TENURE TRACK FACULTY

Kjersten Peterson October 23, 2026 California Tenure Track Faculty
- Environmental Planning and Policy Kjersten Peterson October 23, 2026 California

Job Type
On-site, full-time

Location:
Cal Poly Humboldt
- Arcata, CA Pay: We seek to fill this position at the Assistant Professor rank; however, rank and salary are dependent on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The Assistant Professor Classification annual salary range for this position is $74,652
- $158,688; the anticipated starting annual salary is $80,000-$84,000. Application Deadline: This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to completed applications received no later than December 1, 2026, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university. Early response is encouraged. Description Faculty Tenure-Track Position Starting Fall 2027 Cal Poly Humboldt and the Department of Environmental Science and Management invites applicants for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position with an emphasis in Environmental Planning and Policy with expertise that will complement and expand the department’s existing strengths through interdisciplinary research and teaching in one or more of the following areas: rural, urban, regional and/or conservation planning; public lands management; environmental policy; disaster planning; human dimensions of natural resource management; environmental justice; public participation and/or collaborative governance; sustainability; conflict resolution; and fire ecology and management. The Environmental Science and Management Department houses an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management with concentrations in Environmental Planning & Policy, Ecological Restoration, Energy & Climate, and Environmental Education & Interpretation. Much of the department faculty's research is based within the local North Coast region. Environmental Science and Management is one of the largest majors at Cal Poly Humboldt with ~300 students. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiential learning. For more information about the department, please visit: https://www.humboldt.edu/environmental-science-and-management Professional Duties Candidates should be committed to teaching excellence and to building a strong research record. Instructional assignments may include: Introduction to Environmental Planning Methods, Local Government Planning, Environmental Conflict Resolution, Public Land Use Policy and Management, Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Planning and Policy Capstone, Natural Resource Management in Protected Areas, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainability Analysis, Forest and Rangeland Policy, and Humans and Fire. The hired instructor will only teach a sub-set of the listed courses. Instructional assignments will be consistent with the programmatic needs of the department and students. The primary professional responsibilities of instructional faculty members are: teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and service to the University, profession and to the community. These responsibilities include: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide communities, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participation in traditional academic functions. Probationary faculty are typically provided ongoing mentorship to be a successful member of the faculty. During the first two years of the probationary period, teaching responsibilities will be reduced by approximately one course each semester. The reduced teaching load supports the establishment of research, scholarship and/or creative activities required for retention, tenure, and promotion. Cal Poly Humboldt also continues to build unique and innovative place-based learning opportunities for students, bridging multiple disciplines across the spectrum. Cal Poly Humboldt is a leader in “learning communities” that build relationships between students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the community. These communities incorporate environmental and social responsibility. To learn more about the place-based learning community for first time freshmen in Environmental Science & Management, go to: https://www.humboldt.edu/pblc/learning-communities/klamath-connection Minimum Qualifications An earned PhD, JD, or equivalent in environmental planning, environmental policy, urban and/or regional planning, public policy, environmental science, environmental management, environmental studies, public affairs, natural resources, geography, forestry, sustainability or a related field from an accredited college or university is required at the time of appointment. If ABD, degree requirements must be completed by date of appointment. The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate The Following
• Record of training or experience in the field of environmental planning and policy, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: rural, urban, regional and/or conservation planning; public lands management; environmental policy; disaster planning; human dimensions of natural resource management; environmental justice; public participation and/or collaborative governance; sustainability; conflict resolution; and fire ecology and management;
• Excellence in, or clear potential for, university-level teaching and creating a student-centered learning environment;
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, conducting and publishing original research in peer-reviewed journals in environmental planning and policy related to one or more of the following areas: rural, urban, regional and/or conservation planning; public lands management; environmental policy; disaster planning; human dimensions of natural resource management; environmental justice; public participation and/or collaborative governance; sustainability; conflict resolution; and fire ecology and management;
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse student and/or research populations;
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity addressing issues of concern facing students from diverse backgrounds in higher education; and
• Record of, or potential for, involving students in research and scholarly activity. Preferred Qualifications For This Position Include
• Record of, or potential for, developing place-based, applied, community-engaged, and/or Tribally engaged research in California’s North Coast region; and
• Experience developing, or potential to develop, community, university, and/or professional partnerships that support teaching, research, and advising. Application Qualified candidates should submit the following materials through PageUp:
• Letter of Application;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy, including how it relates to supporting students who have been historically marginalized and/or minoritized;
• Statement of Research Interests;
• Teaching Evaluations, if available;
• Graduate Transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient for initial review); and
• Names and Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References. Additional application materials may be requested at a later time. Questions concerning the application process may be directed to: aps@humboldt.edu Questions concerning this position may be directed to: Dr. Alison O’Dowd, Search Committee Chair, alison.odowd@humboldt.edu Learn more and apply Back to Jobs Board Tagged: On-site, Faculty, Full-time 0 Likes Share Newer PostExecutive Director Older PostAssistant Professor
- Environmental and Natural Resources Policy