The Department of Forest Management (DFM) in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana invites applications for a full-time academic year tenure-track Assistant Professor of Silviculture. The candidate will advance the DFM’s mission to provide innovation and leadership in the use of active forest management to achieve beneficial ecological and socioeconomic outcomes. This mission includes educating future forestry professionals, engaging in cutting-edge research to solve real-world problems, and contributing outward facing service to the discipline of forestry. The DFM welcomes applications from individuals with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We encourage applications from veterans, women, persons of color, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to our intellectual diversity and cultural richness.
The successful candidate will develop an extramurally funded research program and demonstrate a commitment to translating their research into applications relevant to contemporary forest management. The College’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest offers a distinctive opportunity for field-based silvicultural research, teaching, and demonstration, and candidates are encouraged to consider how this resource could support the growth of their program. Teaching responsibilities include contributions to the Society of American Foresters accredited professional B.S. Forestry curriculum. Specific courses to be taught include undergraduate and graduate courses in silviculture as well as other courses as assigned. The successful candidate will mentor graduate students at the MS and PhD level and contribute to undergraduate advising and mentoring. The successful candidate will engage in relevant service within the forestry discipline, as well as service to the department, college, and university which is expected to be scaled upon establishment of productive research and teaching programs.
For detailed information regarding faculty duties and expectations, please contact the Search Chair, Andrew Larson a.larson@umontana.edu, to request a copy of the Dept. of Forest Management Unit Standards.
Title: Assistant Professor of Silviculture
Schedule: Full-time academic year position beginning fall semester 2027
Salary: $70,000-$85,000 per year commensurate with qualifications
Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness
The Department of Forest Management comprises a multidisciplinary faculty focused on developing the foundation and tools necessary for sustainable management of forest landscapes. DFM occupies a unique position in FCFC as steward of a nationally accredited professional degree in Forestry that has served students since 1913. DFM members are active in basic and applied research with noteworthy productivity in fire and water sciences, remote sensing, biometrics, forest and fire ecology, and silviculture. DFM faculty direct the Montana Climate Office, the National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis, and the Wilderness Institute, each with significant outlays in infrastructure, grants and contracts, staff, and graduate students. DFM’s teaching, research, and outreach are enhanced by Lubrecht Experimental Forest and Bandy Ranch, both located within easy driving distance of campus in the Blackfoot Valley. FCFC is highly interdisciplinary and has multiple programs that promote collaboration across departments in both teaching and research. Additional information about the college can be found at https://www.umt.edu/environment/.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of October 25, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
To apply, please upload the following materials:
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.
Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
