Assistant Professor, Game Ecology and Management

~ Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) (also known as Southern Forest Avenue) is a public university located in Nacogdoches, Texas, United States. ~

Founded as a teachers' college in 1923, the university was renamed after one of Texas's founding fathers, Stephen F. Austin. Its campus resides on part of the homestead of Thomas Jefferson Rusk. Stephen F. Austin is one of four independent public universities in Texas (i.e., those not affiliated with one of Texas's six university systems).

Located in the piney woods of East Texas, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) consists of one of the South’s top forestry programs. With more than half a million acres of state and national forests within a short drive and approximately 68 acres of on-campus forest, our students learn through direct experience in the field.

Position Overview

The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture is seeking an assistant professor in the area of Game Ecology and Management. This is a nine-month, tenure-track appointment with strong potential for summer employment. 

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the dean.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs an equivalent of eight teaching units of work during the regular academic year; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
• Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
• Provides services to the university and the profession.
• Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
• When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
• May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising and thesis/dissertation supervision.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• May receive course-load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
• May receive course-load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
• May receive course-load reassignment when approved to engage in research or scholarly/creative activities and service that exceed normal expectations.
• May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
• May serve on departmental, college and university committees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D., completed by the date of hire, in wildlife ecology, wildlife management, or a closely related field. Candidates should demonstrate:
  • A strong commitment to teaching, student advising and professional development;
  • Evidence of ability to secure grants and develop and manage a competitive research program; and
  • A publication record, including publications in refereed journals.
• Expertise and experience in the study and management of game species is required; expertise in avian ecology and waterfowl and/or upland game bird management is preferred.
• A basic understanding of and appreciation for applied forest or range management is strongly encouraged.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in the forest wildlife management major concentration in the B.S. in Forestry degree program.
• Possible courses to teach include Introduction to Wildlife Management, Forest Wildlife Habitat Management, and undergraduate and graduate electives in the successful candidate’s area of expertise; successful candidate will also participate in a summer field-based course for undergraduate forestry students.
• It is expected that the successful candidate will be active in research and contribute to a nationally recognized applied wildlife research program.
• This includes advising M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, developing extramural sources of funds, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• We seek an individual that can complement existing areas of expertise within the college, particularly in the ecology and management of waterfowl and/or upland game bird species.
• Participation in outreach and service is also expected, including involvement with appropriate student organizations in the College.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Ability to conduct research and/or commitment to production of scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
• Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

Required Education:

• Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.
• ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.

Required Experience and Training:

• The rank of assistant professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

Special Conditions for Eligibility:

• This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
• This is an IT-sensitive position subject to SFA’s computer and network security policy.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload the following documents:

• A letter of application including summary of academic training, professional experience, qualifications, and teaching and research interests related to the position;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Names and complete contact information (including phone and email addresses) of three references; and
• Transcripts of all college or university work. Copies of transcripts are acceptable for the application; official transcripts will be required prior to an interview.

Review Start Date 06/01/2018. Incomplete applications will not be considered.