Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies Program

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana’s career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ .  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The University of Montana Environmental Studies (EVST) Program invites applications for a tenure track position at the assistant professor level, beginning in Spring 2023. We seek an interdisciplinary community-engaged scholar, inspiring teacher, and effective mentor with expertise in climate equity, resilience, and policy to join our dynamic civically-engaged community of faculty and students.

EVST is highly interdisciplinary and known nationally for its engagement-oriented Master of Science (MS) graduate program. Now in its 53rd year, EVST initiated an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1999, and added a Bachelor of Sciences (BS) in Sustainability Science and Practice in 2020. Full information on the Program, including Mission Statement and focus areas of study, is at http://hs.umt.edu/evst/ .

Position Details

• Tenure Track Faculty: Environmental Studies
• Title: Assistant Professor
• Position Type: Academic
• Closing Date: Applications accepted until position is filled (see priority deadline below)
• Schedule: Full time academic year position beginning at the start of spring semester 2023
• Entry Rate: $70,000, depending on experience
• Benefits: Medical and dental insurance, optional vision insurance, mandatory retirement contribution, tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Primary Duties: Teaching, scholarship, and service. Teaching responsibilities may include a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to traditional scholarship, EVST encourages community-based action research and similar approaches to social change.  Service, including active organizational or civic engagement, are also among the responsibilities.

Required Skills/Experience

• Possess an interdisciplinary doctorate by Dec. 31, 2022 that demonstrates the applicant’s broad training in environmental studies or related fields. Particular topic areas of interest include climate resilience and equity, and the application of scientific and experiential knowledge towards the development of environmental policy and/or working landscape conservation.
• Demonstrated evidence of or potential for excellence in teaching
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and/or action research projects, as well as an active, ongoing research agenda

• Demonstrated ability to engage with environmental or social justice organizations, government agencies, and/or rural, Indigenous, or underserved communities through teaching, research, and service

• Ability to supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research and project-based learning experiences, as well as support their professional development.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills including the ability to work with diverse populations
• Commitment to recruiting and supporting a diverse groups of students

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Teaching quality demonstrated by recent teaching evaluations and/or awards
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of diverse students (e.g., Indigenous Americans, first-generation college students, non-traditional students, military veterans, etc.)
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice

• Experience with or interest in service learning, experiential learning, or curriculum development

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always”; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The Environmental Studies Program (EVST) offers a BA and a MS in Environmental Studies and a BS in Sustainability Science and Practice and seeks to provide students with the literacy, skills, and commitment needed to foster a healthy natural environment and to create a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. To these ends, the Environmental Studies Program educates and challenges students to become knowledgeable, motivated and engaged in environmental affairs. Our students acquire the skills and awareness to promote positive social change and improve the environment and communities of Montana and the world, for current and future generations

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the links below.

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, November 13, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal  and by clicking “New Resume/CV” button.  Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

Please submit the following application materials: 

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Three (3) professional references – Names and contact information
• Curriculum vitae listing education, research, teaching, and work experience
• DEIStatement illustrating commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and practice. Please include examples that demonstrate this commitment.

For inquiries about the position, contact Professor Neva Hassanein, search committee chair, at [email protected] or Robin Saha, EVST Program Director, at [email protected] .

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the “How to Apply” section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Job Location

Missoula, Montana, United States

The University of Montana is located in the heart of traditional Seliš-Qlispé territory, which informs the work of the Environmental Studies Program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran’s Preference – Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References – *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing – Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility – All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Missoula, Montana, United States