Tenure Track Hire in Environmental Studies

Roanoke College; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Roanoke College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies in the School of Health, Science, and Sustainability, starting in August 2027. The ideal candidate is an interdisciplinary scholar with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship, with expertise spanning environmental sciences and potential GIS/spatial analysis.

The position emphasizes collaboration across programs as part of a transdisciplinary vision, with a requirements to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Environmental Science or closely related field preferred.
• Master’s Degree or higher with relevant professional experience required.
• Evidence of highly effective classroom teaching or potential of such is required.
• Interest in teaching a wide range of undergraduate courses and collaborating with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Teach a standard full-time course load (likely four courses per semester).
• Develop and deliver high-quality environmental science courses.
• Use inclusive, effective pedagogical practices.
• Fairly assess student learning and provide timely feedback.
• Maintain FERPA compliance and submit grades by deadlines.
• Hold regular office hours to support students.

Skills

Interdisciplinary

Teaching

Mentoring

Curriculum

Education

Ph.D. in Env Sci

Masters or higher

Proven teaching ability

Job description

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Position

Roanoke College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies in the School of Health, Science, and Sustainability, starting in August 2027. We seek a candidate with energetic vision, creative thought, and collaborative spirit.

The ideal applicant is an interdisciplinary scholar with expertise in the environmental sciences with an emphasis on applying physical science to understand and address environmental challenges at the Earth’s surface. Relevant areas of expertise include hydrology and watershed science, environmental geology, environmental chemistry, Earth systems science, physical geography, climate science and earth-atmosphere systems, or related fields. The ability to teach introductory and upper-level environmental science courses is required; preference will be given to candidates who can also teach courses in GIS or spatial analysis. Candidates must demonstrate the potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentorship along with the ability to collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary program. We value undergraduate teaching experience, demonstrated interest in experiential and active learning approaches, and research or practitioner experience that incorporates community engagement. A strong record of scholarship and development of a research program that includes collaboration with undergraduate students is expected.

This position is part of a cluster of tenure-track hires within the School of Health, Science, and Sustainability, including Engineering, Environmental Studies, Health and Exercise Science, Psychology, and Neuroscience. Consistent with Roanoke College's commitment to transdisciplinary education, this hire is envisioned as contributing to an interconnected academic ecosystem rather than a single program. Faculty hired through this initiative will be expected to intentionally cultivate meaningful collaborations across disciplines through their teaching, scholarship, and service. Applicants should address in their cover letter how they would contribute to this transdisciplinary vision with at least one specific opportunity for collaboration across two or more programs at Roanoke College. To learn more about these programs and others within the School of Health, Science, and Sustainability, visit https://www.roanoke.edu/academics/schools .

The salary range for this position is 65,000-70,000, commensurate with experience. The selected candidate for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The College is unable to provide any type of visa sponsorships for this position at this time.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach a standard full-time course load as defined by the College. The likely teaching load is four courses per semester and includes introductory environmental science, upper-level courses in area of specialty, and general education courses.
• Develop and deliver high-quality courses in the faculty member’s area(s) of expertise
• Use inclusive, effective, engaging, and current pedagogical practices
• Fairly assess student learning and provide timely feedback
• Assign grades and maintain course/student records in accordance with FERPA and college regulations and submit grades and records by established deadlines.
• Hold regular office hours to provide student support

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Ph.D. in Environmental Science or a closely related field is preferred
• Master’s Degree or higher with relevant professional experience is required
• Evidence of highly effective classroom teaching or potential of such is required
• A successful candidate must have a strong interest in teaching a wide range of undergraduate courses in a liberal arts setting, some of which include dual enrollment students, and collaborating with colleagues on pedagogical innovations

Review of applications will begin November 6, 2026. All completed applications received by that date will be given full consideration, and applications received after the deadline may still be considered. After the initial review of applicants, three reference letters will be requested (at least two must directly address teaching). Questions about the position may be sent, through email, to the chair of the search Committee, Assistant Dean of the School of Health, Science, and Sustainability, Chris Lassiter, lassiter@ roanoke.edu

Position Summary

Tenure-track faculty members serve multiple roles as teachers, mentors, colleagues, and scholars. Full-time faculty are expected not only to excel in classroom instruction but also to fulfill various responsibilities as active members of the college community.

Key Responsibilities (Areas)

Teaching

• Teach a standard full-time course load as defined by the College (may be a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses)
• Develop and deliver high-quality courses in the faculty member’s area(s) of expertise
• Use inclusive, effective, engaging, and current pedagogical practices
• Fairly assess student learning and provide timely feedback
• Assign grades and maintain course/student records in accordance with FERPA and college regulations and submit grades and records by established deadlines.
• Hold regular office hours to provide student support

Scholarly and Creative Activity

• Demonstrate ongoing intellectual engagement that contributes to the field and/or enhances teaching and advising; remain current
• Share scholarly and creative work through appropriate venues (e.g., publications, presentations, exhibitions)
• Consistently participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching, curriculum development, and scholarship

Service

• Participate in faculty governance through committee membership, etc.
• Participate in program, School, and/or College-wide service
• Contribute to curriculum development and program assessment
• Attend program, School, and College-wide meetings, and academic events such as Convocation and Commencement (a professional responsibility)
• Mentor colleagues

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

Required Qualifications

• For tenure-track faculty, terminal degree in the discipline (or closely related field)
• Demonstrated potential for effective undergraduate teaching
• For tenure-track faculty, demonstrated potential for scholarly or creative activity

Preferred Qualifications

• College-level teaching experience, with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching practices
• Interest in advising and mentoring students and contributing to a campus community
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills