Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Science

The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department (NRES) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a full-time academic year, tenure-track Assistant/Associate professor position in fire management in the wildland urban interface starting January 5, 2026 or August 17, 2026.

Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. The ideal candidate will show a strong ability to teach courses in support of the undergraduate Forest & Fire Sciences major such as wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire protection, wildland fire behavior, and wildland fire control. The ability and interest to increase the depth of our student body, develop new courses that enhance curriculum related to fire management in WUI systems, and instruction which bridges the candidate’s teaching and scholarship are also considered strengths.

The scholarship area of the ideal candidate would broadly center on fire science in the wildland-urban interface and we welcome candidates who’s interests address the range of economic, climatic, social, and conservation challenges facing WUI systems in the western US and Southern California in particular. Suitable research foci can include the role of WUI fuels management, emergency response planning, fire prevention strategies, and tools to estimate changes in wildfire behavior as a function of WUI management. Research programs which address WUI challenges across the whole range of impacted communities are especially encouraged to apply as are applicants with a demonstrated ability to partner with fire management agencies, forest industry, and other stakeholders to advance teaching and scholarship. The successful candidate will enter an environment with rich opportunities to collaborate with Cal Poly’s excellent student body, Swanton Pacific Ranch, university WUI initiatives, engaged regional WUI professionals, and a motivated department faculty working to enhance education, advance applied scholarship, and strengthen Cal Poly’s connection with stakeholders on WUI topics.

Grade and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156
Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Doctorate degree focused on fire sciences, wildfire modeling, or related field by start date with a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with a record of excellence in teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), as well as ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working collaboratively with partners including the forest industry, fire managers, state agencies and non-governmental organizations, to advance teaching and scholarship. Particular attention will be afforded to candidates who have productive records of teaching, scholarly activity, and student-involved research that would strengthen current department activities. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that tenure-line faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The NRES Department offers B.S. degrees in Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences, Environmental Management and Protection, and Forestry and Natural Resources, and an M.S. in Environmental Science and Management. The programs enroll approximately 750 undergraduate students and 30 graduate students and are supported by 20 tenured or tenure track faculty. The department has access to a variety of on campus and off campus field and lab resources to support hands on instruction and research, including multiple ranches and agricultural fields on campus as well as Cal Poly’s 3,000-acre Swanton Pacific Ranch in Santa Cruz county. The department also supports strong interdisciplinary collaboration across campus including faculty participation in Cal Poly’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire institute and the new Center for Organic Production and Research, among other programs.

HOW TO APPLY

Review begin date September 15, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by September 15, 2025 for full consideration; however the position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates must attach: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) statement of teaching philosophy, (5) goals and plans for research, and (6) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of reference. The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration. For additional information, please contact search committee chair Dr. Richard Cobb, rccobb@calpoly.edu .

Advertised: Jun 08 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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