Lecturer or Tenure Track in Forestry Natural Resources

About the Job

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

Full-time tenure-track Position OR Full-time Lecturer Position in Natural Resources focused on Forest Ecology and Management

The University of Minnesota Crookston, one of five campuses comprising the University of Minnesota system, invites applications for a full-time faculty member in Forestry. Individuals with a PhD and demonstrated potential for research will be considered for a tenure-line appointment. Individuals with a master's degree and/or a terminal degree but without an interest in research will be considered for a full-time lecturer appointment.

Position

Full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position or lecturer position in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota starting August 14, 2023. Salary and rank commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive fringe benefits package is offered.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver high-quality undergraduate instruction in forest management, forest ecology, and silviculture. This position is expected to develop strong ties with the U.S. Forest Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, regional tribal governments, the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and other appropriate agencies and private organizations. Possible research collaborations may be initiated with the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus - one of the oldest and most highly-respected forestry programs in the country. The position is also expected to maintain and develop new connections with regional technical and community colleges for articulation pathways for undergraduate students and be active in other program and departmental recruiting efforts.

Tenure-track faculty appointments are required to establish and maintain their own research agendas, which may include community engaged scholarship work and work with undergraduate students. Pursuit of externally-funded grants to support research is encouraged. Tenure-line appointments carry a 24.0 credit teaching load (typically 3-4 courses per semester). Service is required in accordance with tenure criteria.

Full-time lecturer appointments are not expected to establish a research agenda. Full-time lecturer appointments carry a 30.0 credit teaching load (typically 4-5 courses per semester).

Whether a tenure-line faculty member or a full-time lecturer, the successful candidate is expected to help further develop the program; provide undergraduate academic and career advising; advise program-related extracurricular clubs; foster equity and a sense of belonging among all students; and actively participate in recruitment, assessment, and retention efforts.

Course assignments may include Introduction to Natural Resources, Elements of Forestry, Field Techniques in Natural Resources, Forest Ecology and Management, Introduction to GIS, GIS Applications, Forest Recreation, Integrated Resource Management, Statistical Research Techniques in Agriculture and Natural Resources, or other courses suited to candidate's qualifications, expertise, and programmatic needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate / ABD (tenure-track candidates) or Master's degree (lecturer candidates) in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field;
• Effective communication skills;
• Record of effective teaching, preferably at the undergraduate level;
• Demonstrated experience in field-based applications of forest management and ecology and related field-based skills;
• Work experience in forests of the United States;
• Ability to draw upon cultural and community-based knowledge in teaching and research;
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency within the scope of the land grant mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field ;
• On campus and online teaching experience;
• Experience with remote sensing/GIS/LiDAR technologies as applied to forest ecology and management;
• Work experience in the forest cover types of the Upper Midwest;
• Research experience in an academic institution;
• Field experience with a forest or natural resource management agency;
• Experience with externally funded projects and grants;
• Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Application Procedure

Review of applications will begin February 28 and continue until the position is filled. Required application materials include a cover letter, curriculum vita, a diversity statement of the candidate's ability to promote equity and inclusion at a small campus in a rural context*, a copy of all college transcripts, and a list of 3-5 professional references. In addition to addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications, the cover letter must state which position the candidate is interested in (tenure-track or lecturer).

You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Please attach the remaining dcouments requirements for the application into a single document before uploading. This document may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading document in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section under portfolio.

Calls of inquiry welcome by contacting Dr. Kristie Walker, Interim Division Head, by phone: (218) 281-8116 or email: kswalker@umn.edu.

*Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials) Please provide details of your professional and/or personal experiences in fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Experiences may include:

• Working with diverse communities or local organizations.
• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum.
• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research.
• Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) is dedicated to equitable and inclusive education as well as to its access mission as a land-grant university. With an enrollment of 1,750 students spanning on-campus and online programs, UMN Crookston serves the highest proportions of first generation, low-income, rural, and adult learner populations within the University of Minnesota system. The racial diversity of the student body is significantly higher than that of the region, though it lags behind the demographics of elementary and high schools in the region. UMN Crookston has strategically committed to closing this gap by further diversifying its faculty, student affairs staff, and student body. As a part of its commitment to comprehensive equity and inclusion, UMN Crookston is a leading educational provider for college students from rural communities, and the university partners with several regional high schools to offer non-degree dual-enrollment courses for high school students.

Located in the small college town of Crookston, Minnesota, UMN Crookston proudly carries on a tradition of over a century of educational service to northwestern Minnesota. UMN Crookston delivers educational programs that build upon a broad academic foundation and combine theory, practice, and hands-on experimentation. Since 1993, UMN Crookston has equipped all on-campus students and faculty with laptop computers. UMN Crookston has received national recognitions for the value of its education, affordability, and impact on social mobility. U.S. News recently named UMN Crookston as its top "Midwest Top Public Regional College."