Assistant Professor - Forest or Landscape Ecology & Management

Assistant Professor, Forest or Landscape Ecology & Management

Western Carolina University invites applications for two 9‑month, tenure‑track Assistant Professor positions in Forest or Landscape Ecology and Management to begin Fall 2026. The primary location is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

Faculty in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources (GNR) offer academic programs in Natural Resource Conservation and Management (NRCM), Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography. Candidates should have a background in forest or landscape ecology and management or a closely related field, with particular interest in fire ecology, soil biogeochemistry, or natural resource policy. The successful applicant will expand NRCM’s instructional capacity and teach 4–5 courses (in addition to one course in their research specialty), engage undergraduate students in research, and develop a scholarly research program that serves the university, profession, and community.

Teaching responsibilities may include courses such as:

• NRM 150:
  Careers in Natural Resources
• NRM 210:
  Methods in Natural Resources
• NRM 240:
  Natural Resource Measurements
• NRM 255:
  Dendrology
• NRM 351:
  Forest Ecology
• NRM 440:
  Integrated Resource Management

Qualified candidates may also work with Forest Stewards, a WCU‑affiliated non‑profit that employs students in applied research and field‑based stewardship projects across the Southern Appalachians.

Applications must be submitted online and include the following:

Application reviews will begin on December 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. If you have specific questions, contact the search chair, Aimee Rockhill, at aprockhill
.

• PhD in a relevant field by the time of hire (ABD candidates will be considered if their degree is conferred prior to August 1, 2026).

• Strong teaching record and experience with undergraduate research
• Research experience in fire ecology, soil biogeochemistry, or natural resource policy
• Demonstrated commitment to community‑engaged learning and field‑based instruction

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or National Guard or veteran status. Persons with disabilities who require accommodations in the application and interview process should call (828) 227‑7218 or email jobs.edu.

Applicants may consider visiting the department’s website for general information and reviewing WCU’s benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, retirement, tuition waivers, and additional wellness programs.