Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Operations

Cal Poly • San Luis Obispo, CA

111d • $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.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree focused on forest operations, forest engineering, and/or fuels reduction operations by start date.
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and effective communication skills.
• Ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program.
• Experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Nice To Haves

• Record of excellence in teaching and research.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience working collaboratively with the forest industry and public forest managers.
• Desire to become a Registered Professional Forester.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in support of the undergraduate Forest & Fire Sciences major including forest operations, forest management, and fuels management.
• Develop new courses that enhance curriculum and instruction.
• Conduct research in forest operations addressing climatic and conservation challenges.
• Partner with the forest industry and professional forestry organizations.
• Leverage Cal Poly's Swanton Pacific Ranch for education and applied scholarship.

Benefits

• Grade and salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Anticipated hiring ranges: Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156; Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree