The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University invites applications for the position of Science Coordinator for the National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative.
Clemson University is a Top-30 public, land-grant university designated as an R1 research institution with strong community engagement. The National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative (NBGI) is a range-wide restoration initiative comprised of a broad coalition of experts in bobwhite quail and grassland conservation. The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC), in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, has world-class research, teaching and outreach programs in natural resources conservation and is committed to creating work and learning spaces that attract and celebrate a diverse community of scholars across a broad spectrum of cultural identities.
The position of NBGI Science Coordinator will be filled as a non-tenure-track Research Assistant Professor with specialization in Grasslands Ecology and Restoration. This position is a 12-month appointment within FEC with a primary responsibility in research (75%) and a secondary appointment in teaching (25%). The anticipated starting date is December 1, 2022. The successful candidate will be positioned at the Clemson University main campus, located in Clemson, South Carolina.
The NBGI Science Coordinator will collaborate with diverse partners to craft science-based and adaptive strategies to restore and maintain wild bobwhite quail, associated species, and their habitats on a national scale. Their leadership will further scientific research on bobwhite quail and songbirds through coordination of a 10+ year study across 25 states.
The successful candidate will be involved in the following specific duties:
• Lead the continued development of the Coordinated Implementation Program (CIP), a study comprised of 25 states that involves bobwhite population monitoring and habitat management. Analyze and report on the relationship of bobwhite abundance with available habitat collected through the CIP. Collaborate with state wildlife agencies, federal agencies, universities, and non-government partner organizations to develop the next phase of the CIP and target production of science-based best management practices for restoring and maintaining wild bobwhite populations.
• Pursue grants and other opportunities to partner with federal and non-government organizations to elevate the mission of NBGI and its partners. Develop creative research proposals incorporating human dimensions and ecosystem services. Contribute to deliverables on grants including interim and final reports. Maintain administrative records, assist in budgets, and produce reports for grants and subawards.
• Teach one or more courses at either the graduate or undergraduate level on grassland habitat and wildlife conservation. Lead a Clemson undergraduate internship program. Serve as a committee member on graduate student committees. Oversee a team of interns that will visit and work on focal areas across the country and perform habitat monitoring data collection. Provide mentorship for undergraduate students interested in applied habitat management research for bobwhite quail and other wildlife species on private lands.
• Foster conversations with partners by taking a leadership role in the Science Subcommittee of the NBGI Technical Committee. Speak to new research in the field, strategies to target private landowners for habitat management delivery, strategies to make bobwhite quail relevant beyond hunter interest, and other topics.
Qualifications
Qualifications include a Ph.D. in wildlife conservation, ecology, natural resources or similar discipline with research specialization in grasslands ecology and management. The successful candidate will have demonstrated good written and oral communication skills and a strong record of grant funded research and scholarship. The ideal candidate will have experience leading small to mid-size teams, managing grasslands for game and/or songbirds, and developing statistical models of habitat or populations with applications in GIS. Additionally, preferred candidates will have demonstrated a commitment to teaching excellence.
Application Instructions
To be considered, applications must be submitted electronically via this link.
The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates on September 1, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include 1) a detailed curriculum vitae; 2) a list of five references (these will not be contacted unless a candidate reaches the interview phase of the search); 3) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above, the applicant’s motivation to apply, and the applicant’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity; and 4) unofficial transcripts. Inquiries and nominations can be submitted confidentially to Todd Petty (jtpetty@clemson.edu).
The search committee will begin reviewing candidates on September 1, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled