Assistant​/Associate Professor of Forest Operations

Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Operations

Job No: 548974
Work Type:
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track

Location:

Central California:
San Luis Obispo
Categories:
Bargaining Unit:
Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Appointment Type:
Tenured/Tenure-Track, Time Basis:
Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline:
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.

• Teach undergraduate courses in forest operations, forest management, fuels management, and related courses for the Forest & Fire Sciences major.
• Develop and enhance curriculum and instruction, including new courses that bridge teaching and scholarship.
• Collaborate with the forest industry, professional forestry organizations, and stakeholders to advance teaching and scholarship.
• Leverage Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen industry connections.
• Participate in department, college, and university service activities.

• Doctorate degree focused on forest operations, forest engineering, and/or fuels reduction operations by start date with a record of peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Excellent teaching record and effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop an externally funded applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students and partners.
• Experience in student‑centered learning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

• Record of excellence in teaching and research commensurate with time since degree.
• Experience collaborating with forest industry, public forest managers, state agencies, and professional organizations.
• Desire to become a Registered Professional Forester.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, inclusive environment.

Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156
Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

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, 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…