The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System invites applications for an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist position in invasive plant management with an expected start date of August 2025. This position is a tenure-track, 12-month appointment, with 65% Extension and 35% research. The position will be responsible for developing an extramurally funded extension and applied research program addressing the identification, prevention, and control of non-native and/or invasive plants in non-agricultural systems. Additional expertise in the application of herbicides and other control techniques and methodologies is highly desirable.

The successful candidate is expected to work independently and in collaboration with other faculty and professionals in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, and other relevant natural resource partners to: (1) develop and implement extension programming focusing on identification, prevention, and control of non-native/invasive plants in non-agricultural systems, (2) work with stakeholders to develop applied research to address the information needs regarding non-native/invasive plant species management in Alabama and the Southeast region, (3) serve in technical support and leadership roles for Regional Extension Agents (REAs) and external partners including state and federal agencies, forest industry, and non-governmental conservation organizations.

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (cfwe.auburn.edu) is a national and international leader in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources programs and the flagship institution of Alabama’s forest, wildlife, and natural resources-related enterprises, a significant component of the State’s economic and employment contributions and impacts valued at more than $30 billion. The College is home to eight undergraduate degree programs and nearly 500 undergraduate students. Graduate student enrollment is more than 160 students and there is a total of 44 research, teaching, and extension faculty.

Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles from the state capital (Montgomery).

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES; www.aces.edu) is the primary Extension organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University in cooperation with Tuskegee University. ACES is dedicated to delivering research-based educational programs designed to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Each of Alabama’s 67 counties is home to an Extension Office supported by Regional Extension Agents across the state, and Specialists at both partner universities.