Visiting Assistant Professor Environmental Studies- Environmental Justice Specialty

Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies Program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is hiring an outstanding instructor for a one-year, visiting assistant professor of environmental studies with social science emphasis to begin August 2023. This position is a sabbatical replacement.

We seek scholars with a Ph.D. by time of hire in relevant fields spanning the social sciences whose expertise centers on intersectional environmentalisms and/or environmental justice. Ability to demonstrate experience with or interest in creating place-based teaching methods for undergraduates is highly desired. Strong, collegial communication and collaboration skills are essential. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate ability to contribute to our campus-wide effort to increase the number of and support for underrepresented students through experiential, high-impact pedagogy. The successful candidate must produce the necessary documentation to legally work in the U.S. upon hire.

Teaching responsibilities will include six courses over two semesters. The successful candidate will teach the following courses: Race and Place (1 section); Environmental Studies Junior Seminar, (3 sections of our required, interdisciplinary 3rd year seminar); and two environmental studies electives in their area of expertise (1 lower level and 1 upper level). Teaching materials will be provided for all courses but the two specialized electives.

Competitive candidates for the environmental studies position will have demonstrated excellence in offering student-centered instruction and a track record of centering equity and inclusion in their professional activities. We especially welcome candidates whose scholarly work and teaching praxis engages justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues through lens/es of: food systems; sustainability and resilience; environmental health; and social movements, citizen-science, or activism.

St. Mary’s College (www.smcm.edu) embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission. We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences, and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity. 

Application materials should include 1) a cover letter (1 page maximum) that identifies the position of interest and addresses how the candidate will contribute to a campus culture of inclusion; 2) curriculum vitae (including email address); 3) statement of teaching principles and experience (1 page maximum), 4) a research statement (1 page maximum); and 5) evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available). 

In support of inclusive hiring practices, for all SMCM faculty searches initiated after February 15, 2023, the College will request three professional references (rather than letters of recommendation) at the time of application.  Of these three references, at least one should speak to the candidate's disciplinary expertise and at least one should have seen the candidate deliver or design classroom instruction. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews. Applications are being accepted online at apply.interfolio.com/122179.  Questions may be directed to Search Committee Chair at environmentalstudiessearch@smcm.edu.

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on March 13, 2023. While the position will remain open until filled, for full consideration all application materials should be submitted by that date. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and proof of COVID-19 vaccination, medical and religious exemptions will be considered. St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 

Non-sectarian since its founding, St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public Carnegie Baccalaureate, Arts and Sciences institution located in St. Mary's City, 70 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., has been designated as Maryland's public honors college. With selective admissions policies, academically talented students, and a rigorous curriculum, we offer a small college experience similar to that found at exceptional private colleges. The quality of life is enhanced by the recreational opportunities of the Chesapeake region and by our proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.

Visit our website: www.smcm.edu/hr