Adjunct, Environmental Studies and Science Instructor

Drew University; Madison (NJ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a passionate part-time instructor for its Environmental Studies & Sciences Program. This role involves teaching courses on Environment, Society, and Sustainability, as well as Geographic Information Systems. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage with students in a liberal arts context, fostering innovative teaching methods and critical thinking. The university values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every student has a chance to thrive. If you're eager to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Studies or related field required.
• Previous teaching experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned in-person classes and design instructional materials.
• Evaluate student performance and provide timely feedback.

Skills

Teaching

Environmental Studies

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Student Engagement

Education

Master's Degree in Environmental Studies

Master's Degree in Geography

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Drew University seeks a Part-Time instructor in the Environmental Studies & Sciences Program to teach one or two in-person classes during the Fall 2025 semester from among the following courses:

Environment, Society and Sustainability (ESS 210), 25-35 students

• This course broadly surveys human relationships with the environment, from varied geographic, historic, cultural, artistic, socioeconomic, and legal perspectives. We critically engage key concepts relating to
• environment, society and sustainability, while identifying and considering best practices in environmental advocacy. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, students may consider how values, paradigms, policies,
• technologies, and their intricate interactions determine our current unsustainable relationship with nature, and students may also explore proposals for moving society in an environmentally sustainable direction.

Examples of possible texts:

• Ghosh, Amitav. 2021. The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis.
• Jarratt-Snider, Karen, and Nielsen, Marianne O. 2020. Indigenous Environmental Justice.
• Moore, Kate. 2018. The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women.
• Solnit, Rebecca, Lutunatabua, Thema Y. 2023, Not too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility.

Geographic Information Systems (ENV 302), 20-25 students

• This course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS): a combination of the hardware, software, and community involved in the collection, distribution, visualization, and analysis of spatial data. The concepts and theories that underpin GIS are often referred to as Geographic Information Science, and the course surveys this groundwork. We will also cover the tools and spatial analysis techniques available to you in GIS applications, specifically ArcGIS, GeoDa, online GIS applications, and other open-source software packages (such as QGIS). The course is designed to introduce GIS from the bottom up: beginning with spatial data (types of data, how they are collected, where to find data, and how to create data), followed by basic cartographic techniques (map design, visualization techniques, and data display), and capped off with spatial analysis (advanced analysis tools and spatial statistics). Success in GIS comes from practice. Routine practice in the class and in homework/in-class assignments will help build familiarity and comfort with GIS: the software, the technical language, and the application of the software to practical problem solving.

Examples of possible texts:

• Sutton, T., Dassau, O., Sutton, M. (2009). A Gentle Introduction to GIS. Spatial Information Management Unit, Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• United Nations (2000). Handbook on Geographic Information Systems and Digital Mapping. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Series F, No. 79.ST/ESA/STAT/SER.F/79. New York: United Nations.

The Fall semester runs from August 25th - December 12th. Each course meets Tuesday and Thursday, for 75 minutes of face-to-face instruction each day during the following times: 9:00am - 10:15am (ENV 302); 11:50am to 1:05pm (ESS 210). Instructor's compensation is $4,500 per course. *We also anticipate having need for these or similar courses in the Spring 2026 semester.

Key Responsibilities:

● Teach assigned in-person classes in accordance with college and departmental policies.

● Design and employ instructional material and assessment tools (quizzes, activities, assignments), evaluate grades, and provide feedback on student performance in a timely manner.

● Hold regular weekly office hours with students.

● Maintain communications with students, administrators, faculty, and other staff.

● Refer students to appropriate college resources (tutoring, academic coaching, etc.) when needed.

● Be passionate about innovative teaching within a liberal arts context.

Required Education and Experience:

● A minimum of a master’s degree in environmental studies, Environmental Sciences, Geography, or a closely related field

● Ability to work with a diverse group of students

● Previous success or promise in teaching

● Previous experience working in higher education contexts desired

● Experience in collaboration with community organizations is desired

Application process:

To apply, please submit:

● Cover Letter

● Current Curriculum Vitae

● Evidence of previous success in teaching (e.g. summary of course evaluations, reference letter, etc.)

We will begin reviewing applications *immediately* and will continue until the position is filled. Applications after the position has been filled will remain in the part-time pool.

About Drew University:

Drew University, a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts university, includes the College of Liberal Arts, Drew Theological School, and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Drew is located on a beautiful, wooded campus in Madison, New Jersey, a thriving small town close to New York City.

Drew’s one-of-a-kind, leading-edge path to an undergraduate degree,Launch, ensures that every student graduates with a purpose, sought-after transferable skills, a network of mentors, and an experience-based résumé—guaranteed. Drew’s unique, immersive learning experiences include professionally mentored scientific research inRISEandDSSI, volunteer and community-based opportunities through theCenter for Civic Engagement, making industry connections inseven semesters in New York City, and exploring the world through eye-openinginternational study abroad trips.

Drew University’s two graduate schools, Drew Theological School and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, confer 10 master’s and four doctoral degrees. Numerous certificate programs are also available. All programs are based on Drew’s renowned commitment to faculty-student mentorship, opportunities for out-of-the-classroom experiential learning, and facilitating a robust intellectual and global community, with many programs offered in hybrid or fully online modalities.

To enrich education through diversity, Drew University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Following federal and state requirements, a candidate must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States if selected for hire.These positions are subject to a background check.