SUBR | Department Chair - Urban Forestry, Environment, Natural Resources
SUBR | Department Chair - Urban Forestry, Environment, Natural Resources | Position Type: Unclassified Full Time | Salary Range: $100,000 - $105,600 |
Application Deadline: May 11, 2026
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is a full-time, 12-month salaried position (40 hours per week). The individual will: Provide strategic direction and vision for the department’s academic programs; Lead curriculum development and ensure alignment with industry trends and accreditation standards (Society of American Foresters); Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff; Foster a supportive environment for professional growth, research, and teaching excellence. Facilitate faculty development workshops and encourage participation in conferences and grant opportunities; Oversee academic advising and support services for students; Promote student research, internships, and career readiness. Ability to design and conduct independent, peer-reviewed research. Demonstrated or potential success in securing external funding. Commitment to student learning, engagement, and success. Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses effectively. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate science to non-expert audiences. Ability to build relationships with stakeholders such as city governments, non-profits, and community groups. Ability to collaborate on multi-institutional or community-based projects. Ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues, students, and staff. The successful candidate will work in a supportive academic community that values student support, applied research, and public engagement. Work is primarily performed in an office, classroom, lab, and field setting, with flexibility for off-campus research and community engagement activities. The university supports professional development and provides resources to promote faculty success in research, grant writing, and student mentorship.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strategic direction and vision for the department’s academic programs by fostering a supportive environment for professional growth, research, and teaching excellence.
- Teaching one course a semester
- Lead curriculum development and ensure alignment with industry trends and accreditation standards (Society of American Foresters)
- Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff
- Facilitate faculty development workshops and encourage participation in conferences and grant opportunities
- Oversee academic advising and support services for students while promoting student research, internships, and career readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Urban Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
- At least 2 years of leadership experience
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, student learning, scholarship/research, and service that merits appointment at the rank of tenured associate or full professor. Proven leadership, organizational, and administrative skills.
- Experience with accreditation, assessment, and program review processes. Successful record of securing external funding, grants, or partnerships. Demonstrated ability to lead change, build consensus, and inspire innovation.
- In-depth knowledge of urban forestry, arboriculture, urban ecology, or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of technology-enhanced learning, AI applications in higher education, and digital literacy. Commitment to collegiality. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
SPECIFIC PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. Frequent outdoor activities in urban forests, community sites, and training locations, which may involve walking on uneven terrain and exposure to various weather conditions. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, including equipment for workshops, training sessions, and events.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment application.
External applicants can apply here.
Current Southern University employees should apply here.
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
- A cover letter detailing experience and alignment with the role.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting expertise and accomplishments.
- Transcripts (official or unofficial).
- Three (3) professional letters of recommendation.
Point of Contact:
Dr. Renita Marshall | Vice Chancellor
College of Agricultural, Human & Environmental Sciences
A criminal background check and reference verification are required.
AAP/EEO Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions made concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.