Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildlife Extension

About the role

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Wildlife Extension. This position will provide statewide leadership at the intersection of wildlife science, applied research, extension education, and public engagement. The faculty member will connect Virginia Tech research with Virginia Cooperative Extension, wildlife management agencies, landowners, local governments, agricultural producers, natural resource professionals, and communities across the Commonwealth. Priority program areas could include wildlife health and wildlife-vectored diseases, human-wildlife conflict/coexistence, deer and bear management, invasive and exotic wildlife, habitat conservation in rapidly changing landscapes, and public understanding of wildlife conservation and sustainable use.

Responsibilities

• Allocation: 50% extension, 35% research, 10% teaching, 5% service.
• Extension program: assess stakeholder needs and develop programming and materials (statewide workshops, webinars, field days, landowner trainings, agent professional development, publications, decision‑support tools, digital resources) and document impact.
• Collaborate with Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Agriculture and Natural Resource agents, and partners such as the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, USDA‑Wildlife Services, Virginia Department of Forestry, NGOs, and local governments.
• Establish a competitive, externally funded applied research program that supports graduate students.
• Submit competitive proposals beginning in year one, pursue capacity and external funds, develop university collaborations, and produce peer‑reviewed publications, extension scholarship, conference presentations, and impact reports.
• Teach a 0:1 course load focused on FIW 4454 Human‑Wildlife Conflicts and Coexistence (spring annually) and contribute to graduate education and mentoring through applied research and extension scholarship.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in wildlife science, human dimensions of wildlife, natural resources, ecology, extension education, or a closely related field by appointment start date.
• Demonstrated expertise relevant to wildlife management, human‑wildlife conflict and coexistence, wildlife health, habitat management, or human dimensions.
• Evidence of ability to develop and deliver research‑based educational programs for professional and public audiences.
• Evidence of strong potential for externally funded applied research.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communication, including a peer‑reviewed publication record.

Qualifications

• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, state or federal wildlife agencies, landowners, local governments, or stakeholder organizations.
• Graduate student mentoring experience.
• For appointment at Associate Professor: a record of sustained scholarly productivity, strong record of external funding, and extension or engagement leadership commensurate with rank.

Overtime Status: Exempt (not eligible for overtime). Appointment Type: Regular. Hours per week: 40. Review Date: 10/15/2026. Additional Information: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.