LOCATION: This position is based on the MSU campus in Starkville, Mississippi. Learn more about the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at https://www.wildlifefisheries.msstate.edu/

STARTING DATE: Spring-Summer 2026

APPLICATION REVIEW: Begins December 2025; open until filled.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) at Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking a dedicated educator with expertise in wildlife ecology and applied wildlife conservation and habitat management to contribute to our growing undergraduate program.  The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture has six concentrations tailored to prepare students for diverse career opportunities: Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science; Conservation Biology; Wildlife-Agriculture Conservation; Human-Wildlife Interactions; Conservation Law Enforcement; and Wildlife Veterinary Medicine.  This position is fully focused on high-quality classroom, laboratory, and field instruction for undergraduates with expectations for scholarship in teaching and learning, (including that which incorporates undergraduate researchers). The successful candidate will:

• Teach lab-based undergraduate courses in applied ecology, conservation principles and management practices, wildlife- and fisheries-related professions, and related subjects of departmental need and candidate’s expertise.
• Develop and/or revise course curriculum to reflect current practices in wildlife management and conservation in collaboration with the departmental Curriculum Committee.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students on course selection, professional experience and careers, graduate education and related aspects of college education.
• Support experiential learning opportunities, including internships and undergraduate research.
• Develop a program of scholarship centered on undergraduate education.
• Engage with state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private landowners to ensure course content aligns with workforce needs and conservation priorities.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• D. in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field (ABD candidates will be considered if the degree will be completed by August 15, 2026).
• Experience in applied ecological research or habitat management
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching or strong potential for effective instruction, and mentoring students

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with Southeastern U.S. ecosystems and wildlife species.
• Ability to integrate field-based learning and stakeholder engagement into coursework.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to the development of all students in teaching and mentoring efforts.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and curriculum innovation.