Grazing Lands Ecologist

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Grazing Lands Ecologist. The Grazing Lands Ecologist holds an academic-year appointment as associate/full professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and as director of the Center for Grassland Studies (CGS), in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The incumbent provides leadership for integrated research and education in grazing land systems across multiple disciplines and collaborates with IANR faculty members to identify and address issues important to sustaining healthy grasslands in Nebraska.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture are committed to creating learning, research, extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.

The incumbent maintains a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized, externally supported research and teaching program contributing as an effective scholar, citizen, and leader for the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and IANR, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy. Research conducted by the incumbent applies grassland science to characterize spatial and temporal dynamics of grazing lands for livestock production and other ecosystem services. Collaborators include natural resource scientists, animal scientists, social ecologists, and economists. In the integrated teaching and research program, the incumbent addresses grassland conservation through resilience thinking, systems thinking, and trans-disciplinary research; beef production through the Nebraska Integrated Beef Systems Initiative (NIBSI); and landscape resilience through the CGS and the Center for Resilient Agricultural Working Landscapes (CRAWL). The incumbent will work with grazing lands and their stakeholders (e.g., the National Drought Mitigation Center, Conservation and Survey Division, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and Platte Basin Timeline). Contributions to the teaching mission are expected to average 0.40 FTE, including team-teaching courses in grassland ecology and management, grassland conservation, and livestock management on range and pasture that contribute to several degree programs in IANR. In addition, the position is expected to recruit, advise, and mentor undergraduate students in Grassland Systems; contribute to the Nebraska Range Short course and Nebraska Youth Range Camp; mentor Plant Biology undergraduate students with an Ecology and Conservation option; and work with graduate students in interdisciplinary programs, Range and Forage Science, and related fields. Specific course offerings may change according to program needs.

As administrator of the Center for Grassland Studies the incumbent leads the center strategically with attention to addressing current and emerging issues related to sustaining the health of Nebraska grasslands.

Expectations for leading the center also include managing the finances (including acquiring funds to maintain and expand programs) and personnel of the center; developing partnerships within and beyond the university to further the reach of the center; ensuring programs of the center are open to all; organizing and identifying speakers for the Nebraska Grazing Conference and Fall Seminar Series; developing and sending newsletters to stakeholders; and fostering a culture within the center and the associated community that encourages excellence and a high level of engagement.

The incumbent is expected to seek and establish effective disciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaborations including integration with local stakeholders, complementary research groups, extension teams, educational programs, and other partners. The incumbent is expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university levels.

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. in Rangeland Ecology and/or Management, Agronomy, or closely related field.

Preferred qualifications include:
• Demonstrated competitiveness and a high level of success through award of grant funding at various levels focused on grasslands.
• Demonstrated field experience and excellence in grazing lands research and publishing.
• Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and advising in grazing land programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with emphasis on communication with a variety of stakeholders including but not limited to ranchers and federal and state agency personnel that apply policies related to grazing lands.
• Ability to engage in scientific teamwork with natural resource scientists, animal scientists, social ecologists, and economists to address major issues related to grazing lands.
• Experience in land grant university course design, development, and management in grazing lands ecology and management.
• Evidence of work with diverse or underrepresented communities or groups.

To view details of the position and create an application, go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_210055. Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions; 2) your curriculum vitae; 3) contact information for three professional references; 4) statements that describe your philosophy and approach to teaching, research, and administration; 5) a statement of your experience contributing to inclusive environments (one page maximum). Review of applications will begin June 4, 2021 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.