Instructor or Senior Instructor: Land-based STEM education (Faculty)

This position will be housed at the University of Idaho McCall Field Campus (UI-MFC). The UI MFC is located approximately 200 miles south of the main campus of the University of Idaho, in the West Central Mountains region of Idaho, in the small mountain community of McCall. The mission of the McCall Field Campus and Outdoor Science School is to work in partnership with communities to address the most pressing socio-ecological issues of our time through education and research. The UI-MFC is home to the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), engaging approximately 2500 pre-K through college students each year in Land-based environmental STEM education. The UI-MFC also hosts a one-year graduate residency program that leads to a Master of Natural Resources in Environmental Education and Science Communication (MNR-EESC). Graduate students in the MNR-EESC serve as instructors for the MOSS program. Faculty and staff at the UI-MFC actively partner with schools across the State of Idaho to enrich STEM education opportunities for Idaho’s young people. They also collaborate with Tribal Nations and local communities to advance educational priorities related to climate resilience and more equitable relationships between people and Land.

Position Summary

This is a full-time (nine month) academic year appointment in the UI College of Natural Resources’ Society and Natural Resources Department (70% teaching and advising, 20% Outreach, 10% University service). The position is located at the UI McCall Field Campus. The person in this position will be responsible for: 1) instruction of existing courses in place-based STEM education and field science teaching methods as part of the Master of Natural Resources in Environmental Education and Science Communication (MNR-EESC) at the University of Idaho McCall Campus; 2) working collaboratively with faculty in the MNR-EESC program and collaborating units in the College of Natural Resources, the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, and the Center for Indigenous Research and Education (CIRE) to examine course offerings and degree pathways for Land-based STEM educator training; 3) advising and mentoring graduate students about professional educational opportunities; 4) assisting with graduate student recruitment; 5) collaborating with faculty and staff in partnering with schools, communities, local, state, federal and Tribal agencies to align programs with community-defined priorities and needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Education / Degree Required

• Education: MS degree in natural resources, education, or related fields.

Required Qualifications

• Education: MS degree in natural resources, education, or related fields.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse teams, across disciplines and cultural settings.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in natural resources, education or related fields.
• Experience teaching graduate-level courses
• Related training for education in Land-based and place-based education pedagogy, STEM teaching methods, culturally-based curriculum design, and/or related topics.
• Skilled in integrating emerging understandings of equitable STEM teaching practices in coursework and mentoring of educators who are developing their own practices.
• Experience applying community-based participatory projects and equitable STEM teaching in a professional or “real-world” environment, especially activities associated with Tribal Nations and rural communities.

Application Details: Priority will be given to applicants who have submitted their materials by March 24, 2023. For further information contact Dr. Karla Eitel (keitel@uidaho.edu), Search Committee Chair. Applicants must submit all application materials electronically via direct link:    http://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/hr/postings/39633

Required Documents

Applicants must provide:  

1. Cover letter (maximum two pages)  
2. Curriculum vitae  
3. Statement of teaching experience and philosophy (maximum two pages)  
4. Statement of experience working in partnership with schools, communities, and/or Tribal Nations
5. Names and contact details for three professional references (references will only be contacted if the candidate moves to interview phase) 

University Highlights and Priorities: 

The University of Idaho is the land grant institution of Idaho, with campuses located across the state. The nationally ranked College of Natural Resources houses the UI Environmental Science program and three academic departments (Natural Resources and Society; Fish and Wildlife Sciences; Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences). CNR offers nine undergraduate degree programs, the Master of Natural Resources (professional degree), Master of Science in Environmental Science, Master of Science in Natural Resources, PhD in Environmental Science, and PhD in Natural Resources. The College has 700 undergraduate majors and over 250 graduate students and operates field stations across the state to provide unique academic opportunities for students and faculty. 

The University of Idaho is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  It is the policy of the regents that equal opportunity be afforded in education and employment to qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. It is the policy of the University of Idaho to not discriminate based on sexual orientation.