Description

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) at Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Endowed Professorship in Wild Turkey Management, Research and Outreach. We are seeking an innovative wildlife biologist to develop a robust applied-research program in wild turkey ecology and management, with emphasis on the demographic, ecological, and management factors influencing wild turkey populations across private and public lands.

This position will operate with support from the Endowed program established to advance wild turkey science and management at MSU and through the generous contributions of the NWTF and other private donors. Consistent with current priorities in wild turkey conservation, the successful candidate is expected to develop an integrated research program addressing one or more of the following areas: 1) demographic drivers of population change, 2) habitat management and landscape ecology, 3) harvest management and season structure, and 4) disease, health, and other emerging constraints on productivity and survival.

Research should generate high-quality, peer-reviewed science and produce practical outcomes that directly inform decision-making by natural resource agencies, private landowners, and conservation organizations. Collaboration with scientists in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), MSU Extension Service, the NWTF, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), and other state and federal wildlife agencies is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to work with MSU Extension Gamebird Program to transfer research outcomes to stakeholders, inform decisions in managed landscapes, private and public lands. and support the land-grant mis-sion of MSU through teaching, research, and service.

The new team member should be able to contribute to a diverse faculty group and demonstrate how their research and teaching program will complement and enrich the department. The primary responsibilities of this position will be the development of a productive, externally funded, and nationally/internationally recognized research program; publication of high-impact journal articles; effective mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students; training of post-doctoral fellows; service on departmental, college, and university committees; participation in professional soci-eties; organization of outreach activities to stakeholders and potential donors; and teaching within the WFA program. Teaching responsibilities may include one or more undergraduate or graduate courses per semester consistent with the candidate’s appointment level, expertise, and departmental need. Additional expectations may include develop-ment of outreach programming related to wild turkey management, preparation of the annual endowed professor-ship report, coordination of collaborative research and outreach activities with partner organizations, and supervision of field, laboratory, and student research activities associated with the wild turkey research program.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. with expertise in Galliformes ecology and management. Excellence in teaching, com-munication and organizational skills, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, and a commitment to outreach, teaching and service are expected. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse science disciplines and stakeholder groups, and to work closely with regulatory agencies to support long-term partnerships. Additionally, preference will be given to a candidate that demonstrates the capacity for developing and delivering innovative Outreach programs and products. The acceptable candidate must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to effectively deliver information to various clientele groups. The candidate must be able to work in a team environment and have a strong record of de-veloping multidisciplinary partnerships to achieve educational management objectives.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street,
P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED AN ACCOMMODATION? In compliance with the Americans with Dis-abilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Mississippi State University is committed to providing equal access to employ-ment opportunities. If you have a disability and require an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or via email at ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have questions regarding this policy, you may also reach the Department of Human Resources Management using the contact information above. Upon request, sections of this job listing can be made available in alternative formats, including large print, and readers are available to assist individuals with visual impairments.