Assistant​/Associate Professor of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Science

Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Science

Job No: 548922
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 fire management in the wildland urban interface starting January 5, 2026 or 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 our 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 whose 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:
Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156
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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Doctorate degree focused on fire…