Assistant Professor - Utah Water Policy

Overview

Utah State University’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics seeks an Assistant Professor in Natural Resource Economics, prioritizing water economics and policy relevant to Utah and the Intermountain West.

This is a nine-month, tenure-track, academic-year appointment with a role of 50% teaching, 45% research, 5% service located in Logan, UT. Review of applications begins December 15th are will continue until the position is filled.

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of their current U.S. work authorization status. Visa sponsorship may be available depending on individual circumstances and applicable immigration requirements. The University supports standard sponsorship costs but cannot cover the additional $100,000 H-1B fee if applicable. Sponsorship eligibility will be determined by University Human Resources prior to an official offer of employment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, face-to-face or online, in environmental and natural resource economics, benefit-cost or policy analysis, applied microeconomics, or quantitative methods, according to departmental needs.
• Develop a nationally recognized research program in water economics and policy, including conservation, allocation, agricultural water use, or policy Related work on land use, public lands, ecosystem services, energy, or climate adaptation may complement this focus.
• Publish high-quality peer-reviewed research and communicate findings to academic and policy audiences. Collaborate with state partners and Extension colleagues on policy briefs or decision
• Seek external funding and pursue disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond the
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, serve on graduate supervisory committees, and contribute departmental, college, university, and professional service consistent with rank and appointment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in economics, applied economics, agricultural economics, natural resource economics, or a closely related field by the start date;
• Demonstrated potential for productive research and effective undergraduate and graduate teaching;
• Strong quantitative, written, and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in water economics and policy relevant to Utah and the Intermountain West;
• High-quality scholarship appropriate to career stage;
• Potential for successful grant writing and interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Face-to-face or online teaching experience and evidence of effectiveness;
• Potential to mentor graduate students and contribute to graduate program development.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 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 educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. 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 it 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 [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026