Assistant/Associate Professor of Natural Capital and Supply Chain Modeling

Position Summary

This is a 9-month tenure track appointment with expected research, teaching, and professional service responsibilities at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia ( UGA ). This position will focus on the development of theories, methods, and applications that combine economics, operations research, and biometrics to natural capital opportunities available to forest landowners and issues related to the forest-based supply chain involving products, services, and markets within the southern United States. The candidate will help address the challenges of forest landowners to increase profitability, to improve sustainability, and transition to the next generation of forest-based products and services. The candidate will engage with academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations to: (a) investigate opportunities for forest landowners to capitalize on natural capital income opportunities and associated income streams, and (b) investigate broader supply chain issues through research on and modeling of the wood supply system of the southern United States. The candidate would ideally be or become an expert on emerging markets for small and large public and private landowners alike and be capable of applying innovative empirical methods for addressing economic issues of importance to southern forest landowners that involve the production of carbon, water, timber, electricity (solar), wind, mitigation banking, easements, and other ecosystem goods and services. The candidate is expected to collaborate with faculty associated with the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business ( CFB ), Plantation Management Research Cooperative ( PMRC ), and others across campus.

The candidate will teach an undergraduate and graduate course focused on natural capital. Coursework delivery will be a combination of in-person, hybrid, and/or online. The advisement of undergraduate students and Masters of Forest Resources ( MFR ) non-thesis master’s students is expected. The establishment and continued support of an active, externally funded graduate research program supporting MS and PhD students in natural capital and supply chain modeling is also expected. The candidate will engage in professional service by actively assisting or leading scientific societies, engaging in the peer review process, and providing service to the Warnell School and UGA committees.

This position is part of a cluster hire in the general area of sustainable forestry. There will be an opportunity to collaborate with new hires in sustainable forestry, advanced forest biomaterials, and precision forestry. For more information on these related opportunities, follow this link: https://warnell.uga.edu/careers.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on Monday, November 11, 2024. Candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, one-page statements of both teaching and research interests, unofficial transcripts of all college-level work, and names and contact information for three references. The candidate given an offer will be required to submit official college transcripts. University policy requires all candidates to consent to and authorize a background investigation ( www.hr.uga.edu ). A background investigation and request of official transcripts will be conducted on a post-offer/preemployment basis only. The preferred starting date is negotiable but no later than August 1, 2025. For additional information contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Bronson Bullock (BronsonBullock@uga.edu).

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2145P

Working Title

Assistant/Associate Professor of Natural Capital and Supply Chain Modeling

Department

Warnell-Sch Forestry & Nat Res

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The University of Georgia ( www.uga.edu ) is a top 20 ranked public land/sea/space grant institution comprised of 18 schools and colleges and designated as a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution with strong community engagement. Athens is a diverse community of approximately 150,000 people located less than 75 miles from Atlanta. UGA enrolls approximately 41,200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is a professional school with world-class research, teaching, and outreach programs in natural resources conservation and is committed to inclusive excellence. The Warnell School is comprised of 68 faculty, 100 support staff, 265 undergraduates, and 240 graduate students ( www.warnell.uga.edu ). The school offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Forest Resources, Master of Natural Resources, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the areas of Forestry; Fisheries & Wildlife; Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management; and Natural Resource Management & Sustainability. The school manages over 17,000 acres of forestland across the state in support of its teaching, outreach, and research missions.

College/Unit/Department website

www.warnell.uga.edu

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/08/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field.

Additional Requirements

Prior to appointment, applicants must have a Ph.D. in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field with expertise in the academic areas listed in the position summary.

Appointment at the Associate Professor level requires a record consistent with promotion to Associate Professor at the Warnell School such as strong evidence of emerging stature as a regional/national authority, acquiring and administering external funding, ability to produce and communicate research, and excellence in teaching and working with students. Service at the Associate Professor level for at least 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Demonstrated multidisciplinary collaborative work is preferred, with expectations for similar continued efforts with faculty in the Warnell School, including the PMRC, other units across the University, and colleagues throughout the forestry profession

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

The successful candidate must have a strong background in statistics, mathematical optimization, and quantitative modeling to support the modeling efforts that will be required of the research focus of this position. Strengths in oral and written communication must be evident, and evidence of excellence in and commitment to teaching is preferred. Evidence of activities in research design, grant development, presentation of results at scientific meetings and publication of results in leading peer-reviewed journals or a record of industry excellence is preferred.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of References with Contact Information
5. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
6. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents