Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Warren Wilson College welcomes applicants for a full-time, continuing Assistant Professor of Environmental Science position in the Environmental Studies and Data Science Department. This position begins August 1, 2027, and is part of the College's extended contract system, carrying a 24-credit annual teaching load. On Warren Wilson's extended contract system, after an initial 3 year period of annual reviews, faculty receive extended-term contracts that provide for continuing appointment, and are linked to academic rank review and promotion. Through leadership in our thriving environmental program, the successful candidate will educate changemakers and contribute to scientific understanding and environmental stewardship in the western North Carolina region.

Position Description

Ideal candidates will be able to teach introductory environmental science and specialty environmental science courses in the successful candidate’s area of expertise. The faculty member in this position is also expected to advise students in the Environmental Science major, mentor students in undergraduate research projects, and work in close collaboration with the WWC Center for Working Lands team. This is a full-time, continuing faculty position on a 10-month contract in an extended contract system.

The Department of Environmental Studies and Data Science is an interdisciplinary learning community, preparing leaders who are able to critically assess, develop, and promote resilient and sustainable futures for life on Earth. The department offers three majors: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies (BS or BA), Environmental Science (BS), and Environmental Studies (BA). Program graduates have a strong foundation in the natural sciences and a rich understanding of the social, political and ethical implications of environmental problems and solutions. Approximately 900 acres of ecologically-managed working farm and forestland (including stream and river ecosystems), as well as thousands of acres of surrounding public lands serve as a hands-on educational setting for our program.

Successful candidates will have evidence of excellence in and commitment to undergraduate teaching, a track record of relevant scholarly activity, experience in interdisciplinary approaches to environmental studies, and ability to collaboratively contribute to the College’s environmental programs.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours (6 courses) per academic year; typically, 4 credits are assigned to mentor undergraduate research projects (1 course).
• Provide academic and career advising to Environmental Science students.
• Mentor student research projects within the Natural Science Undergraduate Research Sequence.
• Integrate the College’s working lands into teaching and research through collaboration with the Farm, Forest, and Landscape managers.
• Participate in and contribute to the business of the Environmental Studies Department.
• Contribute to the college’s General Education Program, as appropriate.
• Provide service to the college, as well as ongoing professional development and scholarly activity.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Geology, Hydrology, or related field (ABD will be considered);
• One year of successful teaching experience;
• Demonstrated experience with advancing a learning environment that is conducive to all students. For instance, experience incorporating inclusive teaching modalities, selection of course content, subject matter experts and working with diverse student populations;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level;
• Evidence of experiential and applied learning pedagogy;
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research;
• Preferred expertise in hydrology, soil science, or biogeochemistry;
• Teaching and/or professional experience in traditional ecological knowledge.

About the College:

Warren Wilson College is located on a beautiful 1,135-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. We enroll approximately 750 undergraduates and 100 graduates. Rooted in liberal arts education, the College provides educational programs that foster students’ curiosity, empathy, and integrity to prepare graduates to engage in groundbreaking scholarship and creative work; to pursue meaningful careers with professionalism; and to lead purposeful lives dedicated to fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

As the National Leader for Learning in Action, our Progressive Promise articulates our innovative educational approach that intentionally integrates academics, campus work and community engagement for a rich, challenging student experience. Our students matriculate through deliberately scaffolded courses and signature capstone experiences that combine intellectual foundations with experiential skill development and problem solving.

Interested candidates should provide the following documents to complete their application:

• a curriculum vitae
• A cover letter that describes how the applicant’s teaching, research, and/or creative scholarly experience prepares the applicant to contribute to Warren Wilson’s experiential learning and a diverse student body in a residential work college setting

Additional materials may be requested of applicants whose candidacy advances.

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 8, 2026. Electronic submission is required.

We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that all students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an engaged faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and the Progressive Promise for all, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.