Director - Outdoor Learning Spaces (Biology)

university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

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 the 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 https://www.valdosta.edu/cosm/field-stations/.

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 https://www.valdosta.edu/biology/.

Applicants should submit the following with their online application:

• 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: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/human-resources/employment-opportunities.php. 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 tjgrove@valdosta.edu.

Responsibilities

Typical Allocation of Duties:

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.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information
• documentation of academic credentials
• employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
• view social media outlets, and
• remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
• reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check
• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• pre-employment drug testing
• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation
• VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
• USG Ethics Policy
• Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
• Drug Free Workplace
• Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Motor Vehicle Policy
• Workers Compensation (new hires)
• Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
• Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

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 Check

• Position of Trust + Credit

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 croark@valdosta.edu.

Special Applicant Instructions

Valdosta State University may provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for select positions when consistent with institutional needs, University policy, and applicable law. Sponsorship is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not available for all positions. Applicants who anticipate requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future are encouraged to contact Human Resources early in the recruitment process with questions regarding sponsorship eligibility.

Clery Disclosure

The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf. You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing openrecords@valdosta.edu.