About This Role:

Natural resources conservation and management in the United States is largely funded by activities centered around hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. Participation in these activities is growing and businesses supporting these recreational pursuits contribute millions of dollars to local and national economies. The Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management (WOEM) program in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources at Kansas State University is a unique discipline that trains undergraduate students to be leaders in the outdoor industry (e.g., hunting and fishing operations, shooting sports management, and/or habitat management enterprises) while also providing science-based instruction in applied natural resources management. Our graduates use their combined training in natural resources management and business/entrepreneurship to become leaders in the outdoor industry, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies.

We are recruiting an Instructor/Teaching Assistant Professor to contribute to undergraduate education in WOEM. This position will be a 12-month appointment and will be divided among teaching (80%) and research (20%) activities.

Teaching (80%):

-The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in WOEM which may include: Introduction to WOEM, Senior Seminar, Upland Gamebird Management, Big Game Management, Fauna and Flora of the Great Plains, Rifle and Handgun Range Design, and other courses as needed.

-Contribute to student recruitment, advising, and professional development of WOEM undergraduate students.

-Advise or co-advise the WOEM Club.

-Organize and execute the annual program assessment for WOEM.

 Research (20%):

The research responsibilities for this position will depend on whether the successful candidate has a M.S. or Ph.D. degree.

For candidates with a M.S. degree:

-Collaborate with the other WOEM faculty to advance the WOEM applied research program. Assist with grant-writing, data collection, data analysis, and writing publications.

-Depending on the candidate, independent research projects may be pursued.

For candidates with a Ph.D. degree:

-Develop an externally funded research program in an area of applied wildlife management.

-Mentoring of graduate students is encouraged. Advising 1-2 graduate students at a time would be appropriate for this appointment.

-Publish research in peer-reviewed, national and international journals.

Service:

-Serve on departmental and college committees as needed.

-Service associated with applied wildlife management is expected, including  involvement with professional organizations.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources originated in 1871 making it one of the oldest departments at Kansas State University. Today, as our mission statement underscores, we are committed to educating outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, contributing significant research results to solve problems associated with our disciplines, and providing our constituencies across the state, region and nation with excellent extension programs.

Our diverse department conducts its activities at a variety of locations with facilities on the main campus in Manhattan and outlying research and education centers.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits 

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion.  The University actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.  The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned M.S. degree by the time of employment in wildlife management, or a related field.

• Experience in wildlife management, or a related field.

• Commitment to excellence in teaching.

• Experience with research in wildlife management.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work as a contributing team member.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. degree by the time of employment in wildlife management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate students in wildlife management, or a related discipline.

• Experience with developing online courses and teaching online.

• Experience with pursuing external grant funding.

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary topics related to WOEM.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Letter of application addressing the position description, your qualifications and experience
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Complete contact information for at least three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until filled. For best consideration apply by May 01, 2024.  

Anticipated Start Date:

July 2024

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$75,000-$80,000 for candidates hired at Instructor level

$85,000-$90,000 for candidates hired at Teaching Assistant Professor level

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.