Position Summary
Start Date
Aug 01, 2025
Position Description
The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in natural resources communication. This is a full-time, 9-month position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, with responsibilities in outreach (60%), teaching (35%), and professional service (5%). The successful candidate is expected to conduct applied research to support outreach and teaching programs. Individuals with expertise in the following areas are encouraged to apply: natural resources science communication, science communication, agricultural education, environmental education, or a closely related natural resources discipline.
For the outreach appointment, the successful candidate will integrate three main functions: (1) instruction and training of extension professionals and undergraduate and graduate students, (2) applied research, and (3) consultation and technical assistance to stakeholders. Instruction and training will include program design, project coordination, instructional materials development, and program evaluations. Applied research should address problems, opportunities, or issues of relevance to the outreach mission of the Warnell School (https://www.warnelloutreach.org/), meeting academic and/or professional standards, and leading to a peer-reviewed publication. The successful candidate will build collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including formal and non-formal educators, private landowners, forest industry, agricultural producers, federal and state agencies, natural resource professionals, and nongovernmental organizations. The candidate will also be expected to establish interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty in the Warnell School and across campus. In particular, the candidate is expected to collaborate with Warnell School faculty in communicating their research outcomes using innovative new media (e.g., via videos, social media, mobile apps, graphics, streaming platforms, and podcasts). The position is based in Athens, Georgia, but requires travel throughout Georgia.
For the teaching appointment, the successful candidate will teach two traditional on-campus courses per year. One course should be in their area of expertise, and the other will preferably focus on stakeholder-based science communication. The candidate will also assist with an undergraduate capstone service-learning course and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Professional service includes serving on School/University committees and actively participating in professional/scientific societies.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. degree prior to the starting date with an emphasis on natural resources science communication, science communication, agricultural education, environmental education, or a closely related natural resources discipline. Candidates should demonstrate: (1) strong oral and written communication skills, (2) scholarship through peer- reviewed publications and/or technical publications, (3) commitment and ability to conduct public outreach and teaching, and (4) willingness to work closely with stakeholders from diverse groups and with varied background knowledge of natural resources and environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated (1) proficiency in using new media for natural resources science communication; (2) ability to secure extramural funding for outreach and research programs; (3) record of developing, delivering, and evaluating training programs; (4) ability to teach coursework in science communication and/or natural resource related disciplines; and (5) ability to integrate science and stakeholder values for natural resource decision-making.
Other Requirements
Appointment at the Associate Professor level requires a record consistent with promotion to Associate Professor at the Warnell School, including strong evidence of emerging stature as a regional/national authority, securing external funding, ability to produce and communicate research, and excellence in teaching and working with students. Service at the Associate Professor level for 1-2 years is preferred for this rank.
Travel Requirements
The position is based in Athens, Georgia (USA), but requires travel throughout Georgia.
Contact Name
Yanshu Li
Contact Email
yanshu.li@uga.eduContact Phone
7066120512
Application Instructions
All applicants MUST apply online through the University of Georgia Faculty Jobs system (https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/402539). No paper applications will be accepted.
About University of Georgia
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. 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.