Assistant/Associate Professor of Forestry

The New Mexico Highlands University Department of Forestry invites applicants to fill one or more nine-month, tenure-track faculty positions beginning as early as August 2027.

The successful candidates will be responsible for teaching a range of forestry and natural resources management courses per academic year; conducting research and scholarship that engages both undergraduate and graduate students; serving the University, professional organizations, and the broader community of natural resources stakeholders; advising Forestry Department students; contributing to the modernization and improvement of the Forestry and Conservation Management curricula; participating in the Forestry Department’s outcomes assessments, aiding in the maintenance of Society of American Foresters (SAF) accreditation, and establishing and maintaining relationships with industry, tribal, governmental, and non-governmental partners. Preferred areas of specialization include tree ecophysiology, forest ecohydrology, water resources or watershed management. Regardless of specialty, individuals with proficiency in plant production and forest nursery management, applied forest ecology, and forest management and GIS are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is part of the NMHU College of Arts and Sciences’ initiative to strengthen its Forestry Department’s teaching and research capabilities. The College of Arts and Sciences, housed within a Hispanic Serving Institution, is dedicated to creating a climate of engagement, diversity and inclusion, and providing pathways for students from underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers. All applicants should have a demonstrated willingness to work collaboratively with faculty from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and academic backgrounds and to advise and teach an undergraduate and graduate student body that is diverse with respect to socio-economic status, culture, and career path.

The successful candidate will be expected to seek and acquire external research support and collaborate with universities, state and federal government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in the areas of specialization.

The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute, which is housed on NMHU’s main campus, utilizes NMHU faculty members and students in projects throughout the state. NMHU Forestry faculty also regularly collaborate with the faculty and staff of New Mexico State University's (NMSU) John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center in Mora, NM, as well as the New Mexico Reforestation Center, with facilities and operations in both Mora, NM and on NMHU’s Las Vegas campus. Building upon our current strengths, the incumbent will be expected to contribute to the development of a nationally recognized education, research, and outreach program focused on forest or wildland fire management and/or forest or wildland ecosystem health. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability or willingness to concentrate on these themes in relation to Southern Rocky Mountains and Southwestern ecosystems. NMHU has strong ties with the USDA Forest Service, USDOI Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, NM Forestry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and other private and non-governmental organizations and is growing its international footprint.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a natural resource management field such as Forestry, Biology, Ecology, Forest Management, Entomology, Ecosystem Sciences or a closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in forest hydrology, ecohydrology, aquatic ecology, ecophysiology, or watershed science and management. Ability to teach more than one of the following types of classes: ecophysiology, plant production, water resources, aquatic ecology, watershed management, limnology or GIS (links to the undergraduate and graduate student catalogs can be found at: https://www.nmhu.edu/highlands-university-catalogs/). Candidates with experience working in interdisciplinary teams. Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, and various modeling software applications commonly used in Wildlife and Forestry (for example, Forest Vegetation Simulator, Linear Programming, MaxEnt) as well as traditional office technologies. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. Experience with the delivery of field intensive courses. Applicants with a B.S., M.S, or M.F. in Forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters in combination with the above expertise will be preferred.

Preferred Skills

Understanding of ecohydrology, tree ecophysiology, forest hydrology, or water resources, preferably with expertise in tree seedling physiologyand applied forestry.

Proficiency in data management, spatial analysis, and remote sensing.

Skill in using technology to deliver web-based and face-to-face courses.

Skill in active learning techniques.

Ability to effectively communicate both in writing and speech.

Ability to direct students in accomplishment of tasks and courses.

Ability to effectively work in a team.

Ability to be a community partner.

Ability to interface well with other science disciplines at NMHU in collaborative efforts.

Ability to bring current research into the classroom to show the application of natural resources concepts and practices to real world problems.

Ability to work well and safely with students in classroom, laboratory, and field environments.

Ability to engage graduate students from various undergraduate majors and cultural backgrounds to design a thesis or field project that shows their ability to conduct technical research and effectively communicate results to professional and lay groups.

Physical Demands:

Walking and carrying equipment in steep, rugged landscapes.

Operation of computer equipment in an office setting.

Able to lift 75 pounds.

Can tolerate outdoor temperature extremes within OSHA guidelines.

May sometimes work in smoky, dust-laden air because of work near fires.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following through the PayCom application portal. All statements are limited to two pages maximum (single-spaced, 11–12 pt font, 1-inch margins). Materials over the limit may not be reviewed in full.

1. Cover Letter (2 pages max). Explain your interest in and qualifications for the position. Describe how your expertise fits the posting. Address the required and preferred qualifications listed above.

2. Curriculum Vitae.

3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2 pages max). Describe your approach to teaching and how you help students learn.

4. Statement of Research Interests (2 pages max). Describe your research program or planned research program and its importance.

5. Contact information for three professional references. Include name, title, institution, email and phone. References will be contacted only for finalists.

6. Unofficial transcripts for all degrees. Official transcripts are required at hire.

Review of applications begins Nov 2nd and continues until the position is filled.