Position Announcement for Sustainability and Renewable Resources Specialist with Faculty Status

McMurry University will establish a new Department of Sustainability and Renewable Resources that will offer the B. S. in Sustainability and Renewable Resources major.  We are soliciting applications for an anchor faculty member to lead this effort. The successful candidate will be a scholar-practitioner, passionate about inspiring undergraduate students to care for the Earth and develop sustainable patterns of consumption as well as policies and practices that promote a better environment and society.  We seek candidates with interdisciplinary training and expertise in environmental science, soil ecology, earth science, environmental chemistry, conservation biology and restoration ecology, sustainable agriculture, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.

Job Description:

Title V Program Specialist with faculty status – Sustainability and Renewable Resources (SUST)

Instructor or full-time tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor with appropriate credentials position beginning August 2020. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. The Department of Sustainability and Renewable Resources will offer an interdisciplinary program delivering the B. S. in Sustainability and Renewable Resources, balancing a strong science foundation with more applied studies of the interactions and impacts arising between man and environment.  Development of this new degree program is being funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions grant. The new major will provide focused and intentional preparation for careers in fields promoting sustainability, conservation, and the use of renewable resources. The successful candidate will be the first individual dedicated solely to this new department.  Faculty from other departments will hold joint appointments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and pilot curricula and provide leadership for the new B. S. in Sustainability and Renewable Resources
• Coursework planned for development includes: Introduction to the Environment, Biodiversity, Green Chemistry, Principles of Sustainability, Renewable Resources, Urban Ecology, Environmental Regulations and Compliance, Toxicology, Practicum, and Senior Capstone.
• Develop and pilot test courses and instructional modules including research projects with undergraduate students
• Recommend needed equipment for the SUST program.
• Develop and supervise evaluation processes for the SUST program and coursework.
• Keep Title V Project Co-Directors informed of progress and problems.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A master’s degree in Sustainability/Environmental Science or other related fields; terminal degree or ABD status in a field with emphasis on sustainability and renewable resources preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience required, some community college experience preferred.
• Curriculum development experience (min. 3 yrs preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years’ professional work experience, university research, and/or a combination of research and related work experience.
• Evidence of thorough and accurate knowledge of discipline required.
• Proficiency in verbal/written communication skills required.
• The candidate must demonstrate commitment to McMurry University’s Mission and Core Values, as well as supporting the role of a small Christian university in Higher Education.
• Candidate must provide evidence of the ability to communicate, teach, and work with undergraduates. McMurry University places a high regard on quality teaching and discipline-specific community-engaged professionals.
• References must speak to the candidate’s ability to work collaboratively with departmental colleagues regarding curricula, instruction, strategic planning, and program assessment.
• The candidate must support the activities of a variety of research and application-based inquiries as they relate to course use, departmental initiatives, and student projects.