Assistant Professor - Environmental Studies

Tennessee Tech; Cookeville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave and holidays

Medical and life insurance

Educational benefits

Job summary

Tennessee Tech University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the School of Environmental Studies (SOES) in the area of Environmental Spatial Analysis. The ideal candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, maintain a vibrant research program, and advise graduate students, with a teaching load of 3-4 courses per academic year and a 50% research allocation.

The position emphasizes public stakeholder engagement or community-driven conservation, and the

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in an environmentally related discipline.
• College/university teaching experience as instructor of record.
• Evidence of grant-writing and potential for externally funded research.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Environmental Spatial Analysis and related areas.
• Advise graduate theses and dissertations and mentor student research.
• Maintain externally funded research program and publish in peer-reviewed venues.
• Engage with university, community, and professional organizations.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Graduate supervision

Curriculum development

Research leadership

Education

Doctorate in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing software

Job description

Description of Job Duty:

Tennessee Tech University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the School of Environmental Studies (SOES) in the area of Environmental Spatial Analysis, with expertise in one or more subdisciplines such as remote sensing, species distribution modeling, watershed management, or landscape ecological dynamics. The ideal candidate will have experience in public stakeholder engagement or community-driven conservation in domestic or international locations. The SOES offers three degree programs: a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with seven concentrations, a Professional Science Master’s with three concentrations, and a PhD in Environmental Sciences with five concentrations. The Assistant Professor will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise, maintain a vibrant research program involving graduate students, and provide service for university, community, and professional organizations. The anticipated teaching load for this position will be 3-4 courses per academic year. The research load will be approximately 50% of the workload, with expectations of acquiring external funding to support an active research program and advise graduate students.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Essential Functions:

Teach courses in area of disciplinary expertise at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including instruction in a variety of delivery formats (e.g., in-person, hybrid, or online). Participate with other faculty in course and curriculum development. Maintain an externally funded research program and publish research findings in peer-reviewed outlets. Advise graduate student thesis and dissertation projects. Support and enhance student success at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Serve on college and university committees, participate in alumni and community events, and remain active in professional organizations and service. Co-coordinate an external advisory board for the Professional Science Master’s degree program, which has concentrations in Environmental Informatics, Environmental Science, and Environmental Sustainability.

Physical Demands:

Those typical of any classroom-type environment or office environment.

Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience. Full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position to begin August 1, 2026.

Benefits Information:

Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned doctorate from an accredited institution in an environmentally related discipline. Previous college or university teaching experience as the instructor of record. Evidence of grant‑writing experience and strong potential to develop an externally funded research program. Recent publication of research findings in peer‑reviewed outlets such as journals, books, or conference proceedings.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous university teaching experience in environmental spatial analysis such as remote sensing or applications of GIS. Previous experience mentoring student research projects. Leadership experience in field-based learning or international study programs.