University of Kentucky Seeks Forestry & Natural Resources Faculty, Forest Management
Responsibilities
The position is 65% research, 30% teaching, and 5% service, subject to annual evaluation and modification. The successful candidate will be expected to enhance the department’s academic community and make contributions to the institution’s land grant mission including building a nationally recognized research program, as demonstrated by success in acquiring extramural funding, publication in leading refereed journals, along with graduate student recruitment and mentorship. The department promotes an interdisciplinary environment with researchers in related fields fostering collaboration with departmental faculty in teaching and through research relating to diverse forestry and natural resource issues. This position is one of four faculty hires being undertaken by the department during the 2021–2022 academic year providing a unique opportunity to collaboratively strengthen the department’s long-term effort to enhance the ecological, economic, and social benefits of forests and related natural resources.
The successful candidate’s research program will address management applications along the resource supply chain that consider operational, economic, and social drivers of, as well as barriers to, sustainable forestry systems. Particular emphasis on family forest ownerships and forest resource use incorporating both market and non-market resources is preferred. Also desired is a candidate whose research program integrates quantitative methods for inventory, assessment, and planning, including the potential incorporation of emerging remote sensing technologies, within forest management applications. Expected teaching responsibilities include courses in forest management that serve the department’s Bachelor of Science Forestry program and the department’s graduate program(s) in Forest and Natural Resource Sciences, including the recently implemented doctoral program. Additional teaching contributions may include undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with the successful candidate’s area of expertise such as forest measurements and biometrics, forest operations, and/or introductory forestry and natural resources courses. The successful candidate is expected to assist in Extension and outreach addressing critical forest management issues.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in forestry, natural resources, or allied fields with a demonstrated academic background in forest management. At least one forestry degree is required, preferably a B.S. in forestry. Candidates must have strong quantitative skills related to forest management research such as expertise in biometrics, modeling, and/or geospatial analysis.
The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is one of 14 academic departments in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment providing undergraduate and graduate instruction in forestry and natural resources, maintains Kentucky’s only Society of American Foresters accredited forestry program and contributes to inter departmental programs and certificates. Faculty of the department conduct basic and applied research to support our understanding and use of forest ecosystems and develop education and outreach solutions to address critical forest resource issues. Emphasis areas include ecology and silviculture, forest management and operations, wildlife ecology and conservation biology, economics, landscape and disturbance ecology, hydrology watershed management, and forest health and restoration. The department has significant resources available to support its mission including the nationally recognized Robinson Forest and has significant partnerships and national recognition in forestry extension. For information about the Department and the University of Kentucky, see forestry.ca.uky.edu and www.uky.edu. For information about living in Lexington, see www.lexingtonky.gov and www.visitlex.com.
Application Procedure
To apply for job FE02779, submit a UK Online Application at www.uky.edu/ukjobs. Closing date is December 17, 2021. Interested applicants should attach the following documents: a letter of application (Cover Letter), curriculum vitae (Resume), statement of research philosophy (Specific Request 1), statement of teaching philosophy (Specific Request 2), and unofficial transcripts (Specific Request 3), names and contact information for three references (Specific Request 4).
Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. John Lhotka, Search Committee Chair, john.lhotka@uky.edu, (859) 257-9701.
The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university. We encourage applications from women, minorities, and all interested and qualified people. The EEO Coordinator is Tim West, S-105 Agricultural Science North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091.