Environmental Science- Assistant Professor

Job no: 531677
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Fresno
Categories: Unit 3 – CFA – California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty – Natural Sciences

Environmental Science
Assistant Professor
Tenure Track
Fall 2024 (August 2024)

Fresno State invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences beginning in Fall 2024 at the Assistant Professor rank. A Ph.D. in Environmental Science with a specialization in Watershed Science, Wetland Science, Forest Ecosystems, Ecohydrology, Applied Ecology, or a closely related field, is required (ABD candidates will be considered). The successful candidate will: (1) teach, supervise, and advise undergraduate (B.S.), graduate (M.S.), and credential students in fields pertaining to the candidate’s experience; (2) conduct research/scholarly activities that lead to grant submissions, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications (Applicants’ research may involve any aspect of restoring rivers, streams, meadows, wetlands, and forests (particularly post-fire for the latter) relevant to how these interact/affect the biosphere and/or geological systems); and, (3) engage in service to the University and the community. The typical teaching load is 6 weighted teaching units (WTU) per semester for the first two years and 9-12 WTU thereafter. WTU can be bought out usually through funding by the college or external grants. Supervising undergraduate and graduate student research projects counts toward the WTU load. Finally, specific assignments are dependent on departmental needs and the background of the individual.  Specific assignments are dependent on departmental needs and the background of the individual.

Our Students: Our students come primarily from the Central Valley, but also from throughout California, the USA, and the world. Since the Environmental Science major program launched in 2009, the number of majors has quadrupled from 17 to 67 (with a peak of 76 students in Fall 2020). Over the last five years (2018-2022), enrollment in the EES Department has been steady with ~80-100 students each year. Over this same time Environmental Science majors have increased from 60-83% of our total student body, with 95% of all incoming EES students declaring Environmental Science majors in Fall 2022.

California State University, Fresno is committed to serving our students with a focus on inclusion. Fresno State has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI); and has been designated to the Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Qualifications:

Required Education (from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent):

1. An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science with a specialization in Watershed Science, Wetland Science, Forest Ecosystems, Ecohydrology, Applied Ecology, or a closely related field.
2. Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered. For appointment, the doctorate must be completed by the date of appointment (August 1, 2024).

Required Qualifications:

1. Potential for successful teaching at Fresno State, as required by the position description. This can be demonstrated by, for example: (1) previous experience teaching environmental sciences courses at the undergraduate or graduate levels, and/or (2) by discussing curriculum/teaching plans that would fit our institution and the position. Candidates should use their teaching statement to demonstrate that they have this required qualification.
2. Evidence of ability to conduct successful research related to environmental sciences. This can be demonstrated by, for example, (1) previous publications record, and/or (2) having a research plan for the next 5 years. Candidates should use their research statement to demonstrate that they have this required qualification.
3. Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Please tell us, at least, (1) how you think you would fit in a diverse environment, like Fresno State’s, and (2) what plans (and/or previous experience) you have in engaging students from typically underrepresented groups, especially in the fields of earth and environmental sciences. Candidates should use their diversity statement to demonstrate that they have this required qualification.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Successful teaching in environmental science with experience incorporating evidence-based practices.
2. Ability to teach master’s level courses in environmental science, research methods in the applicant’s field of expertise, and quantitative research practicum.
3. Publication record in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with experience and/or involvement in research related to environmental science.
4. Potential to successfully obtain external funding.
5. Potential for leveraging the local surroundings (e.g., Sierra Nevada and/or the Central Valley) in teaching and research.
6. Potential for community engagement related to the applicant’s field of expertise.

Application Procedures:  To ensure full consideration, applicants should submit all application materials by December 31, 2023; if it chooses, the committee may review applications submitted after this date. Review of applications will begin on January 16, 2023 and may continue until the position is filled.   This position automatically closes on March 31, 2024. Note: All positions at Fresno State are subject to funding availability.

Apply online at:  http://careers.csufresno.edu

Attach the following:

1. Letter of interest or cover letter specifically addressing both required and preferred qualifications.
2. Current curriculum vitae that includes at least three professional/academic references with their contact information.
3. Teaching statement/philosophy, including how the candidate’s teaching would enhance the existing curriculum.
4. Research statement, including how the candidate’s research would complement or synergize our existing areas of inquiry.
5. Statement addressing your commitment to working with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds (that is, a diversity statement).

