Assistant​/Associate Professor of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Science

Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Science

Apply now Job no: 548922
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

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 such as wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire protection, wildland fire behavior, and wildland fire control.

The ability and interest to increase the depth of our student body, develop new courses that enhance curriculum related to fire management in WUI systems, 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 fire science in the wildland-urban interface and we welcome candidates who’s interests address the range of economic, climatic, social, and conservation challenges facing WUI systems in the western US and Southern California in particular. Suitable research foci can include the role of WUI fuels management, emergency response planning, fire prevention strategies, and tools to estimate changes in wildfire behavior as a function of WUI management.

Research programs which address WUI challenges across the whole range of impacted communities are especially encouraged to apply as are applicants with a demonstrated ability to partner with fire management agencies, forest industry, and other stakeholders to advance teaching and scholarship. The successful candidate will enter an environment with rich opportunities to collaborate with Cal Poly’s excellent student body, Swanton Pacific Ranch, university WUI initiatives, engaged regional WUI professionals, and a motivated department faculty working to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen Cal Poly’s connection with stakeholders on WUI topics.

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

Anticipated hiring ranges:

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. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives.

As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach…