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Title

Assistant Professor of Avian Ecology and Management

Posted
Reference
Sectors Conservation & Ecology
Location South Dakota - America North
Salary (Minimum)
0
Salary (Maximum)
0
Type Temporary / Contract / Seasonal
Status Full Time
Level Mid Level
Company Name South Dakota State University
Contact Name
Website Further Details / Applications
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Description
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.
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