Professor and Chair - Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC)

Professor and Chair – Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC)

Job No: 539475 |
Work Type: Full Time |
Location: Main Campus, Gainesville, FL |
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

The Chair of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department provides vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing, and implementing departmental programs in teaching, research, and extension in accord with the Land-Grant Mission. The Chair leads recruitment and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; administers departmental human and financial resources; and promotes external funding opportunities. The Chair fosters shared governance, evaluates faculty and staff performance, collaborates with university administration and external partners, and represents the department in statewide and national initiatives.

• Direct a multidisciplinary academic department engaged in teaching, research, and extension activities at a major Land-Grant university.
• Show strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student well‑being, recruitment, and retention.
• Show strong commitment to faculty and staff development, recruitment, and retention.
• Maintain and strengthen collaborations and partnerships, especially with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the USGS Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and with agencies, NGOs, industry, and community groups.
• Maintain shared governance and strong collaborations among state faculty on campus and at IFAS Research and Education Centers.
• Serve as a bridge between university, faculty, and staff to ensure compliance and effective operations, including continued professional development for self and employees.
• Show commitment to international programs.

• An earned doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in ecological science, wildlife, or a related natural resources discipline.
• A record of outstanding scholarly achievement and professional activities related to teaching, research, extension, and/or industry that qualifies the individual to be a tenured full professor in the WEC Department.
• A record of effectively mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated ability to direct interdisciplinary, grant‑funded fundamental science and applied research.
• Effective administrative leadership and managerial skills in defining objectives; developing strategic approaches to planning; managing human, fiscal, and physical resources; motivating people; and facilitating mentoring and retention.
• Demonstrated leadership in outreach to and engagement with varied interest groups including industry, agencies, NGOs, community, and others.
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing and managing entrepreneurial opportunities, private fundraising, grants, and other external funds in support of teaching, research, and extension.
• Demonstrated ability to interact well with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external interest groups at local, state, federal, and international levels.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

• International program experience and continued engagement with global conservation initiatives.

Expected Salary:
Commensurate with education and experience.

University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.