Assistant​/associate Professor Of Wildlife Extension

Job Description

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Wildlife Extension. The position will provide statewide leadership at the intersection of wildlife science, applied research, extension education, and public engagement. The faculty member will connect Virginia Tech research with Virginia Cooperative Extension, wildlife management agencies, landowners, local governments, agricultural producers, natural resource professionals, and communities across Virginia.

Priority program areas may include wildlife health and wildlife-vectored diseases, human-wildlife conflict and coexistence, deer and bear management, invasive and exotic wildlife, habitat conservation in rapidly changing landscapes, and public understanding of wildlife conservation and sustainable use.

The anticipated allocation is 50% extension, 35% research, 10% teaching, and 5% service.

The extension program is expected to include assessing stakeholder needs and developing research-based programming and materials, including statewide workshops, webinars, field days, landowner trainings, agent professional development, publications, decision-support tools, and digital resources. The faculty member will work closely with Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Agriculture and Natural Resource agents, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, USDA Wildlife Services, the Virginia Department of Forestry, nongovernmental organizations, and local governments.

The successful candidate will establish a competitive, externally funded applied research program supporting graduate students; submit competitive proposals beginning in the first year; develop university collaborations; and produce peer-reviewed publications, extension scholarship, conference presentations, and impact reports.

The faculty member will teach a 0:1 course load focused on FIW 4454 Human-Wildlife Conflicts and Coexistence, anticipated annually in the spring, and will contribute to graduate education and mentoring through applied research and extension scholarship.

• Ph.D. in wildlife science, human dimensions of wildlife, natural resources, ecology, extension education, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated expertise relevant to wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict and coexistence, wildlife health, habitat management, or human dimensions.
• Evidence of the ability to develop and deliver research-based educational programs for professional and public audiences.
• Evidence of strong potential for externally funded applied research.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communication, including a peer-reviewed publication record.

• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, state or federal wildlife agencies, landowners, local governments, or stakeholder organizations.
• Graduate student mentoring experience.
• For appointment at Associate Professor, a record of sustained scholarly productivity, strong external funding, and extension or engagement leadership commensurate with rank.

This is a regular, exempt appointment of 40 hours per week. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. A criminal conviction check is required.