Job Information

Assistant Professor - ecology

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Title
Assistant Professor - ecology
Organization
Colorado State University
Description

Colorado State University is seeking applications and nominations for two nine-month, tenure track
faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor specializing in 1) Applied Forest Ecology / Silviculture, and 2)
Rangeland Ecology and Management. Applications from those interested in developing and applying ecological
science to inform the management of forests, woodlands, shrublands or grasslands are especially encouraged to apply.
Individuals with interest and expertise in areas such as adaptive management, restoration, vegetation structure,
community assembly and/or herbivory would complement the existing faculty expertise and interests in our
department and the Warner College of Natural Resources. We seek scholars who will develop an internationally
recognized, innovative, independent, and extramurally funded research program involving graduate and undergraduate
students. We expect the incumbents to exhibit leadership in, and passion for, undergraduate and graduate teaching,
student mentoring, and curriculum development in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Department. Applicants
should clearly demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the department, college, and the university.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is an
interdisciplinary academic program uniquely poised to advance education, research, and outreach in applied forest and
rangeland ecology. Existing programs of emphasis in the department include forest and rangeland ecology, natural
resource management, fire science, vegetation measurement and biometry, policy and planning, and restoration
ecology. The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship is housed within the Warner College of Natural
Resources, which is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest
Restoration Institute, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, the Center for Environmental
Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers
provide a foundation for research, education and outreach. Linkages across departments and colleges, and with federal
and state land managers and research centers, form a broader interdisciplinary foundation for increased impact. Strong
relationships and partnerships with local, state and federal agencies foster significant applied research opportunities
for the successful candidates. We expect the incumbents to foster opportunities for our students to become future
leaders in the stewardship of forests and rangelands throughout the world.
APPLIED FOREST ECOLOGY / SILVICULTURE
Context: Adaptive forest management and forest restoration practices are needed to prepare forest ecosystems for
grand challenges including climate change impacts and the effects of intensifying forest disturbances. Silvicultural
practices are a primary tool for achieving desired forest conditions in the face of these global challenges, requiring
integrative knowledge of forest ecology, silvicultural systems, and societal factors to innovate forest management
practices and technologies. The position is core to the Department and will play a pivotal role in collaborative
research and management needs on both public and private lands. As such, the position requires integration across
biological, technical, social, and administrative disciplines. CSU is positioned to be a global leader in applied forest
ecology, silviculture, adaptive forest management and forest restoration practices, with this position key to bridging
existing faculty in the Warner College of Natural Resources and across the CSU campus.
Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to teach, conduct research, and contribute to
the outreach and service of the institution and the professions we serve. In research, we expect the incumbent to
develop an extramurally funded and innovative research program (50%) focused on developing new understandings
of applied forest ecology and silviculture. We also expect development of collaborative relationships with local,
regional and national clients. Teaching responsibilities (40%) include instruction of an undergraduate silviculture
course and other courses that contribute to undergraduate majors in the Department. Teaching will also include a
graduate course in the candidate’s areas of expertise. Service and outreach (10%) are components of the position
and includes service to the department, college, university, academic peers, and profession.


2


Qualifications:
Required
1. Earned Ph.D. with disciplinary emphasis in forest ecosystems by the time of appointment.
2. Demonstrated research expertise in applied forest ecology and/or silviculture.
Preferred:
1. Evidence of potential to develop an externally funded research program advancing new knowledge of
applied forest ecology and silviculture.
2. Demonstrated potential to sustain an excellent publication record.
3. Evidence of effective teaching and mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students.
4. Ability to successfully engage in outreach to managers, landowners, and other relevant stakeholders.
5. Evidence of a commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion.
6. Postdoctoral research experience.
RANGELAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Context: A fundamental ecological understanding of grassland, shrubland and woodland ecosystems is required to
adaptively manage and restore these ecosystems in the face of changing environmental conditions. To meet this
challenge, we seek an innovative individual who will address ecological questions and develop novel strategies to
manage rangeland ecosystems. Grand challenges facing rangeland systems require integration across biophysical and


social science disciplines, and engaged scholarship with diverse stakeholders from government, private and non-
profit sectors. The person filling this position would also contribute significantly to the growing restoration ecology


emphasis in the department. Colorado State University is uniquely poised to make increased contributions in
rangeland and applied grassland ecology with complementary growth in restoration ecology. Other potential areas
of emphasis include ecological interactions of fire and grazing and their conservation implications, climate-adaptive
and regenerative management of working landscapes, and Indigenous ecological knowledge and stewardship.
Duties and Responsibilities: The position will entail 50% Research; 30% Teaching; and 20% Extension,
Engagement, Outreach and Service. We seek someone who will develop a successful, innovative, independent and
extramurally funded research program involving graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will
work with diverse stakeholders potentially including federal, state, and local agencies, tribes, NGOs, landowner and
producer organizations and CSU Extension to identify research needs, co-produce and deliver current research to
rangeland managers and landowners. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate
teaching and curriculum development in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Department.
Qualifications:
Required
1. Earned Ph.D. with disciplinary emphasis in the ecology or management of rangeland systems by the time
of appointment.
2. Demonstrated research expertise in applied ecology/management of grasslands, shrublands or
woodlands ecosystems.
Preferred:
1. Evidence of potential to develop a funded research program advancing new knowledge of rangeland
ecology and management.
2. Demonstrated potential to sustain an excellent publication record.
3. Evidence of effective teaching and mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students.
4. Ability to successfully engage in outreach to managers, landowners, and other relevant stakeholders.
5. Evidence of a commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion.
6. Postdoctoral research experience.
SALARIES: Commensurate with education and experience.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: August 2020

Qualifications
Salary
Job Type
Full Time Experienced
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado United States
Posted on
2019-10-31
Expires on
2019-12-15
Desired Start Date
Not provided
How to Apply
Silviculture Position: To apply and view a full position announcement please visit:
http://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/72175 by December 15, 2019 for full consideration. CSU is an EO/EA/AA
employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.
Rangeland Position: To apply and view a full position announcement please visit:
http://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/72220 by December 15, 2019 for full consideration. CSU is an EO/EA/AA
employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.