Job Description Summary
The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University invites applications for an Assistant
Professor and Extension Specialist in urban forestry with an expected start date of August 2022. This is a
tenure-track, 12-month appointment, with 65% Extension and 35% teaching. The position will play a key
role in the development and implementation of graduate and undergraduate urban forestry programs. The
successful candidate will develop an extramurally funded program to expand education, outreach, and
applied research in urban forestry. The successful candidate will perform educational functions of the
Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). In addition, the successful candidate will develop a
successful extramurally funded Extension program with related applied research focusing on urban
forestry including but not limited to planning, assessment and management, socio-ecological dynamics, or
closely related field.
The successful candidate is expected to work independently and in collaboration with other faculty in the
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and other Auburn
University faculty to: (1) develop and implement undergraduate and graduate urban forestry programs (2)
Work with stakeholders to develop applied research to address the educational needs in Alabama and
beyond, (3) Develop and deliver niche technical training and service programs for Regional Extension
Agents (REAs), organizations, private sector, and federal agencies of Alabama and beyond, (4) secure
extramural funding to support programs, and (5) teach two to three courses per year and mentor graduate
students.
Minimum Qualifications
A PhD in forestry or a related field at the time employment begins. The successful candidate must
demonstrate a compelling interest and capability to deliver science-based information to a variety of
audiences. Excellent written, organizational and communication skills are required and a commitment to
inclusion and diversity is essential. Ability to act creatively, confidently, and professionally when
working with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, evidence of drive and initiative
as demonstrated by personal experiences and previous employment, and a collaborative approach to
working with others is required. Candidates must be willing and able to work closely as a member of the
Extension Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resource team with universities, urban forest managers,
communities, and natural resource technical service providers. Ability to travel, including a current
unrestricted driver's license, is also required. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements
for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working
legally for the term of employment.
Desired Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have: (1) demonstrated capacity for excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and
graduate levels, (2) Extension experience and a strong track record for obtaining extramural funding and
supervising graduate students, (3) experience related to the use of geospatial technology and analysis of
spatial data for urban forestry assessments and planning, and biophysical and ecological dimensions of
urban forests. (4) A demonstrated track record of scholarly and extension publication.
The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences (www.sfws.auburn.edu) is a national and international
leader in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources programs and the flagship institution of Alabama’s $30
billion plus forest, wildlife, and natural resources-related enterprises, a significant component of the
State’s economic and employment contributions and impacts. The School is home to seven undergraduate
degree programs and nearly 500 undergraduate students. Graduate student enrollment is more than 160
students and a total of 44 research, teaching, and extension faculty. The School of Forestry and Wildlife
Sciences is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). It will continually seek to enhance
faculty diversity in recruiting new faculty and development of current faculty.
Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions
with an enrollment of more than 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is nationally
recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work
environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. The University is located in the
city of Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast
of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles from the state capitol (Montgomery).
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) (www.aces.edu), the primary Extension
organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University in
cooperation with Tuskegee University. ACES is dedicated to delivering research-based educational
programs designed to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Each
of Alabama’s 67 counties is home to an Extension Office supported by Regional Extension Agents across
the state, and Specialists at both partner universities.
Auburn University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide
equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national
origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
any other classification protected by applicable law.
To apply please go to https://www.auemployment.com/postings/27312 , complete the online form
and upload the required application documents: (1) cover letter addressing the candidate’s interest and
experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, (2) current curriculum vita, (3) vision
statement for Extension program and statement of teaching philosophy, (4) copies of all graduate level
academic transcripts, and (5) the names and contact information of at least three references. Review of
applications will begin March 4, 2022 and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired.
Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to family needs of faculty, including
dual-career couples. http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an
inclusive and diverse community. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply for this
position