Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Operations

CSU Careers•San Luis, CA

13d•$90,948 - $114,720

About The Position

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 forest operations starting 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 their world day one. The ideal candidate will show a strong ability to teach courses in support of the undergraduate Forest & Fire Sciences major including forest operations, forest management, fuels management, and other related courses. The ability and interest to increase the depth of our student body, develop new courses that enhance curriculum 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 forest operations that address the range of climatic and conservation challenges facing forests in the West, including how aspects of forest harvest operations and fuels reduction can be applied to address these challenges. Applicants with a demonstrated ability to partner with the forest industry, professional forestry organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, to advance teaching and scholarship are encouraged to apply. A vision and ability to leverage Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen Cal Poly’s connection with the forest industry are considered strengths. The successful candidate will enter an environment with rich opportunities to collaborate with Cal Poly’s excellent student body, Swanton Pacific Ranch, and a motivated department faculty working to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen Cal Poly’s connection with stakeholders on a variety of natural resources 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. 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 their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Requirements

Doctorate degree focused on forest operations, forest engineering, and/or fuels reduction operations by start date with a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of appointment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates with a record of excellence in teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), as well as ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience working collaboratively with and/or a desire to work collaboratively with partners including the forest industry, public forest managers, state/national agencies, and professional forestry organizations, such as the California Licensed Foresters Association.
Preference will also be given to candidates with a desire to become Registered Professional Foresters.
Particular attention will be afforded to candidates who have productive records of teaching, scholarly activity, and student-involved research that would strengthen current department activities.
Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.

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