Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildlife Extension

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Wildlife Extension. This position will provide statewide leadership at the intersection of wildlife science, applied research, extension education, and public engagement. The faculty member will connect Virginia Tech research with Virginia Cooperative Extension, wildlife management agencies, landowners, local governments, agricultural producers, natural resource professionals, and communities across the Commonwealth. Priority program areas could include wildlife health and wildlife-vectored diseases, human-wildlife conflict/coexistence, deer and bear management, invasive and exotic wildlife, habitat conservation in rapidly changing landscapes, and public understanding of wildlife conservation and sustainable use.

Requirements

Ph.D. in wildlife science, human dimensions of wildlife, natural resources, ecology, extension education, or a closely related field by appointment start date.
Demonstrated expertise relevant to wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict and coexistence, wildlife health, habitat management, or human dimensions.
Evidence of ability to develop and deliver research-based educational programs for professional and public audiences.
Evidence of strong potential for externally funded applied research.
Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communication, including a peer-reviewed publication record.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Cooperative Extension, state or federal wildlife agencies, landowners, local governments, or stakeholder organizations.
Graduate student mentoring experience.
For appointment at Associate Professor, a record of sustained scholarly productivity, strong record of external funding, and extension or engagement leadership commensurate with rank.

Responsibilities

Provide statewide leadership at the intersection of wildlife science, applied research, extension education, and public engagement.
Connect Virginia Tech research with Virginia Cooperative Extension, wildlife management agencies, landowners, local governments, agricultural producers, natural resource professionals, and communities across the Commonwealth.
Develop and deliver research-based educational programs for professional and public audiences.
Establish a competitive, externally funded, applied research program that supports graduate students.
Submit competitive proposals, pursue appropriate capacity and external funds, develop collaborations across the university, and produce peer-reviewed publications, extension scholarship, conference presentations, and impact reports.
Teach a 0:1 course load focused on FIW 4454 Human-Wildlife Conflicts and Coexistence.
Contribute to graduate education and mentoring through applied research and extension scholarship.
Assess stakeholder needs and develop programming and materials such as statewide workshops, webinars, field days, landowner trainings, agent professional development, publications, decision-support tools, and digital resources.
Document the impact of programming.