Assistant Professor in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy

Job Type: On-site, full-time

Location: Utah State University - Logan, UT

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education

Application Due Date: October 20, 2025

Description:

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor with expertise in environmental or natural resources policy. Possible application areas could include energy, air quality, water, climate, wildlife, agricultural conservation, public lands, or hazardous waste management as examples. We welcome applications from those working across an array of natural resource and environmental contexts. Relevance to the state of Utah would be especially welcomed. Teaching expectations will include a combination of online/virtual and in-person courses that contribute to the department’s curriculum. This tenure-track, full-time academic-year (nine-month) position is based at the USU main campus in Logan. The emphasis for the position is 50% research, 40% teaching/advising, and 10% service. The position will start August 2026. Background information is available on the webpages for the Department of Environment and Society and its home, the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Application review will begin October 20, 2025. The position will remain open until filled, but application by the date above is encouraged for full consideration. Candidates from all backgrounds and populations are encouraged to apply. For further information contact the search committee chair, Dr. Courtney Flint (courtney.flint@usu.edu).

Responsibilities:

  • The successful candidate will lead a research program that builds on a strong background in environmental or natural resources policy.

  • Teaching includes up to three 3-credit courses per academic year, or equivalent, that contribute to the department’s curriculum areas in environmental studies, environmental science and sustainability, and geography. The successful candidate could expect to teach courses in the area of environmental and natural resource policy but might also be asked to contribute in other curricular areas.

  • Courses may be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered in person, via virtual or online learning, or in a blended format.

  • Student advising includes mentoring undergraduate researchers and advising graduate students in a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of all students.

  • Community engagement, broadly defined, is encouraged. Community engagement in research, teaching, and/or service activities is valued by the Department and it is integrated into the mission, climate, and culture.

  • Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus as well as professional involvement off campus.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • An earned PhD (or JD with academic experience) at date-of-hire in a field related to environmental or natural resources policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated application of research for policy development or institutional decision making.

  • A publication record consistent with career stage.

  • Demonstrated potential to build and maintain a productive research program, including the ability to secure competitive external funding.

  • Evidence of successful collaboration with natural and social scientists across disciplines.

  • Demonstrated interest in community-engaged research or research outreach.

  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to the inclusion of all groups in society through education, research, or service.

  • Prior teaching experience.

  • Experience with or the desire to learn about virtual and online course delivery.

  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of members from a range of backgrounds and experiences and to foster a sense of belonging for all students.