Assistant/Associate Professor of Watershed Management and Hydrology

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 watershed management and hydrology 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 majors of Forestry and Fire Science, Earth and Soil Science, and Environmental Protection and Management as well as new courses related to curriculum enhancement and the candidate's scholarship as needed. Emphasis for teaching in the Forest and Fire Sciences major is preferred. The teaching and scholarship area of the ideal candidate would broadly center on surface hydrology that addresses the range of economic, climatic and conservation challenges facing forests, working lands and natural environments in the western United States. These include aspects of watershed assessment, riparian ecology, watershed and stream restoration, soil erosion and control, stormwater, and stream ecology. Applicants with a demonstrated ability to partner with the forest industry, environmental consulting, agricultural industry and other 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, agricultural industry, various environmental groups, and other relevant public and private stakeholders are considered strengths.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree focused on watershed science, wildland hydrology, surface hydrology, or related field by start date.
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and effective communication skills.
• Ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program.
• Commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary settings.
• Proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Nice To Haves

• Record of excellence in teaching and research.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners in the forest industry and environmental consulting.
• Productive records of teaching, scholarly activity, and student-involved research.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in support of undergraduate majors in Forestry and Fire Science, Earth and Soil Science, and Environmental Protection and Management.
• Develop new courses related to curriculum enhancement and the candidate's scholarship.
• Conduct research in surface hydrology and related fields.
• Partner with stakeholders in the forest industry, environmental consulting, and agricultural industry.
• Leverage Cal Poly's Swanton Pacific Ranch for education and applied scholarship.

Benefits

• Rank 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