Assistant Professor, Human Dimensions in Natural Resources

~ Stephen F. Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, a community of about 33,000 located in the center of the East Texas Pineywoods region. ~

The university is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. University enrollment is currently about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students can choose from 80-degree programs, including 120 areas of study, offered by six colleges. Graduate students can earn degrees from 40 master and three doctoral programs.

Position Overview

The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture is seeking an Assistant Professor of Human Dimensions in Natural Resources with interest in the science of natural resource communication emphasizing topics including global change, water, invasive plant and animal species, ecosystem health, alternative markets for timber and non-timber resources, human/wildlife interactions, natural resources policy or conservation leadership.

The successful candidate will contribute to instruction at the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy levels, in his or her specific area(s) of expertise. This first includes teaching the Bachelor of Science in forestry (BSF) introductory course. Additional instructional responsibilities will include teaching courses in undergraduate outdoor recreation and natural resources interpretation and in the online Master of Science in resource communications program. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop courses in his or her area(s) of expertise with special focus on topics such as environmental interpretation, public understanding of science, park and protected area management, and the social and behavioral dimensions of sustainable natural resources management.

The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture is committed to conducting original and applied natural and social science research. The successful candidate will be expected to develop empirical, social scientific research focused on communication and informal education processes, techniques and evaluation. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in outreach and service to the college, the university, the profession and the citizens of Texas. We seek colleagues who through teaching, research, and service will help to advance the field, collaborating with peers within the college and elsewhere, while actively recruiting undergraduate and graduate students.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree, completed or ABD by the date of hire, in forestry, natural resources, human dimensions, environmental education or a closely related field. At least one degree (B.S., M.S. or Ph.D.) in forestry or natural resources is required, with a B.S. in forestry preferred. Candidates should demonstrate: (1) strong willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams as well as the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple academic domains; (2) a strong commitment to teaching, advising and student professional development with an emphasis on the scholarship of teaching and learning, in addition to an interest in or, preferably, experience with distance education and technology-assisted learning; (3) evidence of ability to secure grants and develop and manage a competitive research program; and (4) a publication record, including publications in refereed journals.

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 chair.

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 conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
• May supervise the work of students and/or graduate assistants.
• May serve on departmental, college and university committees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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 and commitment to conduct research and/or 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 the Computer and Network Security policy.

To Apply

For full consideration, please click "Apply on Company Website" below by August 15, 2019 with submit the following documents handy:

• Cover Letter: a letter of application to include a summary of academic training, professional experience, qualifications, and teaching and research interests related to the position
• Transcripts of all college or university work
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References: names and complete contact information (including phone and email addresses) of three references
• Teaching and Research Philosophy: statements of teaching and research philosophies and career objectives

All application materials must be submitted online. Applications will not be considered complete until all documents have been received. Official transcripts will be required prior to on campus interview.