Job Description

General Summary:

In alignment with the Salish Kootenai College (SKC) Mission Statement and College Vision, the Division of Natural Resources seeks to hire a Wildland Fire Instructor with expertise in fire science, land management, and environmental stewardship. A Masters- or PhD-level hire would serve much the same role, except where “Graduate Faculty” indicates additional PhD-level duties in this document. The ideal candidate will possess both theoretical and practical expertise in wildland fire management and education, focusing on fire behavior, fuel management, and the application of technology in fire science. This position involves developing and teaching courses that empower students to utilize fire management techniques and technologies in real-world contexts and assisting in department duties as required (e.g. student advising; actively seeking additional funding to support the department; mentoring and overseeing student research as necessary and appropriate; assisting with curricular scheduling; assisting with departmental assessment; serving on college committees)

The successful candidate will join an established team engaged in natural resource management, working alongside departments such as Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, and Hydrology. This is an opportunity to strengthen existing offerings, meet regional needs, and advance applied research through Tribal and community partnerships that recognize wildland fire management as a critical and growing area of focus.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Course Development and Instruction:

• Serve as program lead for the Wildland Fire degree option within the SKC Forestry Dept.

• Develop and teach courses in the Natural Resource Division, particularly within Wildland Fire Science, integrating theoretical and applied techniques for effective land and fire management.

• Collaborate across departments to create stand-alone trainings and stackable credentials (certificates, AS, BS) and incorporate hybrid/online methods to support diverse students, including high school students and current professionals in wildland fire management.

• Teach selected undergraduate Natural Resource courses as appropriate and needed.

• Incorporate student learning outcomes and department objectives into the curriculum in accordance with SKC's mission and department goals.

• Integrate culturally relevant materials into coursework, focusing on issues related to Native experience, Indigenous methodology, and Indigenous research methods.

  • Graduate Faculty Duties:

    • Teach a minimum of 2 graduate courses per term. This position would also teach undergraduate and/or CTE classes as needed and assigned.

    • Serve on and/or Chair graduate student committees or advise students on practice-based projects related to wildland fire management and faculty member’s expertise.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation:

• Lead data collection using field methods and technological applications related to wildland fire.

• Teach students how to process and analyze data with industry appropriate tools such as fire modeling software, conducting applied research in fire management and land use.

Student Engagement, Advising, and Support:

• Mentor and advise students, particularly those from Indigenous and underrepresented backgrounds, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through projects and internships in wildland fire management.

• Assist with information, outreach, and recruitment initiatives for the Natural Resources Division. Work with Enrollment Services to maintain accurate institutional records.

Curriculum Integration and Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with faculty to integrate fire management techniques into interdisciplinary courses across Natural Resources and related programs.

• Work with tribal organizations to align courses and research with community needs, providing training on land management and conservation practices.

Research and Professional Development:

• Support research on community needs in wildland fire management, seeking funding for applied data collection, and staying current with advancements in fire science technologies.

Outcomes Assessment:

• Assist in the preparation of yearly departmental outcomes and assessment reports, collecting and supplying coursework outcomes assessment and evaluation data.

• Support the completion of program reviews (every 4 years).

Other Responsibilities:

• Participate in SKC committees and attend general staff meetings and professional development sessions.

• Maintain timely and correct paperwork, including quarterly book orders, time and leave reports, grades, syllabi, office hours, and other administrative forms.

• Model professional working relationships for students, including effective communication, organizational skills, and teamwork.

• Adhere to SKC administrative policies and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

For Master's Level:

• Master’s Degree in Forestry, Wildland Fire Science, or a closely related field.

• Experience in wildland fire management, including data collection, analysis, and application.

• Experience teaching undergraduate courses in fire science or natural resources, with the ability to integrate theoretical and applied methodologies.

• Strong ability to collegially collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners within the Division of Natural Resources and beyond.

• Experience or a strong interest in working with Native students or Indigenous communities.

• Experience with grant writing and/or grant management in related areas

• Experience providing place-based, culturally relevant course content is preferred

For Ph.D. Level (in addition to above qualifications)

• Doctorate degree in Forestry, Wildland Fire Science, or a closely related field.

• Ability to teach graduate courses in wildland fire science or natural resources

• Established record of research with at least one year of experience in wildland fire management, including graduate research.

To apply you must submit an SKC application, cover letter, resume and applicable transcripts to Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855 or email [email protected][email protected]Your application must include evidence that you have the skills, experiences and abilities indicated in this announcement. Applicants are asked to provide copies of academic transcripts and any other educational, training or applicable credential or license, which may support your application for this position. The information you provide with your application and resume will be used as deciding factors in our employment process.

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