Assistant Professor Of Avian Ecology And Management

Assistant Professor of Avian Ecology and Management

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Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Assistant Professor of Avian Ecology and Management Posting Number F01463P Department SDSU-Natural Resource Management Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text

The Department of Natural Resource Management (NRM) at South Dakota State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Avian Ecology and Management. Located on our main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, this is a full-time, 9-month, benefit-eligible position offering a competitive salary and a generous start-up package.

We are looking for a passionate individual who will inspire our undergraduate and graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) through teaching, mentoring, and innovative research. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to secure research funding and explore significant questions in your field, contributing to advancements in avian ecology and management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantitative avian ecology, with a preference for those interested in applied management issues related to avifauna. This position reports to the NRM Department Head. The preferred start date is August 2025, with the possibility of an earlier start upon offer.

The NRM Department is in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. The department fosters a vibrant and highly collegial environment among 20 faculty members; including three USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit Scientists; five Extension Field Specialists located throughout the state; approximately 300 undergraduates; and more than 50 graduate students and postdocs. NRM faculty lead regional, national, and international research programs, securing an average of $2.1 million in grants annually. Undergraduate students are trained through five programs: Conservation Planning and Park Management, Ecology and Environmental Science, Natural Resource Law Enforcement, Rangeland Ecology and Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. The department also has research support facilities within one mile of campus and at Oak Lake Field Station, approximately 30 minutes away near White, South Dakota.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The appointment is 50% research and 50% teaching with an expectation of service to the university and profession.

• Teach undergraduate courses in ornithology, management of upland game birds, and wetland avifauna ecology and management; contribute to other courses as appropriate; and teach graduate courses in their respective specialty.

• Establish a nationally recognized research program that attracts extramural research funding, supports graduate students, and produces publications in national and international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

• Participate in university, college, and department governance and service as well as professional service and outreach activities.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is commensurate with qualifications. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

BENEFITS:

We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completed Ph.D. in avian sciences or closely related discipline by time of hire.

• Record of research, scholarly activities, and publications in peer-reviewed journals in avian ecology commensurate with experience.

• Experience applying contemporary statistical and analytical methodologies appropriate for their field of expertise.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience or potential to collaborate with local, state, federal, NGO, and/or tribal entities on questions pertaining to avian ecology.

• Valid driver's license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of one year of postdoctoral or other post-graduate experience.

• A research program addressing questions with an emphasis on conservation and/or management of upland game birds, grassland-obligate species, or waterbirds.

• Success in grant writing and procuring research funding.

• Prior teaching experience at the university level with preference given to experience as instructor of record.

• Experience working with heterogeneous groups of varying backgrounds and life experiences.

• Experience collaborating with scientists, natural resource agencies, or other stakeholders with interest in avian ecology and management.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on "apply for this job." This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy (two page maximum, attached as other), a research statement (two page maximum, attached as work sample) and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date 05/30/2024 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 07/31/2024 Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience Duration of the Term 9 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Tenure Status Tenure Track Proposed Rank Assistant Professor Work Hours

8am-5pm

Typical Hours Worked Per Week 40 Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university's core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state's 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state's highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children's Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search chair, Dr. Josh Leffler at 605-688-4942 or Joshua.Leffler@sdstate.edu.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Surgical Mask If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders, Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Lifting moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Squatting, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) Describe any of the conditions selected

This individual will be a field biologist so they will often be in natural areas studying bird nests in trees and on the ground.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Animal Handling, Changes of Temperature, Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Vaccination recommended due to potential occupational exposure, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

This individual will be a field biologist so they will often be in natural areas studying bird nests in trees and on the ground. Migration occurs in late fall and early spring when temperatures and weather conditions can be unpredictable.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment, Outdoors Environment, Farm or Grassland Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

This is a field biologist position who is also likely to also be conducting lab work to complement their field work.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Public Job Posting

• Internal Job Posting

• Agency Referral

• Advertisement/Publication

• Personal Referral

• Website

• Other

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Other

• Reference List

• Work or Writing Sample

Optional Documents