Geology and Earth Systems Science Tenure-Track Faculty

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA seeks a broadly trained Earth scientist to teach field-based undergraduate courses exploring Pacific Northwest landscapes, watersheds, glacial landforms and coastlines.

The successful candidate will integrate field, lab, and community-based projects, collaborate across environmental studies, ecology, and humanities, and advance observation, quantitative analysis and scientific inquiry.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth science or closely related field.
• Expertise in Earth systems science.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated commitment to field-based learning.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory and advanced Earth systems science through interdisciplinary programs.
• Lead field experiences from local day trips to extended excursions throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Engage undergraduate students in original research through field, laboratory, and community-based projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues across environmental studies, ecology, oceanography, arts, humanities, and other fields to create innovative undergraduate programs.

Skills

GIS

Spatial analysis

Remote sensing

Quantitative methods

Field-based learning

Education

PhD in Earth sciences or closely related field

Tools

GIS software

Remote sensing tools

Job description

We seek a broadly trained Earth scientist committed to field-based undergraduate education. The successful candidate will engage students directly with the landscapes, watersheds, and geologic history of the Pacific Northwest through local and extended field experiences. Areas of expertise may include geology, hydrology, geomorphology, climate science, Earth surface processes, environmental geochemistry, or related fields. Evergreen’s location provides exceptional opportunities for field-based teaching and research, with access to volcanic landscapes, mountain watersheds, glacial landforms, river systems, coastlines, estuaries, and diverse ecosystems.

The successful candidate will teach introductory and advanced Earth systems science through interdisciplinary programs that emphasize observation, field methods, quantitative analysis, and scientific inquiry. They will help students understand the interactions among Earth’s physical processes, climate, water, landscapes, ecosystems, and human activities, including how these systems respond to natural variability and climate change. The successful candidate will lead field experiences ranging from local day trips to extended excursions throughout the Pacific Northwest and engage undergraduate students in original research through field, laboratory, and community-based projects that foster scientific inquiry and collaborative scholarship.

Committed to interdisciplinary education, The Evergreen State College values faculty who teach across traditional disciplinary boundaries. This position offers opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in environmental studies, ecology, oceanography, arts, humanities, and other fields to create innovative undergraduate programs.

Experience withGIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing, quantitative methods, or related analytical approaches is desirable.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education, field-based learning, and inclusive teaching practices.

Regular is equivalent to tenure-track at other colleges. A complete description of the continuing contract and conversion process can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, article 11.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth science, geology, hydrology, geomorphology, climate science, physical geography, environmental geochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in one or more areas of Earth systems science.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated commitment to field-based learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading field courses or extended field programs.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines, connecting Earth systems science with social, cultural, policy, or community dimensions of environmental issues.
• Proficiency withGIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing, quantitative methods, or related analytical approaches.
• Experience working effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.

Review Date: Screening of applications will begin September 14, 2026. The posting may close at any time after that.