Position Function:
This is a 12-month, tenure track position consisting of a 100% Extension appointment (including applied research). This position is located at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, MS, and is administratively associated with the Coastal Research and Extension Center, with an academic home in the Department of Forestry. The primary function of this position will be to develop a science-based Extension forestry program that addresses longleaf pine restoration and general forestry educational needs. The successful applicant will also provide a statewide program of instruction in one or more areas of specialization in subject matters such as silviculture, ecology, forest health, fire ecology, restoration ecology, and forest management.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as Mississippi State University’s “southern exposure”. This position in based in Biloxi, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Forestry (longleaf pine restoration)
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 1, 2023.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties will include the development of an Extension forestry and applied research program targeting forestry and forest management issues with a primary focus on longleaf pine restoration with an additional emphasis in a specialized area of expertise.
This position will be based in Biloxi, but will require travel to county Extension offices, experiment stations, and other locations as needed. The successful candidate will work cooperatively with County Extension personnel as a resource.
The Assistant Professor will facilitate technology, research and educational transfer through appropriate training presentations, workshops, and in-service training sessions. The Assistant Professor will interact regularly with forestry stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies and organizations, who represent all facets of forestry issues to identify and facilitate timely applied research and Extension efforts addressing specific problems encountered by clientele. The Assistant Professor will maintain programmatic ties with other Extension State Specialists and other faculty in the Department of Forestry to implement innovative disciplinary and interdisciplinary educational programs as appropriate.
The Assistant Professor will ensure information transfer to stakeholders through on-site verification of research based recommendations via use of appropriate technology. The individual will facilitate, coordinate and participate in Extension and applied research projects, demonstrations and other Extension and applied research activities in collaboration with Extension and government and non-government agency and organization scientists. The individual will submit and/or partner with colleagues in grant and contract proposals seeking funding to support outreach and applied research efforts. Furthermore, the Assistant Professor will demonstrate and present information and updates through effective program delivery by planning and participating in local, statewide, regional, national and international meetings. In accordance with an Assistant Professor appointment, appropriate scholarly publications (print and web based) including: web-based information sheets, popular articles in trade magazines and newsletters, refereed journal articles, and press releases will be published where appropriate. Considerable local and regional in-state travel will be required to ensure the most pressing needs of the programmatic area are met.
The Assistant Professor will actively participate in professional societies/organizations as well as appropriate CREC and Department of Forestry committees. These activities should include involvement in coordinating ecological goals/objectives through collaborative "team" efforts with Specialists, Agents and research scientists. The Assistant Professor will have an active voice and display leadership in professional organizations and committees. In addition, the Assistant Professor should work actively in the community to educate the general public about forest management issues accomplished through a variety of displays, presentations and other media outlets throughout Mississippi.
Minimum Qualifications:
An earned Ph.D. in forestry or a closely related field with an emphasis on the management and use of forest resources. At least one degree must be from an accredited forestry program. Acceptable candidates must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, statistics, experimental design, and/or the scientific assessment techniques required to develop and deliver an applied research and Extension program and to fulfill job responsibilities.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Desired areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, silviculture, ecology, forest health, fire ecology, and forest management. Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated record of extramural funding. Willingness to address critical and emerging forest management issues as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Those with expertise and experience with longleaf pine restoration and/or fire ecology will be given preference.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The individual should be self-motivated, fit well in a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to publish in the peer-reviewed literature.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to work Indoors and outdoors in a range of weather conditions. Ability to obtain a valid MS stale driver’s license.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted through the Human Resources Management Website at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu by completing the online application and submitting a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, statement of research, copy of transcripts, and three references. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be removed prior to submitting online. Three letters of recommendation (sent separately by your references) should be sent to jeh149@msstate.edu. For questions, please contact James E. Henderson at jeh149@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
December 22, 2022 until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.