Job Title: Director - Outdoor Learning Spaces (Biology)
Location: Valdosta State University
Employment Type: Regular, Full‑Time
Job Summary
The Department of Biology seeks applicants for Director of Outdoor Learning Space. This is a twelve‑month, full‑time staff position with an anticipated start date of July 1 2026, with some flexibility depending on candidate availability. The Director will provide operational oversight and leadership for research, education, and outreach programs associated with VSU's Outdoor Learning Spaces—including Lake Louise Field Station, Brown's Pond Field Station, Blazer Gardens, Camellia Trail, and the Pinetum—while advancing experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement through their management and development. More information about VSU's Field Stations is available at The Department of Biology fosters a student‑centered learning environment with emphasis on experiential learning. Serving approximately 450 students, it is the largest department in the College of Science and Mathematics. Among our 20 faculty, several have won awards for teaching, research, and service. Faculty maintain active research programs that engage students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department offers the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, and the Master of Science with both a thesis and non‑thesis option. Detailed information is available at
Applicants Should Submit
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Leadership statement describing your approach to fostering collaboration, innovation, and/or student engagement in outdoor learning environments
- Management statement that describes how your training and experience prepare you to manage a diverse set of outdoor learning spaces
- Names and contact information (including email addresses) for at least three professional references
Applications must be submitted online at Review of completed applications will begin June 1 2026; the position is open until filled. For more information contact Dr. Theresa Grove, Department Head, via email at
Responsibilities
- Accomplish department/unit objectives – 25%: Direct the human, financial, and other resources needed to accomplish objectives of the department or unit.
- Monitor and establish processes – 20%: Monitor and establish processes to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with University and department goals.
- Direct operations – 20%: Direct the operations of the department or unit.
- Area Representative – 15%: Represent the department or unit to internal and external groups and individuals.
- Manage budget – 10%: Manage the department/unit budget.
- Compliance – 10%: Ensure commitment to and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Supervisor Expectations
- Provide visionary leadership to develop and implement a long‑term plan that enhances the use of outdoor learning spaces to prepare career‑ready graduates through experiential learning.
- Oversee and integrate research, education, and outreach programs across all of VSU's Outdoor Learning Spaces.
- Work in a collaborative environment with stakeholders across campus and in the community to achieve goals.
- Lead strategic partnerships, grants, and fundraising efforts to support management and outreach.
Required Qualifications
Required Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a specified field and five (5) years of related work experience in a related field is required. Terminal degree and/or professional licensure, certification, and/or designation may be required in some areas.
Proposed Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Conditions of Employment
- Professional references with current contact information.
- Documentation of academic credentials.
- Employment history.
- Successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check, reference checks, credit check, Motor Vehicle Report, pre‑employment drug testing, and confirmation of credentials.
- If applicable for the position: satisfactory credit check, successful completion of required job‑based trainings.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Valdosta State University is an equal‑opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual. Background checks are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations.
Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at
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