Assistant or Associate Professor of Environmental Studies or Environmental Humanities

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

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Point Loma Nazarene University, a faith-based institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Environmental Studies or Environmental Humanities. Based on skill set and education, this faculty member will provide leadership and instruction in the primary areas of interdisciplinary environmental studies and geographic information systems.

This is a full-time, in-person, tenure-track position on the Point Loma campus of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. Appointment begins August 16, 2027, with classes commencing September 1, 2027.

Pay Range
PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $78,494 - $137,747. The actual salary will be based on the experience and rank of the candidate selected to fill the position.

Reporting Process
The position will report to the Associate Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, & Public Engagement (SHAPE).

Benefits
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources, including health, dental, and retirement benefits. PLNU also provides opportunities to engage with the university community through faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

The School of Humanities, Arts, & Public Engagement (SHAPE) in partnership with the Department of Literature, Journalism, Writing, and Languages (LJWL) at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Environmental Studies or Environmental Humanities beginning Fall 2027. This faculty member will provide leadership, mentorship, and instruction in the interdisciplinary, humanities-based Environmental Studies program and develop an interdisciplinary Geographic Information System (GIS) program. There will also be opportunities to provide instruction in other humanities/arts/social sciences disciplines, according to the candidate’s skills, experience, and training. The department seeks a dynamic, collaborative educator and/or artist who will contribute to a thriving community of students pursuing degrees in Environmental Studies and other majors within SHAPE. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in teaching, artistic or scholarly activity, and a clear commitment to PLNU’s Christian mission and values. The job description for this position is intentionally flexible to allow the school to shape the position according to the skills, experience, and training of the candidate who exhibits the best mission fit for the school and the university.

The committee will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews after December 1, 2026. The application portal will remain open until the position is filled.

Job Description: Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will cover the following responsibilities and will be assigned additional responsibilities based on their strengths. 

Environmental Studies

This is a 2-semester contract with an expected 12unit FA/12unit SP teaching load and 8 additional units yearly of service/scholarship.

• Provide leadership for the university’s B.A. in Environmental Studies program, including liaising with faculty across departments, in the Sustainability Department, and with outside community members
• Develop and maintain opportunities for place-based and/or experiential learning
• Teach undergraduate (or graduate if applicable) courses such as Introduction to Environmental Studies, Advanced Environmental Studies, Seminar in Environmental Studies, and/or other humanities/arts/social sciences major or general education courses that fall within their disciplinary expertise
• Recruit, mentor, and advise students interested in interdisciplinary environmental studies

Geographic Information Systems

• Develop and teach a range of GIS courses that will serve both the humanities and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors, including Introduction to Geographic Information Systems using ArcGIS Pro software

General Faculty Responsibilities

• Participate actively in curriculum development, student advising, and programmatic growth across the department
• Support collaborative work, interdepartmental initiatives, and community outreach events 
• Engage in creative or scholarly work appropriate to the faculty member’s area of specialization and established negotiated scholarship agreement
• Contribute to departmental and university governance, recruitment, and committee service
• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to inclusive pedagogy, diverse humanities traditions, and the integration of faith and learning in a liberal arts context
• Collaborate with colleagues across SHAPE, with a focus on collaboration within the Literature, Journalism, Writing, and Languages (LJWL) majors.
• Participate in departmental meetings, faculty meetings, and service consistent with PLNU’s mission
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant/Associate Dean

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Terminal degree (or terminal degree in progress with completion date before August 2027) with an environmental focus OR in another discipline with 4+ years of environmental experience
• Commitment to Christ and Christian Higher Education
• Evidence of successful teaching at the collegiate or secondary level
• Demonstrated expertise in GIS with proficiency in ArcGIS Pro software
• Strong collaboration ability and communication skills
• Interdisciplinary experience either within academia or within a professional field
• Commitment to mentoring students, nurturing hands-on academic excellence, and fostering spiritual growth within a Christian university environment 
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant. 
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

Desired Qualifications

• Doctorate in Environmental Studies or in a related field in the Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences OR with commensurate professional experience in the Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences
• Experience with experiential and place-based learning
• Open to thoughtful AI engagement in the classroom 
• Past collaborations with local organizations and/or city/state governments
• Evidence of successful teaching at the university level

About the PLNU Department of Literature, Journalism, Writing, and Languages

Located on PLNU’s oceanfront Point Loma campus in San Diego, LJWL offers students and faculty an inspiring setting for scholarship, teaching, and creative work in a truly interdisciplinary setting.

LJWL offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in English (concentrations: education, literature, and writing), Environmental Studies, Multimedia Journalism, Spanish, and a Master of Arts in Writing. LJWL is housed in the Jim Bond Academic Center.

Selection Process 
Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated by the search committee. The interview process may include the following: 

• Submission of written materials
• Phone or Zoom Interview with the search committee 
• On-campus interview with the search committee 
• Teaching demonstration in an applicable field
• Interaction with students and faculty in the Department of Literature, Journalism, Writing, and Languages
• Interview with the Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement
• Interview with the Provost of the university
• Interview with the President of the university

Special Instructions 

When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae 
• Cover Letter (should highlight some of your recent scholarship and achievements)
• Philosophy of teaching in Christian higher education
• Statement of Personal Faith (including your personal testimony or faith journey) 
• Student evaluations (if available)
• Names and contact information for three professional references 
• Unofficial transcripts for highest degree completed 

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.