Candidates invited for an on-campus visit must submit by mail/e-mail within the designated deadline.  The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items:

1. Three current letters of recommendation (dated within 12 months).
2. Official transcripts

Committee Information and Search process:

Search Chair:   Dr. Mathieu Richaud
                      Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences
                      College of Science and Mathematics
                      Email: mathieu@csufresno.edu

About Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is an engaged University. We focus on broadening students’ intellectual horizons, fostering lifelong learning skills, developing the leaders of tomorrow, promoting community involvement, and instilling an appreciation of world cultures. We nurture cultural competence by celebrating the rich diversity of the campus community and welcoming the participation of all. Members of the University community work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Fresno County is the heart of California and home to a diverse community, having something to offer to everyone: from thrilling outdoor adventures to the Central Valley heartland of farm-to-fork dining. Fresno is close to three national parks—Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, as well as within several hours from San Francisco, Angeles, and the California coast, while at the same time being very affordable. For information on the University’s commitment and dedication to creating a university known for its integrity, civility, equity, respect, and ethical behavior, visit: http://www.fresnostate.edu/academics/diversity

The campus is ranked 36^th in the nation by Washington Monthly; ranked 3^rd by U.S. News & World Report in graduation rate performance for public institutions; and, ranked 41^st in the nation in MONEY Magazines 50 Best Public Colleges.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Anticipated hiring range is $6,167-$6,334 per month for Assistant Professor (12 monthly payments per academic year).  As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package.

The campus is classified as an R2 “Doctoral Universities – High research activities” university per the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. [Note: The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences does not confer Ph.Ds.] Tenure-Track Faculty members gain a clear path to tenure through the University’s Probationary Plan Process. For additional information, please visit:   www.fresnostate.edu/academics/facultyaffairs/procedures/facultyrtp/. We value our commitment to the success of our faculty by providing services from the Center for Faculty Excellence to Research and Sponsored Programs.

About the College and Department:

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences consists of 9 faculty, ~25 graduate students and ~100 undergraduate environmental science majors and geology majors. We offer B.S. degrees in Environmental Science and Geology, a B.A. in Natural Science with an Earth Science option (i.e., a teaching credential), as well as an M.S. in Geology (an M.S. in Environmental Sciences is in the works). Our faculty cover a broad range of research fields including Quaternary geology, paleontology, tectonics, paleomagnetism, structural geology, petrology, wildfire research and forest management, sedimentary geology, engineering geology, geomorphology, paleoclimatology, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and hydrogeology. An undergraduate thesis is one of the possible capstone projects (along with internships) in our department, so students are active in geoscience/environmental science research and commonly present their research at international conferences (e.g., AGU, GSA). As noted above, our faculty are research-active in mostly earth-centered scientific fields. We are seeking an expert in the conservation, restoration, and management of riparian and aquatic ecosystems, as well as forest ecosystems, and how these are impacted by climate change, drought, forest fire, soil loss, stream incision, and various other human impacts. Furthermore, this position aims to support our growing Environmental Science program, to create interdisciplinary classes and research within our department and College, and to address the growing demand for openings in the environmental sector.

The College of Science and Mathematics has a diverse and accomplished group of over 150 faculty members who engage in disciplinary as well as interdisciplinary research collaborations in engineering, agriculture and social science. California State University, Fresno is conveniently located in the center of California with short travel distances to many research institutions and to several State and National Parks including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, as well as U.S. National Forests and Wilderness Areas.

Territorial Acknowledgement:

The Fresno State campus sits in the midst of the San Joaquin Valley, a valley rich in the traditions and representation of Native American peoples and cultures. We are grateful to be in the traditional homelands of the Yokuts and Mono peoples, whose diverse tribal communities share stewardship over this land.

Other Campus Information:

In compliance with the Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, California State University, Fresno has made crime-reporting statistics available to applicants, students, and employees online at www.fresnostate.edu/police/clery/index.shtml.  Print copies are available by request from the Campus Police Department.

A background check (including criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily for this position. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn, or employment may be terminated based upon the results of the background investigation.

The person holding this position is considered a “limited reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment. You can obtain a copy of this Executive order by accessing the following website: http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1083.html.

California State University, Fresno is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click http://fresnostate.edu/adminserv/smokefree/index.html

California State University, Fresno is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Out of State Employment
Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.

Advertised: Sep 11 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Mar 31 2024 Pacific Daylight Time