Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Silviculture

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks a tenure-track scholar to advance sustainable management of southern forest systems through teaching, research, and engagement with students, landowners, and industry. The position is a full-time, 9-month appointment at Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level; salary determined by qualifications and experience.

The candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program, teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Forestry or a closely related field with emphasis on forestry.
• All but dissertation (ABD) applicants will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
• Desirable expertise includes silviculture and forest ecosystem management in southern forest systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program aligned with departmental strengths.
• Teach undergraduate courses such as Forest Ecology and Forest Fire; offer graduate courses in silviculture topics.
• Advise undergraduate students and mentor graduate students in MS in Forestry and PhD in Forest Resources.
• Engage with landowners, industry partners, and agencies to extend outreach and impact.

Skills

Silviculture knowledge

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Student mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Forestry or related field

ABD considered

Job description

Position Function:

The Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University seeks a scholar who will contribute to advancing sustainable management of southern forest systems through innovative teaching, research, and engagement with students, public and private landowners, and industry. This is a full‑time, 9‑month, tenure‑track position at either the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level within the College of Forest Resources and Forest and Wildlife Research Center. The level of appointment and/or rank and salary will be commensurate with the individual’s qualifications, background, and experience.

Salary Grade

UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Departmental activities include undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and extension programs in forestry and natural resources. The Department has excellent facilities in Thompson Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University. A new multi-million dollar greenhouse complex dedicated to forestry is now in the construction phase and will provide multiple environments for a variety of studies. The MSU John W. Starr Memorial Forest, an 8,244 acre research and teaching forest, and the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and Tombigbee National Forest are near the university and are used for teaching and research activities. Mississippi State University is a Carnegie High Research Activity institution and a land grant university which includes the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The university is located in Starkville, a beautiful college town in northeast Mississippi (www.msstate.edu/web/about).

Area of Specialization:

Silviculture

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 1, 2027.

Tenure Track Status:

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to have a broad base of knowledge regarding natural and plantation silviculture. Initial teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate courses such as Forest Ecology and Forest Fire. Potential graduate courses could include Ecological Silviculture, Silviculture for Multiple Ecosystem Services, or similar subject matter. The specific teaching assignments will be determined upon appointment, aligning the successful candidate's expertise with departmental priorities. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program that complements existing departmental strengths. Extensive opportunities exist for field and experimental research through the University’s forest properties, regional partnerships, and forestry greenhouse research facility. Opportunities exist for research collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, other federal agencies, the Mississippi Forestry Commission, other state agencies, forest industry, resource managers, and private landowners. The successful candidate will recruit and mentor graduate students through the Department's on‑campus and/or online MS in Forestry and PhD in Forest Resources programs. Additional responsibilities will include advising undergraduate students and participating in university and professional service activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Forestry or a closely related field, such as Natural Resources, with an emphasis on forestry. All but dissertation (ABD) applicants will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least one degree from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters is preferred. Desired expertise includes silviculture and forest ecosystem management in southern forest systems. Competitive applicants may have experience in one or more of the following areas: plantation silviculture; hardwood silviculture; fire ecology and prescribed burning; forest restoration; quantitative silviculture and growth and yield; regeneration ecology; forest health; tree improvement; or management of mixed‑species forest systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse science disciplines, and stakeholder groups, and to work closely with regulatory agencies to support long‑term partnerships. The candidate must be able to work in a team environment and have a strong record of developing multidisciplinary partnerships to achieve educational management objectives.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable. Injuries may require professional treatment.

Screening Date:

January 15, 2027, until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.