​​Assistant Professor​

Wildland Fire Science

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Faculty of ​Environment​

​​Full-Time, Tenure-Track​

Posting #​FAESM03-23​ NA

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for a tenure-track position in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a proposed starting date of July 1, 2024.

The Department is seeking a wildland fire scientist with broad interests in forest ecology and management. Relevant research expertise should include some combination of: fire weather and fuel moisture dynamics, forest fire behaviour and modelling, fire history, fire ecology, disturbance interactions, wildfire risk and hazard assessment, fire suppression, fuel reduction treatments, and Indigenous use of fire, particularly in boreal, sub-boreal, and montane environments.

We seek candidates who will develop a vigorous, externally funded long-term research program in one or more aspects of wildland fire science and fire ecology. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in wildland fire science, wildfire ecology, forest science, plant ecology, landscape ecology, ecological restoration, disturbance ecology, physical geography, environmental science, or with relevant experience in a closely allied field such as physics or engineering.

This position provides the opportunity to be part of an active network of wildfire researchers in British Columbia and throughout western North America. There are numerous opportunities for research funding, interactions with prescribed burning and fire suppression practitioners, and to respond to community outreach needs.

As an institution committed to the fostering of an inclusive and transformative learning environment, UNBC values high quality and growth in both teaching and scholarship. UNBC’s Dept of Ecosystem Science & Management oversees BSc. undergraduate degrees in: Biology; Conservation Science & Practice; Forest Ecology & Management; Wildlife & Fisheries, and a BA. degree in Nature-based Tourism Management. Faculty supervise graduate students (Masters and Doctoral) within the Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (NRES) Graduate Program. The program resides within the Faculty of Environment, alongside the Department of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences and the School of Planning & Sustainability. UNBC is well equipped with modern research facilities, three field research stations, including two research forests.

Students graduating with our degrees have diverse knowledge and experience in ecological, operational and social/cultural dimensions of professional forestry and other management-related careers. As such, candidates with relevant professional designations and/or with significant professional experience would be considered an asset.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity

The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “he/she/they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.

Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

About the University and its Community

Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.

UNBC’s three regional campuses are located in Quesnel, Fort St. John, and Terrace. The South-Central campus in Quesnel is situated on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff Band), Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation (Kluskus Band), and Esdilagh First Nations (formerly Alexandria Band). Lhtako, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz are Dakelh First Nations, and Esdilagh is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The Peace River-Liard campus in Fort St. John is situated on the traditional territory of the Doig River, Blueberry River and Halfway River First Nations. They are the Dunne-Za people. The Northwest campus in Terrace is situated on traditional Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) territory of the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations. It includes a satellite campus in the coastal community of Prince Rupert.

UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~74,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience  and  https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.

Salary

The salary for this position will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience as per the UNBC Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The annual salary range for this position is expected to be from $84,637 to $122,736. Please refer to the link below to the Collective Agreement (Article 48) for more compensation information:

https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/facultyassociationcollectiveagreementjuly12023-june302025-revised.pdf

To Apply

Applicants should forward the following documents to [email protected] or mail to Office of the Provost quoting the posting number (#​FAESM03-23 NA​):

• cover letter indicating potential contributions to the Program;
• curriculum vitae;
• a brief statement of teaching approaches and research program;
• the names and addresses of three references (including telephone and email information); and
• the Statement of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, which can be found here: https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/statementofemploymenteligibilityjan0520221.pdf.

Voluntary Form:

• the Self-Identification from, which can be found here: https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/unbcself-idrevisedmay2022-fillable.pdf

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at [email protected].  Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Mail Submissions:

Office of the Provost, University of Northern British Columbia

3333 University Way, Prince George, B.C., V2N 4Z9

Email Submissions: [email protected]

Inquiries:

Dr. Ken Otter, Chair of Ecosystem Science & Management

[email protected]

250-960-5019

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Applications received on or before December 15, 2023, will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.