Assistant Professor in Environmental Social Science

Employer
Department of Environment and Society, S. J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Utah State University
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

Overview

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications by environmental social scientists for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We welcome a variety of areas of scholarly expertise that build on or complement departmental strengths. Topics might include but are not limited to: energy, water, health and wellbeing, environmental hazards, environmental change, socio-environmental systems, outdoor recreation and tourism, conservation, human dimensions of natural resources, adaptation and resilience, and environmental conflicts. Relevance to the state of Utah would be especially welcomed. Methods could include GIS and remote sensing, computational social science, quantitative approaches, ethnographic/qualitative approaches, or other. Teaching expectations will include a combination of in-person and online/virtual courses that contribute to the department’s academic programs, including geography and environmental studies/sciences. This tenure-track, full-time academic-year (nine-month) position is based at the USU main campus in Logan. The emphasis for the position is 50% research, 40% teaching/advising, and 10% service. The position will start August 2026. Background information is available on the webpages for the Department of Environment and Society and its home, the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Application review will begin December 1, 2025. The position will remain open until filled, but application by the date above is encouraged for full consideration. Candidates from all backgrounds and populations are encouraged to apply. For further information contact the search committee chair, Dr. Elise Laugier (elise.laugier@usu.edu).

Responsibilities

  • The successful candidate will lead a research program that builds on a strong social and/or behavioral science expertise.
  • Teaching includes three 3-credit courses per academic year, or equivalent. The successful candidate may be asked to teach lower and upper division Geography courses but may also be asked to contribute in other curricular areas.
  • Courses may be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered in person, via virtual or online learning, or in a blended format.
  • Student advising includes mentoring undergraduate researchers and advising graduate students in a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of all students.
  • Community engagement, broadly defined, is encouraged. Community engagement in research, teaching, and/or service activities is valued by the Department and it is integrated into the mission, climate, and culture.
  • Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus as well as professional involvement off campus. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • An earned PhD at date-of-hire in Environmental Studies, Geography, or a related social or behavioral science field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A publication record consistent with career stage.
  • Demonstrated potential to build and maintain a productive research program, including the ability to secure competitive external funding.
  • Evidence of successful collaboration with natural and social scientists across disciplines.
  • Demonstrated interest in community-engaged research or research outreach.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to the inclusion of all groups in society through education, research, or service.
  • Training supportive of ability to develop and deliver Geography coursework.
  • Prior teaching experience.
  • Experience with or the desire to learn about virtual and online course delivery.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of members from a range of backgrounds and experiences and to foster a sense of belonging for all students.

To Apply: Applicants must submit all application materials electronically via the Utah State University Human Resources website. Along with completing the online application, applicants will upload or insert the following:

  1. Cover letter (2-page maximum)
  2. CV
  3. Research statement that covers research experience and interests (3-page maximum)
  4. Teaching statement that covers teaching experience and philosophy, including in fostering the success of students from all backgrounds (2-page maximum)
  5. Contact information for three references
Job Field:
Parks, Recreation and Tourism
GIS/Technology
Policy/Administrative
Other
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Logan, Utah
Job Benefits:

College/Department Highlights

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah.

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university’s land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah’s remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach.

The Department of Environment and Society uses the social, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences to understand human-environment interactions at a range of spatial scales and to bring human considerations into natural resource and environmental management. Faculty promote people-centered solutions for sustainability transitions and climate change adaptations and deliver graduate and undergraduate education in environmental, social and interdisciplinary sciences, recreation resource management, and geography. Together we value respectful practices and community engagement for a more sustainable tomorrow. 

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

Application Deadline:
Link to Full Job Posting:
https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/9594/assistant-professor-in-environmental-so…

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