Position Summary:

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources at Western Carolina University is seeking applications for a 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of Natural Resource Conservation and Management (NRCM) to begin August 2019. The Department is home to programs in geology, natural resources, environmental science, and geography, which all share a commitment to excellence in teaching and undergraduate research. Students working toward a BS in NRCM select a concentration in either a forest resources or soil and water conservation.

We seek candidates with a background in water resources management with experience in stream restoration, aquatic resources management, wetlands management, or soil and water conservation. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and provide experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. Teaching responsibilities include introductory NRCM courses, a course in watershed management, a course in soil conservation, and a course related to the candidate's area of expertise. The teaching load also includes participation WCU's general education curriculum. Candidates are expected to develop a research program that incorporates undergraduate students.

Western Carolina University is an 11,000-student, regional comprehensive university within the University of North Carolina system. It is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Inclusiveness and diversity are academic imperatives and thus are university goals. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students from underrepresented groups.

WCU is situated in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. WCU and the surrounding area offer a wide range of field and laboratory facilities.

WCU strives to be a community supportive of diverse perspectives and identities among its faculty and students.

Minimum Qualifications:

The candidate should have a PhD in a relevant field at the time of hire; ABD candidates will be considered during the application process.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through teaching, service, and scholarship.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications must be submitted online and include 1) a resume/curriculum vitae; 2) a cover letter; 3) transcripts (unofficial acceptable); 4) a statement of teaching philosophy; 5) a statement of research interests that includes discussion of potential student involvement, and 6) a list with complete contact information for 4 references. Candidates should describe ways their research and teaching activities would help to foster an environment of inclusivity. Please contact the search chair, Peter Bates (bates@wcu.edu) if you have specific questions about the position or see gnr.wcu.edu for more general information. Application review will begin by January 14, 2019, and the job remains open until filled.

Carnegie Statement:

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship.