Fire Meteorologist and Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor  

The Institute of Atmospheric Sciences (IAS) at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is seeking a scientist with demonstrated expertise in the area of fire meteorology and the application of fire meteorology for the operational management of wildfires. The person who fills this position will be part of a fire management team in the State of South Dakota. During the fire season (normally the summer months), the person will focus on developing improved predictions of the susceptibility of forest, grassland, and agricultural ecosystems to wildfires, and the monitoring and analysis of RAWS and other real-time data. Of highest priority will be participation in the control of active fires and controlled burns by providing meteorological information, site-specific weather forecasts and participation in the formulation of strategies to control developing wildfires (Incident Meteorologist). This will require skill in coordination across Local, State and Federal jurisdictions as an integral member of an interdisciplinary fire management team. During the academic year the successful candidate will function as a faculty member within the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, at the Instructor, Assistant, Associate or Professor level, depending on qualifications. The position will require an individual who can teach a course in Wildfire Meteorology and/or other courses in the atmospheric sciences, recruit and interact with graduate and undergraduate students in Atmospheric and related Science programs of the School, and who can work effectively in an interdisciplinary academic setting. Specific topics for the Wildfire Meteorology course may include fire ecology, combustion, fire behavior, fire danger, mountain meteorology, fire spread, fire suppression and the use of fire management software programs. The development of an active research program in the employee's area of expertise is encouraged. Position will start as soon as possible. Persons interested in applying should possess a minimum of a MS degree in atmospheric sciences or a related discipline by the start of the appointment. A Ph.D. is preferred, but not required. Additional requirements include the completion of the S-190, S-290, S-390, and S-490 wildfire training courses (or equivalent) at the time of employment, or within 2 years after employment. This is a 12-month, benefited, non-tenure track, term faculty position.

The School of Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. To apply for this position, applicants must apply on-line at http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt/employment. If you need an accommodation to the on-line application process, please contact Human Resources (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin July 27, 2009, and will continue until the position is filled.  

The Department of Atmospheric Sciences offers an MS degree in Atmospheric Sciences and interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. The faculty is comprised of individuals with expertise in the fields of atmospheric electricity, cloud and precipitation physics, micro-scale and mesoscale meteorology, hydrometeorology, remote sensing, ecology, analytical chemistry and biogeochemisty. Research facilities for IAS scientists include a state of art biogeochemistry laboratory and high performance computing facilities. IAS scientists regularly collaborate with the EROS Data Center, US Forest Service, US Geological Survey, National Center for Atmospheric Research, and National Weather Service (located adjacent to campus).

The School of Mines is a public state university offering baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees in science and engineering with a student population of approximately 2,100 traditional and non-traditional learners representing 40 states and 29 countries. The university is located at the foot of the beautiful Black Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota's second largest city. Twenty-five miles from Mount Rushmore, Rapid City has a relatively mild climate and the Black Hills offer numerous opportunities for summer and winter outdoor experiences. For more information regarding Rapid City and the university, visit: http://visitrapidcity.com/ and www.sdsmt.edu.