Assistant Professor/Wildlife Ecologist

~ Our areas of expertise enable us to train a diverse array of majors at both the undergraduate and graduate level utilizing interdisciplinary approaches while preparing them for a multitude of career options. South Dakota's natural resources are a key factor in maintaining a high-quality workforce throughout our state. Moreover, the quality of life for many people is intimately tied to their enjoyment of natural areas.  ~

Conservation and management of natural resources implies a considerate use of these resources in a multifaceted way. This approach includes the development of novel management practices that ensure both the preservation of habitat for rare plants and animals as well as sustainable agriculture and grazing practices, which conserve the quality of our soil, waterways, lakes and streams. Rangelands are the foundation of livestock production operations, wildlife habitat, watershed management, and outdoor recreational opportunities within the state and region. We strive to work together in an interdisciplinary way to preserve the integrity of our natural resources.

Natural resources provide (1) non-consumptive economic benefit through the preservation of terrestrial and aquatic habitat that supports plant and animal species biodiversity as well as (2) consumptive economic benefit through the annual harvest of surpluses from renewable natural resources such as waterfowl, pheasants, and fish. Rare organisms, such as the western fringed prairie orchid, swift foxes or pallid sturgeon, often are best managed through preservation. Our department's approach incorporates the fundamental knowledge that factors affecting threatened species and populations are the same as those that may affect non-threatened species in the future.

Position Overview

The Department of Natural Resource Management (NRM) at South Dakota State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month position (50% teaching, 50% research) at the rank of Assistant Professor with expertise in Wildlife Ecology and Management, beginning fall 2017.

We seek a talented colleague who will contribute to teaching excellence in the department and will build an external, competitively-funded research program with an emphasis on wildlife ecology and management in natural and/or captive environments. The candidate should address fundamental questions about ecology and life histories of wildlife to inform and benefit current issues and future management practices.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be expected to be active in research and contribute to a nationally recognized applied wildlife research program which includes competing successfully for extramural sources of funds, and publishing in national/international peer-reviewed journals.
• The candidate will contribute to advising and professional development of M.S. and Ph.D. students.
• The candidate will teach courses in principles of wildlife management and introductory biometry as well as contribute to team-taught courses in natural resource management field techniques and habitat conservation and management.
• Participation in service associated with wildlife management is expected, including involvement with professional organizations and student organizations affiliated with the department.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will have completed a Ph.D. in a research area germane to Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or closely related discipline prior to March 2017.
• The successful candidate will have strong quantitative skills and a publication record commensurate with experience.
• Candidates must be enthusiastic scientists and teachers with the ability to develop excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and electronic).
• Applicant must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with other faculty, extension field specialists, state and federal wildlife biologists, producers, and other clientele.

Preferred Qualifications:

• We prefer a candidate with post-doctoral experience and an established record of external competitive grant funding with accompanying publications in nationally/internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in grant budget management; demonstrated interest and experience in teaching.
• An expert skill set in addressing questions pertinent to the ecology and life histories of wildlife that inform and benefit current issues and future management practices.

To Apply

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement; curriculum vitae; and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with the electronic application process. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies including, but not limited to, a criminal background check.

Posting Number is 0008757. Position is open until filled with review a date on 04-01-2017.

~ SDSU actively seeks to increase social and intellectual diversity among its faculty and staff. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. ~