Assistant Professor - Forest Utilization and Economic Sustainability
The incumbent is expected to develop a strong externally funded research program aimed at improving the economic sustainability of the forests and related industries in Florida.
The University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Deadline: 2006/01/18
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT:
Position #0001-3461
Title: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR FOREST UTILIZATION AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Location: WEST FLORIDA RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER (WFREC)
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (IFAS)
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (UF)
5988 Hwy 90 Bldg. 4900
Milton, Florida 32583
Salary: COMMENSURATE WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Position open to: Formal review of applications to begin on January 18, 2006 and continue until the position is filled.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a full-time (12-month) tenure-track position with tenure accruing in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) with responsibilities in research (70% - Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and extension (30% Florida Cooperative Extension Service). This assignment may change over time. The incumbent is expected to develop a strong externally funded research program aimed at improving the economic sustainability of the forests and related industries in Florida. Examples of research are: (a) identifying/developing new markets for existing small diameter pine trees; and (b) developing alternative means/incentives for utilization of forests through traditional and nontraditional products. The incumbent is expected to participate in graduate education by advising graduate students, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing the results with graduate students. The incumbent is expected to develop and evaluate a statewide extension program that enables landowners to manage their forest resources for multiple objectives sustaining their economic viability and health. The incumbent may be called upon to teach a course at the WFREC depending upon the needs of the department.
QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in forestry, wood science, forest utilization, forest economics or a related discipline. Demonstrated strengths in extension and research, effective oral and written communication skills for multiple audiences and a willingness to work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists are essential. The candidate should also have demonstrated ability to integrate forest utilization and economics with other management strategies to improve Florida's forests. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system and must also have a commitment to IFAS' core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.
OTHER INFORMATION: This position is part of an off-campus research and education program which has been established at the WFREC and is a collaborative effort with the University of Florida, Pensacola Junior College, (PJC) and the University of West Florida (UWF). The unique teaching program, located at the PJC campus in Milton (approximately 20 miles northeast of Pensacola, FL), allows students to pursue a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Horticulture, and Turf Grass Science. The position will be located in Milton, Florida at the PJC campus. In addition to the excellent facilities at the Milton campus, a 650 acre research station is located about 12 miles north of Milton. Research at the WFREC currently covers the areas of forestry, agroforestry, natural resource management, turf grass management, landscape, forage production, weed sciences, floriculture and nematology. WFREC faculty and staff are dedicated to interdisciplinary research, teaching, and extension programs that meet the needs of local clientele and could have implications for the state and southeast region of the United States and possibly international as well.
Florida has 16 million acres of forestland, comprising a diversity of ecosystems ranging from cypress swamps to mesic hardwoods, pine flatwoods and xeric sandhill oak/pine forests. Nearly half of the forestland of the state is owned by private, non-industrial landowners; one third is owned by forest industries and the remainder is public forests. Forest management in Florida (including timber, recreation, and associated public services) is a significant part of Florida's economy contributing more than $16 billion in total economic impact to the state in addition to social and environmental values. Management of forests poses challenges and opportunities due to their unique flora and fauna, rapid urbanization, access to international markets, a favorable environment for plant growth, and a strong demand for the economics, environmental and social products of Floridas forests. The Florida lumber, wood products and paper industry employs over 60,000, many of whom work in northwest Florida.
The School of Forest Resources and Conservation is an academic unit with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) of the University of Florida. Through the IFAS/College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the School offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources and Conservation (BSFRC) with a Natural Resources Conservation option which is jointly supported by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with whom the School has close working relationships. The School also offers graduate programs (MFRC, MS and PhD) and cooperates closely with the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
The University of Florida, a member of the Association of American Universities, offers more than 100 different majors, and enrolls over 48,000 students. The new program at PJC-Milton campus is one of a select few academic programs offered at locations outside Gainesville. PJC and the nearby cooperating University of West Florida enroll more than 25,000 students in a comprehensive academic environment. The location of the WFREC allows families to enjoy the advantages of being within 20 minutes of Pensacola, one of Florida's major cities. The population of Milton is 15,000 whereas it is 300,000 in the Pensacola area.
HOW TO APPLY: To be considered for this position, please submit the following items: (1) a letter of application including a description of interests, academic training, professional experience and qualification related to this position; (2) curriculum vitae (3); official transcripts of all college and university work (must be sent directly from the institution); and (4) names and contact information for four references. For full consideration, all application materials must be received by January 18., 2006. Nominations of candidates are encouraged. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
REFER TO POSITION RETURN INQUIRIES TO:
Dr. Rick Williams, Chair
Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
West Florida Research and Education Center
5988 Highway 90, Bldg. 4900
Milton, FL 32583
Phone: (850)-484-4482
FAX: (850) 983-2637
E-mail: rawilliams@ifas.ufl.edu
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer. The “government in the sunshine" laws of Florida require that all documents relating to the search process, including letters of application/nomination and reference, be available for public inspection. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation..
