Teaching Assistant Professor, Sustainable Design - College of Fine & Applied Arts

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor position in Sustainable Landscapes and Ecological Design. The appointment is jointly supported by the Department of Landscape Architecture (approximately 60%) and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (approximately 40%), and serves as a core instructional resource for the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design (BSSD) program. The position offers opportunity for advancement. The successful candidate will support the BSSD instructional mission and strengthen connections among Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, and Sustainable Design. The role includes teaching and curriculum development across these areas, with a focus on ecological systems, planting design, sustainable site development, landscape management, climate-responsive design, land use planning, and stewardship of natural and urban environments. Teaching should integrate ecological literacy, design thinking, sustainability, planning, and professional practice to address environmental and social challenges. The annual teaching load is six courses: two in FAA/BSSD core curriculum offerings, two in Landscape Architecture, and two in Urban and Regional Planning. Assigned courses should contribute to the BSSD curriculum as major courses, approved electives, or cross-listed offerings supporting pathways among the programs. Other duties include curriculum coordination and development, faculty collaboration, undergraduate mentoring, program assessment and academic service, and participation in interdisciplinary sustainability education initiatives across the College of Fine and Applied Arts. The anticipated start date is January 16, 2026. The salary range is $65,000–$75,000. The appointment is eligible for work-authorization sponsorship, except for a new H-1B petition that would incur the stated $100,000 fee. The position is intended to be eligible for benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Requirements

Professional degree in Landscape Architecture or a closely allied field.
Terminal degree in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Ecological Design, Planning, Urban Design, Geography, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.
Three years of combined teaching and professional experience in landscape architecture, ecological design, environmental planning, or a closely allied field; merit-based exceptions may be considered.
Demonstrated expertise in plant identification, planting design, ecological systems, land use planning and management, sustainable site design, and/or sustainable urban design.
Evidence of teaching effectiveness or professional accomplishment relevant to the position.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of combined teaching and professional experience.
Post-graduate degree in Landscape Architecture or a closely allied field.
Experience teaching interdisciplinary sustainability-focused courses.
Demonstrated expertise in integrating ecological processes with design decision-making.
Experience working across scales, from site design to regional planning and landscape management.
Evidence of curriculum development and innovation in sustainability education.

Responsibilities

Teach six courses annually: two in FAA/BSSD core curriculum offerings, two in Landscape Architecture, and two in Urban and Regional Planning.
Ensure assigned courses contribute to the BSSD curriculum as major courses, approved electives, or cross-listed offerings supporting pathways among Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, and Sustainable Design.
Develop and coordinate curriculum that strengthens connections among sustainability, ecological systems, landscape planning, land management, urban systems, and design disciplines.
Collaborate with faculty across Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, and the BSSD program.
Mentor undergraduate students and participate in program assessment and academic service activities as appropriate.
Contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives advancing sustainability education across the College of Fine and Applied Arts.