Description & Details:
The School of Natural Resource Sciences (SNRS) at North Dakota State University is recruiting a Rangeland Ecologist. We seek applicants for a 12-month, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of rangeland ecology and management addressing challenges associated with managing multi-functional landscapes in agroecosystems and native rangelands. Any candidates with experience doing applied research in rangelands are encouraged to apply but those with experience in the areas of plant community dynamics, grazing systems, and fire ecology will be particularly competitive. The SNRS at NDSU is comprised of four programs (entomology, natural resource management, rangeland science, and soil science) that work in collaboration to address research that can improve the livelihoods of North Dakota citizens while also contributing to the scientific community. Our faculty conduct both applied and fundamental research to address the needs of stakeholders in production agriculture and native ecosystems, seeking common ground between the two.
Currently, SNRS has 23 full-time faculty members with diverse expertise. We also have 19 research staff and strong administrative support. Facilities available to this position include a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex, laboratory space, and access to field research locations throughout North Dakota, including possible collaborations with seven Research Extension Centers.
As pressures associated with climate change and the human population continue to increase, systems are generally experiencing greater variability in the production and provisioning of ecosystem services. Specifically addressing these challenges is increasingly paramount to the stakeholders of North Dakota. We are seeking a faculty member focused on innovative solutions to mitigate these problems in rangeland systems through a position that is (80%) research and (20%) teaching. The successful candidate will develop an independent and collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and externally-funded research program focused on developing solution-based approaches for stakeholders of North Dakota. This position is expected to address numerous aspects of ecological challenges associated with plants, livestock, and wildlife populations in rangelands. This could include, but is not limited to, research related to rangeland management, disturbances (including prescribed fire), climate change, grazing systems, land use and land cover change, invasive species, energy development, and wildlife populations.
The successful candidate will provide expertise and leadership in research, teaching, and service. Responsibilities and duties include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Develop a stakeholder-driven research program in rangeland ecology that is regionally and nationally recognized
- Secure funding to support a research program which includes graduate students
- Disseminate research outputs to the scientific community and other stakeholders, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other formats
- Teach multiple courses at graduate or undergraduate level including development of courses for online delivery
- Advise undergraduate students and actively participate in graduate student training
- Provide service to the scientific community, university, and SNRS
- Actively engage with the rangeland community in North Dakota including private landowners
- Work together with other scientists to develop multi-disciplinary teams that address current and future challenges relevant to the discipline
Work Schedule:
Full-time, tenure track, 12-month (80% research and 20% teaching responsibilities)
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. degree in range science, natural resource management, ecology, or related field.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Evidence of communicating science through peer-reviewed publications in high quality journals
- Experience with rangeland disturbances, including prescribed fire and grazing
- Evidence of procuring extramural funding to support research
- High-level quantitative research skills
- History of successful collaborations
- Successful mentoring and/or management of students, technicians, or other personnel
- Service to discipline or university, including engagement with professional societies
- A commitment to working with diverse stakeholders and student populations
- Evidence of quality teaching experience
Applicant Materials Required:
The position is open until filled. For full consideration, application screening will begin in spring of 2024. Application materials must include:
- Cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae
- A research plan (maximum 3 pages) that includes how the applicant’s experience and research philosophy will allow them to establish a successful research program in North Dakota that addresses NDSU’s land grant mission, ideas for existing or potential funding, and areas of potential collaboration
- A statement describing the candidate’s teaching and mentoring, including their support of diversity and inclusion (maximum 2 pages)
- At least three professional references with contact information
- Screening will begin 4/12/24
Please direct questions to Dr. Torre Hovick, Search Committee Chair, by email at torre.hovick@ndsu.edu or phone (701) 219-3086. Applicants must submit all materials through the NDSU Human Resources portal.
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.