Assistant​/Associate Professor of Forest Operations

• Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track 1

Central California

• San Luis Obispo 1

Appointment Type

Bargaining Unit

Apply now Job no: 548974
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Agriculture

The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department (NRES) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a full-time academic year, tenure-track assistant/associate professor position in forest operations starting August 17, 2026.

Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. The ideal candidate will show a strong ability to teach courses in support of the undergraduate Forest & Fire Sciences major including forest operations, forest management, fuels management, and other related courses.

The ability and interest to increase the depth of our student body, develop new courses that enhance curriculum and instruction which bridges the candidate’s teaching and scholarship are also considered strengths.

The scholarship area of the ideal candidate would broadly center on forest operations that address the range of climatic and conservation challenges facing forests in the West, including how aspects of forest harvest operations and fuels reduction can be applied to address these challenges. Applicants with a demonstrated ability to partner with the forest industry, professional forestry organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, to advance teaching and scholarship are encouraged to apply.

A vision and ability to leverage Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen Cal Poly’s connection with the forest industry are considered strengths. The successful candidate will enter an environment with rich opportunities to collaborate with Cal Poly’s excellent student body, Swanton Pacific Ranch, and a motivated department faculty working to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen Cal Poly’s connection with stakeholders on a variety of natural resources topics.

Grade and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Anticipated hiring ranges:

Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success.…