Assistant Professor Environmental and Natural Resources Policy

Overview

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor with expertise in environmental or natural resources policy. Possible application areas could include energy, air quality, water, climate, wildlife, agricultural conservation, public lands, or hazardous waste management as examples. We welcome applications from those working across an array of natural resource and environmental contexts. Relevance to the state of Utah would be especially welcomed. Teaching expectations will include a combination of online/virtual and in-person courses that contribute to the department’s curriculum. This tenure-track, full-time academic-year (nine-month) position is based at the USU main campus in Logan. The emphasis for the position is 50% research, 40% teaching/advising, and 10% service. The position will start August 2026. Background information is available on the webpages for the Department of Environment and Society and its home, the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Application review will begin October 20, 2025. The position will remain open until filled, but application by the date above is encouraged for full consideration. Candidates from all backgrounds and populations are encouraged to apply. For further information contact the search committee chair, Dr. Courtney Flint ([email protected]).

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will lead a research program that builds on a strong background in environmental or natural resources policy.
• Teaching includes up to three 3-credit courses per academic year, or equivalent, that contribute to the department’s curriculum areas in environmental studies, environmental science and sustainability, and geography. The successful candidate could expect to teach courses in the area of environmental and natural resource policy but might also be asked to contribute in other curricular areas.
• Courses may be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered in person, via virtual or online learning, or in a blended format.
• Student advising includes mentoring undergraduate researchers and advising graduate students in a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of all students.
• Community engagement, broadly defined, is encouraged. Community engagement in research, teaching, and/or service activities is valued by the Department and it is integrated into the mission, climate, and culture.
• Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus as well as professional involvement off campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned PhD (or JD with academic experience) at date-of-hire in a field related to environmental or natural resources policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated application of research for policy development or institutional decision making.
• A publication record consistent with career stage.
• Demonstrated potential to build and maintain a productive research program, including the ability to secure competitive external funding.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with natural and social scientists across disciplines.
• Demonstrated interest in community-engaged research or research outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the inclusion of all groups in society through education, research, or service.
• Prior teaching experience.
• Experience with or the desire to learn about virtual and online course delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of members from a range of backgrounds and experiences and to foster a sense of belonging for all students.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

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

Research statement that covers research experience and interests (3-page maximum) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” 

Teaching statement that covers teaching experience and philosophy, including in fostering the success of students from all backgrounds (3-page maximum) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10” 

Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile 

Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application (2-page maximum)

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

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (https://qanr.usu.edu/) is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah.

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university’s land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah’s remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach.

The Department of Environment and Society (https://qanr.usu.edu/envs/) uses the social, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences to understand human-environment interactions at a range of spatial scales and to bring human considerations into natural resource and environmental management. Faculty promote people-centered solutions for sustainability transitions and climate change adaptations and deliver graduate and undergraduate education in environmental social and interdisciplinary sciences, recreation resource management, and geography. Together we value respectful practices and community engagement for a more sustainable and just tomorrow.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

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, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

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 they 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 12/2025

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

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

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 10/2025