Assistant/Associate Professor of Precision Forestry

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks an Assistant/Associate Professor in Precision Forestry. This tenure-track position involves research, teaching, and service in a premier department known for its commitment to sustainable forest management. Candidates will integrate advanced technologies like remote sensing and machine learning to enhance forestry practices and educate future professionals.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Documented expertise in integrating precision technologies into forest management.
• Strong background in remote sensing, automation, and AI.
• Experience in teaching and managing graduate research programs.

Responsibilities

• Focused on the use of precision forestry technologies for forest management.
• Expected to establish a funded graduate research program.
• Engage in professional service and assist scientific societies.

Skills

Remote Sensing

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Digitalization

Education

Ph.D. in Forestry, Forest Engineering, or related field

Job description

Posting Number:

F2175P

Working Title:

Assistant/Associate Professor of Precision Forestry

Department:

Warnell-Sch Forestry & Nat Res

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is a professional school with world-class research, teaching, and outreach programs in natural resources conservation and is committed to inclusive excellence. The Warnell School is comprised of 68 faculty, 100 support staff, 265 undergraduates, and 240 graduate students (www.warnell.uga.edu). The school offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Forest Resources, Master of Natural Resources, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the areas of Forestry; Fisheries & Wildlife; Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management; and Natural Resource Management & Sustainability. The school manages over 17,000 acres of forestland across the state in support of its teaching, outreach, and research missions.

The University of Georgia (www.uga.edu) is a top 20 ranked public land/sea/space grant institution comprised of 18 schools and colleges and designated as a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1)institution with strong community engagement. Athens is a diverse community of approximately 150,000 people located less than 75 miles from Atlanta. UGA enrolls approximately 41,200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

College/Unit/Department website:

www.warnell.uga.edu

Posting Type:

External

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date:

08/01/2025

Job Posting Date:

11/01/2024

Open until filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To ensure full consideration, please apply by 5 January 2025.

Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, one-page statements of teaching and research interests, unofficial transcripts of all college-level work, and names and contact information for three references. Individuals invited for interviews will be required to have three reference letters submitted, on their behalf, directly to the chair of the search committee. University policy requires all candidates to consent to and authorize a background investigation (www.hr.uga.edu). A background investigation and request of official transcripts will be conducted on a post-offer/pre-employment basis only. The starting date is negotiable but will be no later than 1 August 2025. For additional information, please contact Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi ([e-mail]), Chair of the search committee.

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EEO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title:

Open Rank

Faculty Rank:

Open Rank

Contract Type:

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status:

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Forestry, Forest Engineering, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Position Summary:

This is a 9-month tenure track appointment with expected research, teaching, and professional service responsibilities at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA). This position will be focused on the use of precision forestry technologies, including remote sensing, LiDAR, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digitalization to improve site-specific prescriptions in forest management and advance the use of technology in forestry. The candidate will use these technologies to address diverse forest management, conservation, sustainability, forest health, and/or timber operations. The establishment and continued support of an active, externally funded graduate research program supporting M.S. and Ph.D. students in precision forestry is expected. This position will also support our undergraduate and graduate teaching missions by expanding our offerings in precision forestry. Undergraduate teaching responsibilities will begin in Fall Semester 2025. The candidate will engage in professional service by actively assisting or leading scientific societies, engaging in the peer review process, and providing service to the Warnell School and UGA committees. This position is part of a cluster hire in the general area of sustainable forestry. There will be an opportunity to collaborate with new hires in sustainable forestry, advanced forest biomaterials, and natural capital. For more information on these related opportunities, follow this link: https://warnell.uga.edu/careers.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must have documented expertise relevant to the position description with a focus on integrating precision technologies into forest management decision making. The successful candidate must have a strong background in remote sensing, automation, and/or artificial intelligence and its use to support land management and/or forest operations decision-making.

Appointment at the Associate Professor level requires a record consistent with promotion to Associate Professor at the Warnell School such as strong evidence of emerging stature as a regional/national authority, acquiring and administering external funding, ability to produce and communicate research, and excellence in teaching and working with students. Service at the Associate Professor level for at least 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

A history of working with managed forest systems would be viewed favorably. Demonstrated multidisciplinary collaborative work is preferred, with opportunities for similar continued efforts with faculty in Warnell including with the Plantation Management Research Cooperative (PMRC), Southern Pine Health Research Cooperative (SPHRC), Wood Quality Consortium (WQC), and Center for Forest Business (CFB), and across the University, especially the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture.

Strengths in oral and written communication must be evident, and evidence of excellence in teaching is preferred. Evidence of activity in research design, grant development, presentation of results at scientific meetings, and publication of results in leading peer-reviewed journals is essential.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.