Assistant Professor, Natural Resources Management

Florida Gulf Coast University
United States, Florida, Fort Myers
10501 FGCU Boulevard South (Show on map)
Nov 16, 2024
Job Summary The Water School at FGCU is seeking candidates for Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies. The Water School is an interdisciplinary enterprise that brings together faculty from five colleges and schools representing 15 departments to focus on the environmental, economic, and human dimensions of coastal resilience, ecosystem integrity, health and wellbeing, and restoration and remediation. Because of its interdisciplinary structure and its connections with other colleges across campus, The Water School presents a good opportunity for professional couples looking for a new academic home. The Water School encourages nominations for and applications from qualified individuals with research and teaching interests in natural resource policy and management, broadly defined. We particularly welcome applicants with interest or experience in one or more of the following: * Natural resource management/policy within the US and/or global context, and human dimensions of natural resource management * Institutions for management of public lands and/or natural resources; history and efficacy of management policies, regulations, and programs, in the US and/or elsewhere; and the use of analytical methods for assessing resource management * Water resources management including U.S. federal, state-level, and/or tribal programs for water supply; services to underserved communities; protection and restoration of natural aquatic systems; and related. * Use of geospatial techniques to assess natural resource changes and related impacts on policy and management and vice versa. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and will be expected to develop new courses in their area(s) of interest, build a productive research program, participate on university committees, and perform other duties as assigned. They will conduct scholarship that uses appropriate methodological approaches to address challenges associated with the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources, regionally in Southwest Florida, nationally and/or internationally. They will have the opportunity to contribute to the implementation and growth of a newly established PhD program. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with faculty members within The Water School and the broader FGCU community. They will have the opportunity to work with regional natural resource managers and decision-makers, community stakeholders, and restoration practitioners to advance recommendations for conservation policy and initiatives within Southwest Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning produce peer reviewed scholarship and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region. Primary teaching responsibilities will be on the main campus. With an enrollment of nearly 16,000 students, FGCU has a main campus of 800 acres with LEED-certified buildings and 400 acres of protected habitat. The university's award-winning initiatives in education, energy production, research, and sustainable practices make us one of the nation's greenest campuses. FGCU is located in beautiful Southwest Florida, known for its beaches, resorts, nature preserves, and outdoor recreation. Located between the cities of Fort Myers and Naples, FGCU is just two hours by car from the major cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Miami, and 15 minutes from the Southwest Florida International Airport. The region is surrounded by water-important estuaries to the north, Lake Okeechobee to the east, the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay to the south, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. While it retains significant agricultural lands, the region is experiencing rapid population growth and corresponding demand for conversion of those lands for suburban, peri-urban, and exurban development. As such, FGCU provides an unparalleled setting to study all facets of natural resource management. FGCU launched The Water School on World Water Day in 2019, sending a message that the University and the State of Florida were making a significant investment in water and the environment in Southwest Florida. By bringing together faculty and staff from across the university, The Water School is addressing pressing issues of regional concern by developing sustainable solutions to ensure that future generations inherit a Southwest Florida that is full of opportunity and is renowned for its quality of life. FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies. Job Description Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Teach assigned courses and adequately perform other duties/responsibilities as articulated on the annual assignment. Hold office hours. Attend departmental meetings. Adopt course materials in a timely manner. Adopt the university learning management system. Adopt other campus-wide technology platforms as appropriate to other specified job duties. Complete mandatory/required training in a timely manner. Abide by University Policies and Regulations. Participate in the evaluation process in accordance with the CBA and related documents. Participate in the assessment process as required by your respective department. Timely and professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators Engage in essential duties with the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, excellence, and within the accepted practices and norms of your respective field/profession. Prepare syllabi and instructional materials, develop and deliver lectures, tests, and evaluate students. Engages in reflective self-assessment of teaching styles and methods to ensure consistently effective instructional performance. Ensure the timely completion and reporting of student learning assessments. Continued professional development activity is expected at a level commensurate with rank and the mission of the University. Actively participate in community, institutional, and professional service in furtherance of FGCU's mission. Attends faculty and college meetings as required. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor Participate in curriculum development and advancement of the respective program. Prepare and deliver consistent, interactive lectures that align with curriculum goals. Work collaboratively with departmental faculty to ensure curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met. Advise students and provide individual assistance to students during weekly office hours. Perform regular scholarly research and publication. Additional Job Description Required Qualifications Ph.D. or terminal degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources, Geography or related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation, or a combination of a PhD or terminal degree and a sustained record of relevant scholarly output. ABDwill be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2025. If successful candidate isABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed term contract. Demonstrated teaching experience or potential interest in teaching in some aspects of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum of programs in The Water School. Evidence of scholarly expertise related to natural resources management broadly defined. Preferred Qualifications Teaching, research, and scholarly interests that align with the programs and mission of The Water School. Teaching experience as instructor of record. Interdisciplinary teaching and research perspective. Experience with or interest in various approaches to natural resource conservation and management. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s). Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals. Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills. Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies. Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online). Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning. Special Instructions to Applicants: Appointment will be made on a 9-month continuous multi-year appointment basis available August 2025. Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request. Required Application Materials: Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy Statement of Research Interests Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Contact information for five (5) Professional References The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by November 30, 2024 will receive priority consideration. Salary commensurate with education and experience.