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

Classification Minimum Requirements

Candidates for this faculty rank shall be qualified for the rank of associate professor and, in addition, be a recognized national or international authority or an outstanding teacher in their field or specialization. A candidate for this rank must have a distinguished record of achievement beyond the associate professor level.

Classification Title

Chair & Prof

Job Description

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call  or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

Duties and Responsibilities: The Chair of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC) Department provides: (1) vision, support and coordination in planning, developing, and implementing departmental programs in teaching, research, and extension in accord with the Land-Grant Mission; (2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; (3) administration of the department’s human and financial resources;

and (4) promotion of external funding opportunities. The chair administers state, national, and international programs of the department. The chair fosters shared governance, as outlined in the department bylaws, evaluates faculty and staff performance, and encourages the proactive development of strategic programs. The chair represents departmental and faculty interests with administrators, other departments, and units, and outside agencies, individuals and groups in natural resources, industry, and communities.

The chair collaborates with the IFAS Senior Vice President, Deans, Associate and Assistant Deans, other IFAS Chairs and Research and Education Center Directors, and other administrators in providing leadership for delivering integrated programs to meet the needs of students, Florida agriculture, citizens of the state of Florida, Extension clientele, research sponsors, and other stakeholders.

The next Chair of the WEC Department will have the opportunity to build on the department's historic strengths in global wildlife conservation, fundamental and applied ecological research, human dimensions of wildlife management, and more. The Chair will lead at a pivotal time to position the Department at the forefront of numerous emerging challenges, from the integration of new technologies in ecological research to the development of wildlife conservation solutions in a rapidly changing world.

The Department seeks a leader with a Vision to deepen our research relevance and impact, expand internal and external partnerships, grow our extension and engagement footprint, and cultivate a culture that attracts and retains exceptional faculty, staff, and students. Together, we hope to meet the growing demand for science-driven conservation solutions and for graduates prepared to lead in wildlife ecology and conservation.

The Successful Applicant Will Be Expected To

• Direct a multidisciplinary academic department engaged in teaching, research, and extension activities at a major Land-Grant university with faculty, staff, students, and resources located throughout the state, including on main campus and at IFAS Research and Education Centers.
• Show strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student well-being, recruitment, and retention for all academic programs in WEC; foster a culture among faculty of effective teaching and mentoring.
• Show strong commitment to faculty and staff development, recruitment, and retention.
• Maintain and strengthen collaborations and partnerships, particularly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the USGS Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, as well as with agencies, NGOs, industry, and community interest groups.
• Maintain shared governance and strong collaborations among state faculty located on the main campus and at the 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.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experiences and abilities that align with the goals and operational needs of the department, as well as the enthusiasm and skills needed to encourage and support departmental personnel along the path to achieving them.

Background Information: The Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation has 25 campus faculty, 5 off-campus faculty, 28 adjunct and affiliate faculty, and 14 staff positions supporting teaching (College of Agriculture), research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station), and extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service). Research grants and contracts support another 75 plus technical positions, graduate student stipends, and post-docs. The Department offers programs leading to…