[ES_JOBS_NET] Assistant Professor, Forest or Landscape Ecology and Management, Western Carolina University

[Katie Schneider]

The official posting for this position is here:  https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32314

Faculty in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources (GNR) at Western Carolina University (WCU) invite applications for two 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor positions in Forest or Landscape Ecology and Management to begin Fall 2026. The department offers academic programs in Natural Resource Conservation and Management (NRCM), Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography; all sharing a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, undergraduate research, and experiential learning.
We seek candidates with a background in forest or landscape ecology and management or a closely related field and are particularly interested in candidates with a focus on fire ecology, soil biogeochemistry, or natural resource policy. We desire candidates who can increase the instructional capacity of the NRCM program and effectively teach 4 – 5 of the following courses, in addition to a course in their area of expertise:

  *   NRM 150: Careers in Natural Resources
  *   NRM 210: Methods in Natural Resources
  *   NRM 240: Natural Resource Measurements
  *   NRM 255: Dendrology
  *   NRM 351: Forest Ecology
  *   NRM 440: Integrated Resource Management

The teaching load may also include participation in WCU's general education curriculum and other courses in the department. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, student mentoring, and providing hands-on, field-based learning opportunities for our students. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will develop a scholarly research program that engages undergraduate students and provides service to the university, profession, and community.
Qualified candidates may have the opportunity to engage with Forest Stewards, a WCU-affiliated non-profit that employs students in applied research and field-based forest stewardship initiatives across the Southern Appalachians.
Western Carolina University is a regional comprehensive university serving approximately 12,000 students and is part of the University of North Carolina System. Located in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, WCU offers unparalleled opportunities for field-based research and outdoor learning. WCU is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a Community-Engaged University and was recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Employers by State.”
The successful candidate should have a PhD in a relevant field at the time of hire; ABD candidates will be considered during the application process given that the degree will be conferred prior to the hire date of August 01, 2026. Applications must be submitted online at http://jobs.wcu.edu and include:
1) a resume/curriculum vitae,
2) a cover letter,
3) transcripts for all degrees (unofficial acceptable)
4) a statement of teaching philosophy
5) a statement of research philosophy, and
6) contact information for 4 references.

Please contact the search chair, Aimee Rockhill (aprockhill at wcu.edu) if you have specific questions about the position or see gnr.wcu.edu for more general information. Application review will begin by December 15st, 2025 and the positions remain open until filled.
Western Carolina University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, political affiliation, and National Guard or veteran status.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs at email.wcu.edu<mailto:jobs at email.wcu.edu>

Katie E. Schneider, PhD
Assistant Professor, Hydrology
Geosciences and Natural Resources Dept.
Western Carolina University | 319 Stillwell
kschneider at wcu.edu | o: 828-227-2478
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

[cid:2a82d07c-391d-4e1c-a8de-791189a55d53]
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The Western Carolina University campus is situated within the ancestral homelands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. At WCU our work seeks to embrace and connect to this Cherokee landscape as we work to reinforce our mission at WCU. We will work to actively engage our community with the extraordinary indigenous identity and culture of this special place that was once known as Two Sparrows Place.
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