Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies Program

The University of Montana Environmental Studies Program (EVST) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in environmental writing to commence autumn, 2021. EVST is interdisciplinary and known nationally for its engagement-oriented Master of Science (MS) graduate program, now in its fiftieth 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. This position would be teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as directing EVST’s focus area on Environmental Writing.

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.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Assistant Professor and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $60,000 - $65,000 commensurate with qualifications.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A terminal degree (PhD or MFA)
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students with an interest in creative, nonfiction environmental writing
• Record of publications written for a general audience
• Use of effective communication strategies
• Ability to develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses and seminars on the study, creation, and dissemination of environmental literature
• Ability to connect writing to environmental and social issues
• Knowledge of environmental movement and justice
• Ability to organize environmental writing workshops and readings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Book publication(s) in the area of nature/environmental writing.
• Ability to use and teach a variety of communications media (including digital) in environmental storytelling or advocacy
• Record of engagement in civic affairs
• Strong editorial experience
• Ability to tap into a network of professional writers who might participate as visiting teachers

About UM and the Environmental Studies Program

The Environmental Studies Program 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.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.



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

• University of Montana
  • University Highlights
• City of Missoula
  • Destination Missoula
  • Video: There's This Place
  • Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• State of Montana
  • Visit Montana

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).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: February 1 , 2021

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin on after the date above and continue until the position is filled with an anticipated start date autumn 2020.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

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

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required qualifications for the position
• Detailed curriculum Vitae listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
• Statement illustrating commitment to diversity and inclusion in research, teaching, and practice. Please include examples which demonstrate this commitment

Inquiries pertaining to this position can be directed to Dan Spencer, PhD, Professor and Chair, at Daniel.spencer@mso.umt.edu

Need additional help? Check out our UM Jobs FAQ website .

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular