natural resource technical service providers. Ability to travel, including a current unrestricted driver's license, is also required. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States by the date appointment is scheduled to begin. Desired Qualifications Ideal candidates will have: (1) Extension experience and a strong track record for obtaining extramural funding and supervising graduate students, (2) A demonstrated track record of scholarly and extension publication, (3) Experience and expertise of southern forests is highly preferred. (4) Applied integrated pest management knowledge in forest entomology and pathology is preferred. Miscellaneous: The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (https://cfwe.auburn.edu/) is a national and international leader in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources programs and the flagship institution of Alabama’s $30 billion plus forest, wildlife, and natural resources-related enterprises, a significant component of the State’s economic and employment contributions and impacts. The College is home to eight undergraduate degree programs and nearly 500 undergraduate students. Graduate student enrollment is more than 160 students and a total of 44 research, teaching, and extension faculty. The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). It will continually seek to enhance faculty diversity in recruiting new faculty and development of current faculty. Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 31,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles from the state capital (Montgomery). The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) (www.aces.edu), the primary Extension organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University in cooperation with Tuskegee University. ACES is dedicated to delivering research-based educational programs designed to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Each of Alabama’s 67 counties is home to an Extension Office supported by Regional Extension Agents across the state, and Specialists at both partner universities. Auburn University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Benefits: To apply please go to https://https://www.auemployment.com/postings/43010, complete the online form and upload the required application documents: (1) cover letter addressing the candidate’s interest and experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, (2) current curriculum vita, (3) vision statement for Extension program, (4) statement of research program, (5) copies of all graduate level academic transcripts, and (6) the names and contact information of at least three references. Review of applications will begin March 4, 2024, and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired.
