Job Summary/Basic Function: The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) seeks qualified applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Wildlife Management starting in August 2024. Responsibilities include teaching core courses in the Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, and Natural Resource Technology degree programs each semester including courses such as Field Biology, Quantitative Biology, Mammalogy, Ornithology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or Fundamentals of Natural Resources. These are a combination of upper and lower level courses and enrollment for each is generally < 25 students. Faculty in the SNR also contribute to LSSU’s undergraduate programs through academic and career advising, mentoring students engaged in undergraduate research, advising student professional organizations, and working collaboratively with external partners to provide unique student experiences.
LSSU is a small public university located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The campus sits on the St. Marys River, the sole outflow of Lake Superior, and provides numerous educational and professional opportunities in forest conservation and natural resources management, being surrounded by forests, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. Additionally, LSSU is surrounded by three Great Lakes and many state, provincial, and national forests and parks that provide tremendous recreational opportunities and a high quality of life. LSSU offers state-of-the-art facilities for natural resources and conservation research including the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE; http://www.lssu.edu.cfre/ ), a new state-of-the-art building. The SNR and CFRE provide exceptional lab facilities, specimens, and equipment (boats, trucks, and a range of well-maintained lab and field equipment) for wildlife science education and research. The new Richard and Theresa Barch CFRE building opened in late 2021, providing expanded analytical and mesocosm laboratories, and a Great Lakes visitor’s center and discovery center for K-12 education, all along the shores of the St. Marys River. The new facility is uniquely positioned to build partnerships to advance Great Lakes education, research, and community engagement in the region.
We seek colleagues whose classroom teaching and scholarly activities employ field- and lab-based methodologies as well as quantitative approaches to wildlife management. Many areas of expertise are appropriate, but we especially are interested in those who can leverage our existing strengths and grow new opportunities for our students in wildlife ecology and management.
Success of students within the SNR stems from extensive interaction with faculty during hands-on labs, student research, and active student organizations. All students within the school are required to complete a senior research thesis and they are encouraged to present their research at regional and national scientific conferences. Faculty also work closely in advising student professional organizations, including the nationally recognized Fisheries and Wildlife Club (student sub-unit of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society), and the Conservation Biology student-led club, which is a sub-unit of the Society for Conservation Biology. The successful candidate will be expected to mentor students engaged in undergraduate research, and contribute to university service, including advising students academically, and becoming involved in professional student organizations.
Minimum Qualifications: ABD or PhD in Wildlife Management, Biology, or closely related discipline. The successful applicant should have previous teaching experience, demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high-quality research, and an interest in including undergraduates in research and providing professional opportunities for students outside of class.
Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with wildlife of northern temperate ecosystems, demonstrated excellence in research including publishing and presenting at scientific conferences, experience acquiring external funds to support teaching and research initiatives, and experience building relationships with natural resource management agencies.
Physical Demands: Be able to accompany students on field labs, actively lead and participate in field activities, be able to lift up to 40 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, and operate a 4WD truck.
Review of applications: will begin immediately and continue until filled.
Required Documents:
Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for 3 references
Transcripts
Statement of teaching interests (1 page)
Statement of research interests (1 page)
Statement of diversity and inclusion (1 page)