Position Function:
This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position at either the Assistant or Associate Professor of Forest Ecosystem Service Valuation and Assessment in the Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Departmental activities include undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and extension programs in forestry and natural resources. The Department has excellent facilities in Thompson Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University. A new multi-million dollar greenhouse complex dedicated to forestry is now in the construction phase and will provide multiple environments for a variety of studies. The MSU John W. Starr Memorial Forest, an 8,244-acre research and teaching forest, and the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and Tombigbee National Forest are near the university and are used for teaching and research activities.
Mississippi State University is a Carnegie High Research Activity institution and a land grant university which includes the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The university is located in Starkville, a beautiful college town in northeast Mississippi (www.msstate.edu/web/about).
Area of Specialization:
Forest Ecosystem Service Valuation and Assessment
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will include participation in the Department's teaching, research, and service activities. Teaching will consist of both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on the forest recreation, non-market values of forests and natural resources, along with social aspects of decision-making across various landowner groups, including small-scale properties owned by private individuals and families, large-scale industrial and institutional forest landowners (e.g., TIMOs and REITs), and publicly held forestlands. The incumbent will also be expected to develop additional courses and establish strong mentoring programs for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The successful candidate will be required to grow an interdisciplinary and extramurally funded research program that supports sustainable forest recreation and ecosystem service valuation and assessment through collaboration with faculty from forestry, wildlife, and social and spatial technology sciences. Service responsibilities will include participation in department, college, and university activities; advising student organizations; participating in student recruitment activities; and networking with forestry and natural resource stakeholders, professional organizations, and agencies. Opportunities exist for research collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and other federal and state agencies, the forestry industry, non-governmental organizations, forest landowners, and land and resource managers.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. with a specialization in forest, natural resource, ecological, or environmental economics; outdoor recreation management; forestry with specialization in social sciences (e.g., human dimensions of forestry and natural resource management); or a closely related field. Experience in using spatial technologies (e.g., GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics) to conduct research and/or provide instruction regarding forestry, natural resources, ecosystem services, and associated areas. At least one degree from a professional forestry or natural resources-related program is required. All but dissertation (ABD) applicants will be considered.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
A strong record of scholarly publications, potential to secure extramural funding, demonstrated excellence in teaching both traditional and distance learning courses, potential to develop a collaborative and interdisciplinary research program, and excellent communication skills are recommended. Strong candidates will possess a background in areas such as non-market valuation techniques, outdoor recreation planning and management, and proficiency in applying spatial technologies to analyze social aspects of landowner behavior and supply and demand for ecosystem services, among others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to work with others in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment, and excellent teaching and research skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work duties will be conducted in typical office, laboratory, and classroom environments. Some travel, outdoor research, and interaction with external stakeholders might be required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted through the Mississippi State University Careers website via the link https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/en-us/listing/ (search PARF Number 510013), where the full position description can be viewed. Applicants should complete the online application and upload PDF files of the following documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts for all degrees with social security numbers redacted (official copies will be required upon hire), a brief statement of research and teaching philosophy and interests, and contact information for three references. Questions may be directed to Dr. Robert K. Grala, Search and Screening Committee Chair, at r.grala@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
January 2, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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 ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
