Planning Policy and Environment Lecturer Pool

San Jose State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 55,878 - 109,970; Part time

Job summary

A public research university in California seeks a lecturer for the Environmental Studies program. Candidates are expected to have at least an M.S./M.A. (Ph.D. preferred) and must demonstrate effective teaching strategies that engage a diverse student population. This role includes teaching various courses and managing the use of Canvas Learning Management System. The position offers competitive compensation based on qualifications and comes with expectations for inclusive teaching materials and methodologies.

Qualifications

• Must have university-level teaching experience preferred.
• Professional experience will also be considered.
• Ability to organize classes within Canvas Learning Management System.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate understanding of a diverse student population through inclusive teaching strategies.
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System.
• Ensure all classes meet as scheduled.

Skills

Organizational skills

Ability to engage a diverse student population

Experience with Canvas LMS

Education

M.S./M.A. in Environmental Science/Studies or related field

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Department Summary

The School of Planning, Policy, and Environmental Studies at San Jose State University has over 200 majors and minors who represent a diverse student body. We offer four undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Geography, Geographic Information Science, Urban Planning, and Public Administration. The School is home to thirteen full‑time professors, complemented by approximately 20 lecturers who teach both general and specialty classes to upper‑ and lower‑division undergraduate and graduate students.

Teaching with us is a great opportunity for doctoral and post‑doc students, as well as professionals with an M.A. or M.S., who are interested in sharing their knowledge with undergraduates. Visit the Department website at http://www.sjsu.edu/envs to view Department information, the range of courses offered, the schedule of classes, and course materials.

Lecturer Opportunities for the '25-'26 Academic Year

Teaching opportunities are available for the following courses in the Environmental Studies and Global Studies programs. The fall semester begins on August 18, 2025 and concludes December 19, 2025. The spring semester begins on January 20, 2026 and concludes May 22, 2026. Exact course needs subject to change.

• EnvS 10 (Life on a Changing Planet) – An introduction to basic knowledge and theory in the life sciences, focusing on the theme of environmental change. Examines challenging issues in biology and methods for evaluating conflicting data and claims. Develops students' analytical and writing skills. Various days, times, and modalities. For Fall: T/Th 10:30-11:45 in person.
• EnvS 187 (Environmental Restoration) – Interdisciplinary art and science of restoring destroyed or degraded habitats. Emphasis on the interplay of ecological principles, policy, public involvement and economics in the planning, implementation and monitoring of restoration plans. Field work and independent research required. For Fall: T/Th 9:00-10:15 in person, six Saturday fieldtrips or equivalent.
• URBP 143/URBP 205 (Private Development and Urban Planning) – Study of the entire process of private development from preliminary product analysis through planning, construction and marketing. Upper division and graduate students only. For Fall: Tuesdays, 3:00-5:45 in person.

Brief Description of Duties

• The candidate must demonstrate awareness and experience understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity - in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation - through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies and advisement.
• Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• All classes must be offered and meet as scheduled throughout the entire semester or term, in the mode assigned and listed in the schedule of classes (i.e., asynchronous, synchronous, bichronous, in‑person, or hybrid).

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least an M.S./M.A. (Ph.D. preferred) in Environmental Science/Studies, Planning or a related field. University‑level teaching experience is preferred.
• Professional experience, in addition to the master's degree, will also be considered. Applicants must be well‑organized, energetic, and able to provide a supportive learning experience to a diversity of students.
• Ability to organize their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), the official LMS provided for the SJSU community. All classes at SJSU, whether online or not, must be anchored in the Canvas platform to ensure faculty‑student connection in a common space as all students are directed to log in to Canvas for online access to their classes. You will have access to this system prior to the semester start date.

Campus Security Authority

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, the faculty coach member in this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and to complete Clery Act training as determined by the University Clery Director. Questions regarding CSA designation and training can be sent to the Clery Director at [e-mail].

Compensation

Compensation and salary range placement are determined by qualifications and experience. To learn more about range placement, please see University Policy S21-2. Anticipated hiring ranges:

L-A / Range 2 – $5007 - $5675
L-B / Range 3 – $5925 - $7125
L-C / Range 4 – $6500 - $8982
L-D / Range 5 – $8184 - $9854

Ranges are the anticipated monthly salary rate of full‑time AY faculty—part‑time rates are prorated. There are 6 monthly payments per semester (full‑time AY annual salary = rate x 12). See the Faculty Salary Schedule for more information.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• A CV with names of three professional/academic references
• Cover Letter
• List of at least three (3) or as many as five (5) references
• A letter of interest, including professional experience, courses in the Department that you are qualified to teach, and specific qualifications that prepare you to teach those courses
• Teaching evaluations (if available)
• An informal copy of your graduate transcripts

This is a continuing open position. For more information, email the School Director, Dr. Katherine Cushing, [e-mail]

Employment Conditions

Faculty employees must complete CSU employee training as assigned and required based on their role (e.g., preventing discrimination and harassment, gender equity and Title IX, health and safety). Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, the faculty member in this position will be subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). Individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and to complete Clery Act training as determined by the University Clery Director. Questions regarding CSA designation and training can be sent to the Clery Director at [e-mail]. The President may recommend or require compliance with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID‑19 transmission or illness and allows the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.

Conditional Offer

The work for this faculty position is located in the State of California. Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Proof of immunization against COVID‑19 or proof of a medical or religious exemption and compliance with testing protocols is required for employment. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Appointment is contingent upon budget and enrollment considerations and subject to order of assignment provisions in the collective bargaining agreement between California State University and California Faculty Association. These provisions state the "Order of Work," or the order in which available courses must be assigned to faculty, starting with tenure line faculty and ending with new lecturer appointees.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. Note that all San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety‑related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at [e-mail].

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on‑campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at [e-mail].

Applications close: Open Until Filled