JSWC Seeks Physical Sciences Research Editor

The Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (JSWC) seeks a dynamic individual specializing in conservation physical sciences to serve as its next Research Co-Editor. Published by the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), the multidisciplinary journal is led by two Research Editors, each focusing on a branch of conservation science: physical sciences (e.g., soil science, water conservation, erosion) and social sciences (e.g., economics, sociology). 

This position will join Research Editor J. Arbuckle in chairing the Editorial Board, overseeing the work of the Associate Editors, growing the number of high-quality submissions, and setting a vision for improving the impact and reputation of the journal. The Research Editors’ responsibilities include the following:

  • Review assigned submissions for appropriate content and route them to subject-specific associate editors or “quick release” manuscripts that do not meet manuscript suitability guidelines
  • Ensure consistency of publication standards and implementation of editorial policy across manuscripts
  • Uphold journal ethics and policies, including strict manuscript, author, and reviewer confidentiality; professionality in communication with editors and authors; and publication integrity
  • Oversee Associate Editors (AEs) and Editorial Board, including making final manuscript decisions, ensuring peer review is completed in a timely manner, recruiting new AEs, chairing board meetings, and overseeing ad hoc subcommittees. 
  • Report on impact and citation metrics to journal office quarterly and to Editorial Board annually
  • Develop and implement new strategies to increase submissions, usage, and citations; and to improve journal editorial processes, impact and quality, and adherence to industry standards (e.g., open access, data availability and transparency, marketing)
  • Seek opportunities to improve JSWC and SWCS impact, reputation, and sustainability (e.g., special topic issues, promotional opportunities, partnerships, funding sources) 
  • Serve as journal liaison to SWCS Board of Directors and committees, including Annual Conference Program Planning Committee and Science and Policy Committee
Candidates should possess the following qualifications:
  • Respected leader in the natural resource conservation research community
  • Demonstrated broad knowledge of physical science conservation practice application as well as research
  • High standards in research and publication
  • Ability to make unbiased, fair decisions and effectively communicate difficult decisions in a timely manner
  • Excellent communication skills, well-organized, prompt, and able to meet commitments 
  • Experience serving as an editor and reviewer, preferably for multiple publications and preferably for JSWC
  • General understanding of scholarly publishing processes and trends and strategic insight to apply trends to editorial direction of the journal 
  • Knowledge of SWCS or like-minded professional associations

In addition, the Research Editor must be a member of SWCS and will serve a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal up to three terms (nine years). SWCS staff provide training, support, and assistance in editorial processes, peer review, and editorial board management and communication as required.

Compensation: This position receives an annual honorarium of $4,000 (or $1,000 per fiscal quarter). In addition, Research Editors receive complimentary registration and hotel room during the SWCS annual meeting.

Interested candidates should send application materials to pubs@swcs.org by January 15, 2025; include “Application for JSWC Editor” in the subject line. Applications should include

  1. Letter indicating interest and highlighting relevant experience,
  2. Curriculum vitae, and 
  3. List of journals where candidate has served as editor and three reference contacts related to these experiences.

Selection Process and Timeline

Candidates will be evaluated and may be interviewed by the JSWC Research Editor Selection Committee. The following timeline will guide the selection process:
  • January 15, 2025: Deadline for nominations and applications. 
  • January–February 2025: Review of nominations and selection of candidate. Notification of selection to SWCS Board of Directors by March 1.
  • March–July 2025: Training period with outgoing physical sciences Research Editor.

Soil and Water Conservation Society

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a nonprofit scientific and professional organization that fosters the science and art of natural resource management to achieve sustainability. The SWCS’s members promote and practice an ethic that recognizes the interdependence of people and their environment.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: SWCS seeks diverse voices, actively listens, engages in dialogue, thinks critically, and takes meaningful action toward creating institutions and systems that serve and value people equally.