"Assistant Professor (Fire Ecology and Management)"

Job Details

Description

Assistant Professor of Fire Ecology and Management, nine (9) month, tenure track effective August 11, 2026.

This position is represented by SIU Carbondale Faculty Association/IEA-NEA. For more information regarding salary and other details please visit: https://laborrelations.siu.edu/labor-contracts.

The target salary offer for this position is $8,778.00 per month at full time.

Examples of Duties

The anticipated teaching requirements include: Fire Management, Prescribed Burn Planning, Forest Measurements, and other undergraduate and graduate level coursework. The expected teaching load is two courses in the Fall semester and two courses in the Spring semester. Additionally, involvement in the teaching of our 2-week intersession field course is expected. The incumbent is expected to advise/mentor graduate and undergraduate students and advise the Saluki FireDawgs, where students gain field experience in prescribed burning. The incumbent will be expected to develop an externally-funded research program with relevance to Illinois and the Midwest region and lead an outreach component to assist our citizens, businesses, and agencies understanding of fire management.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in forestry, forest ecology, or other closely related natural-resources field by the effective date of hire. ABD applicants will be considered if all doctoral degree requirements are completed by the time of hire.
2. Demonstrated experience or ability in teaching relevant coursework;
3. Strong communication skills and interest in instruction and advisement of undergraduate and graduate students;
4. Demonstrated ability and strong interest in collaborative research with natural resource research scientists and other natural resource professionals to develop and maintain an active research program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. In addition to the Ph.D., B.S. in Forestry from an SAF-accredited university.
2. Record of publications in refereed journals and securing of external research grants.

Required Documents

Submit a letter of application, current curriculum vitae, statement of teaching accomplishments and philosophy, statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts (official required upon hire), and complete contact information for three professional references

Contact

Eric Holzmueller, eholzmue@siu.edu

Supplemental Information

The School of Forestry and Horticulture at Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a leading academic and research unit dedicated to providing high-quality education, research, and outreach in the fields of forestry, horticulture, and environmental science. The Forestry program offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in forest management, conservation, and related disciplines. Located in Carbondale, Illinois, SIU benefits from its proximity to diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and agricultural areas, providing students with unique, hands-on learning opportunities. The school is home to active facilities and research labs, where students and faculty work together on innovative projects that address current environmental challenges, such as climate change, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.

SIU Carbondale is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status.