Assistant Professor

Department Profile:

The Assistant Professor position is a 12-month tenure track faculty position funded at 100% by MSU Extension. This position will be located at the CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER, RAYMOND, MS.

Area of Specialization:

Forestry

Anticipated Appointment Date:

March 1, 2021

Tenure Track Status:

Tenure-track 12-month position

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a 12-month tenure track assistant professor position consisting of 100% Extension (MSU Extension). This position is located at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center (CMREC), and has an academic home in the Department of Forestry on the main campus. The primary function of this position will include planning and implementing a comprehensive, science-based Extension Forestry and research program to meet the educational needs of targeted audiences in SW Mississippi. The primary role of the specialist is to work closely with county Extension personnel, local county forestry associations, state and federal agencies, and other organizations to serve the needs of various forestry client groups in the assigned area. Program methods and techniques will include short courses, workshops, field days, mass and electronic media, publications, in-service training, and individual contacts. Audiences and cooperators include private landowners, loggers, natural resources professionals, business and industry officials, members of public and private organizations, 4-H/Youth, and the general public. The opportunity exists for the specialist to be assigned statewide responsibility for subject matter programming in the individual’s area of expertise. This faculty member will maintain programmatic ties with research faculty, State Specialists, and other scientists in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University. The successful candidate will develop and teach educational programs to the appropriate clientele and county Extension Agents based on national, state, and county needs assessments. These documented Program Plans will include documented curricula that can be delivered and evaluated by the successful candidate and/or county Extension Agents resulting in measured impacts.

The faculty member will also partner with colleagues in grant and contract proposals seeking funding to support applied research and Extension outreach efforts. Furthermore, this individual will demonstrate and present information and updates through effective program delivery by planning and participating in local, statewide, regional, national forestry meetings with clientele. Scholarly efforts are expected to be published in various formats including: refereed/peer reviewed journal articles, Extension bulletins, web-based information sheets, popular articles in trade magazines and newsletters, and press releases as appropriate. Considerable statewide travel will be required to ensure that the most pressing needs of the industry are met.

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned Ph.D. in forestry with emphasis on the management and use of forest resources. At least one degree must be from an accredited forestry program.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

ABDs will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Emphasis will be placed on a demonstrated knowledge of forest management, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a desire to work with diverse groups of people on a daily basis. Preferred qualifications include graduate training in forest management or forest business. Individuals with a strong understanding of forestry, silviculture and forest products are highly encouraged to apply as well.

Instructions for Applying:

Must apply online by completing the professional application and submitting a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and three references. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

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.