The University of Maine at Fort Kent is seeking to hire an Assistant/Associate Professor or Instructor (tenure track) of Law Enforcement. This position, starting in August 2026, is an excellent opportunity for a passionate educator to shape the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
About the Role
This position involves expectations for scholarship, service and teaching a diverse range of courses for our Associate and Bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice and Conservation Law Enforcement, and a Master of Science degree in Homeland Security. This position will be expected to teach face-to-face, online and hyflex modalities. Our undergraduate curriculum is distinguished by its focus on experiential and field-oriented education, preparing students with practical, real-world skills. The online Homeland Security graduate program is designed to equip students for leadership roles in emergency preparedness, border security, and infrastructure protection.
We are looking for a dynamic educator who can teach a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic semester. Course assignments will cover a variety of subjects, potentially including:
• Introduction to Conservation Law Enforcement
• Environmental Law
• Principles of Investigation
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
We value individual expertise and may consider your specific interests when assigning courses.
In addition to teaching, you will be expected to advise students, contribute to curriculum
development, and engage in departmental and university service.
Key Responsibilities
As a vital part of our team, you will:
• Deliver engaging and effective instruction in conservation law enforcement and criminal justice.
• Develop and maintain innovative course curricula.
• Teach a minimum of four courses each semester.
• Serve as a mentor, guiding students through internships and capstone projects.
• Actively participate in recruiting new students.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that helps every student succeed.
Qualifications
Instructor (Tenure Track):
- A master’s degree MS/MA in a criminal justice related field with experience in law enforcement. (Note: Instructors must be willing to pursue a doctorate degree in order to be promoted within four years to a higher rank for tenure).
Assistant/Associate Professor (Tenure Track):
• Ph.D./JD in a criminal justice related field with experience in law enforcement.
All candidates must possess:
• Proven ability to teach in a post-secondary or law enforcement academy environment.
• Deep knowledge of criminal law procedures and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
About the University
Located on the northernmost border of Maine, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a career- focused campus offering relevant, experiential, academic programs and services with personalized attention. UMFK’s diverse student population enjoys the opportunity to live and learn in a beautiful, natural setting and a caring, friendly atmosphere where they thrive as engaged members of the community.
Our vision is that UMFK will transform students into professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to meet the evolving demands of a modern workforce.
Taught by full-time faculty, our average class size is 16 students to one faculty member. Our students come to us from throughout the United States as well as approximately 30 countries.
The great outdoor environment of the St. John Valley and forests of New England provide UMFK with abundant resources for learning and research, as well as easy access to the joys of outdoor sports and nature activities. The University and surrounding communities also play important roles in preserving, cultivating, and celebrating the Franco-American/Acadian culture in the St. John Valley and housing one of two Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes in the nation. UMFK is the only institution in the United States located at the center of the French culture of northern Maine, northwestern New Brunswick, and eastern Quebec, offering opportunities for students to study and live in a bilingual region. The surrounding town of Fort Kent is a welcoming town of approximately 3,800 people who are active in various festivals, community gatherings, and civic work. UMFK is embedded near the center of town allowing easy access to amenities and the community at large.
UMFK ranks among the top tier of all northern colleges for the tenth consecutive year, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2021 rankings. For the past 15 years, UMFK has been repeatedly selected as one of the outstanding colleges and universities that The Princeton Review recommends to college applicants in its print and online editions.
Appropriate background checks are required.
The University is not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity institution committed to
nondiscrimination.
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you have any questions, contact Student Affairs at (207) 834-7587.
Education