Assistant Professor of Environment Science

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • Forest Grove, OR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice. At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge. Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Science. Pacific University’s Environmental Studies Department has an opening for a one-year (0.75 FTE) teaching position starting Fall 2026 on the Forest Grove, Oregon campus. The teaching load for this position is 18-credits across the fall, winter, and spring semesters. The faculty contract period is August 24, 2026 – May 17, 2027. The 0.75 FTE position is eligible for tier 1 benefits (https://www.pacificu.edu/about/directory/finance-administration/human-resources/benefits). Preferred candidates will have a PhD in environmental science, ecology, soil science, or related field with teaching experience in both introductory and advanced courses at the college level. Teaching expectations include an introductory environmental science lecture & lab course, an introductory soils and water course, an introductory GIS course, and an upper-division course in the successful candidate’s area of specialty. Pacific University has a diverse student population and is particularly interested in candidates who can complement existing expertise in the department and contribute, through their teaching and research, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. The successful candidate must have authorization to work in the United States. Pacific University is an independent, comprehensive university in Forest Grove, Oregon (about 25 miles west of Portland). The Environmental Studies department is part of the College of Undergraduate Studies, a liberal arts undergraduate college where faculty and staff are committed to an intimate, personalized education. The University also includes a College of Graduate Studies, including programs such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Pharmacy, Dental Science, Professional Psychology, & Optometry. The Department of Environmental Studies currently has 2 full-time faculty members, who work with a number of affiliated faculty in complementary disciplines throughout the college. The department is committed to learning through discovery in the field, the laboratory and the classroom. The program graduates ~12 majors each year, many of whom pursue graduate studies in environmental science or embark on careers with an environmental focus.

Requirements

• A cover letter that addresses (1) your preparation to teach at Pacific; (2) specific experience teaching college-level courses; (3) brief description of your experience working with undergraduate students; (4) qualifications to teach the required courses (environmental science, GIS, soil and water)
• A CV
• A Teaching Statement (including a brief course description for an upper-division course in your area of expertise)
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. teaching evaluations, peer observations, etc.)
• Names and contact information for three references who can address your teaching experience and potential for this position
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in environmental science, ecology, soil science, or related field with teaching experience in both introductory and advanced courses at the college level.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees