Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Salary: $90,948-$105,156/yr (Assistant Professor); $105,492-$114,720/yr (Associate Professor)
Application Due Date: Review begins 9/15/2025, but open until filled
Position Overview:
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.
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
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
See the “Apply” or “Learn More” links below for more information.
