Employer: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Virginia Pol

Description:The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University invites nominations and applications for the position of Extension Specialist, Fisheries Science. This 12-month continued appointment track position will be filled at the Assistant Professor rank. The Extension Specialist works closely with fellow faculty at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to develop, offer, and evaluate fisheries and aquatic ecosystem management programs. The specialist works extensively with citizens, planners, local decision makers, non-governmental organizations, and state and federal agencies to incorporate considerations for fisheries and aquatic resources into land-use and water-use plans and daily decisions. The specialist will be expected to develop a nationally recognized education program that will attract extramural funds. Collaboration with ongoing research projects and educational programs requiring expertise in fisheries, aquatic ecology, and watershed and pond management are expected. The research and education program must provide a supportive environment for successful delivery at the local and regional level by Extension educators working in counties and cities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Position Responsibilities: Develop educational materials, tools, and programs to assist individuals and communities in improving the management of aquatic living resources. Assist extension agents in the development and delivery of research-based programs related to fisheries, land, and water resources education. Serve as an informed and competent fisheries and aquatic ecosystems specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension with knowledge of state and national issues. Guide program leadership teams in the development of fisheries-related plans of work, agent in-service training, annual reports, and program reviews. Work in close partnership with specialists in Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure delivery of comprehensive and coordinated programs. Develop positive working relationships with faculty throughout Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, involving them in mutually beneficial programs for people living and working in Virginia's communities. Support and participate in a vibrant applied research program focused on emerging issues in fish, fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems. Garner external financial support for the program through extramural funding and partnerships.

Location: Blacksburg

Qualifications: Candidates must hold an earned doctorate in Fisheries Science or a related discipline. Candidates are expected to show evidence of the potential to establish and maintain a productive education and research program in fisheries and aquatic ecosystems management that will lead to continued appointment. Candidates must have strong communication skills and demonstrated teaching expertise, either formal or non-formal. Candidates must have the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, along with a commitment and sensitivity to issues of diversity in communities and on campus. Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate an appreciation of the mission of a land-grant university or extension education programming potential or experience. In particular, we seek candidates with research and grant-writing experience and creativity in addressing applied problems in aquatic ecosystems, including invasive species, land-water interactions, pond and stream management, water quality, aquaculture, and volunteer and community building. Preference also will be given for experience reaching out to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and businesses in transmitting research findings and a willingness and ability to work in a high-tech environment, such as computer-aided instruction, distance learning, video-conferencing, collaborative research using electronic networks, and on-line instruction.

Misc:

Documents: Virginia Cooperative Extension is a dynamic organization that builds on the strengths of Virginia's agriculture, natural resources, families, and community heritage and enables people to shape their future through research-based educational programming. This mission is accomplished by over 600 faculty and staff located in 107 field offices, six district offices, six 4-H educational centers, 13 agricultural research and extension centers, and academic colleges of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. The Fisheries Extension Specialist works with local, state, and area groups to develop and provide needs-driven programs and has an academic home in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences (www.fishwild.vt.edu). The Department has a long history of excellence in fostering research and educational programs and hosts a number of cooperative units, including the U. S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit, the U. S. National Marine Fisheries Service Research, Training and Recruitment Unit, and the U. S. Forest Service Coldwater Fisheries Research Unit. The Department is administered within the College of Natural Resources

Address: Applicants are required to complete the faculty application online at https://www.jobs.vt.edu , posting #071305, and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a list of three references with contact information, and a statement of extension philosophy as an attachment to the on line application. Academic transcripts will be required of the selected candidate. Direct inquiries to: Dr. Donald J. Orth, Thomas H. Jones Professor 106 Cheatham Hall (0321)
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321 Telephone: (540) 231-5919 Fax: (540) 231-7580

Website:

Salary: Commensurate with experience and training

Benefits:

Deadline: February 01, 2008