Assistant Professor in Environmental Social Science

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications by environmental social scientists for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We welcome a variety of areas of scholarly expertise that build on or complement departmental strengths. Topics might include but are not limited to: energy water health and wellbeing environmental hazards environmental change socio-environmental systems outdoor recreation and tourism conservation human dimensions of natural resources adaptation and resilience and environmental conflicts. Relevance to the state of Utah would be especially welcomed. Methods could include GIS and remote sensing computational social science quantitative approaches ethnographic/qualitative approaches or other. Teaching expectations will include a combination of in-person and online/virtual courses that contribute to the departments academic programs including geography and environmental studies/sciences. 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 December 1 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. Elise Laugier ().

• The successful candidate will lead a research program that builds on a strong social and/or behavioral science expertise.
• Teaching includes three 3-credit courses per academic year or equivalent. The successful candidate may be asked to teach lower and upper division Geography courses but may 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned PhD at date-of-hire in Environmental Studies Geography or a related social or behavioral science field.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Training supportive of ability to develop and deliver Geography coursework.
• 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.

Along with the online application please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under Resume/CV
2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile
3. Cover letter (2-page maximum)to be typed/pasted during your application under Cover Letter
4. Research statement that covers research experience and interests (3-page maximum) to be typed/pasted during your application under Research Statement
5. Teaching statement that covers teaching experience and philosophy including in fostering the success of students from all backgrounds (2-page maximum) to be typed/pasted at the end of your application under Teaching Philosophy

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

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.

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( 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 universitys 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 Utahs remarkable and varied landscapes which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research education and outreach.

The Department of Environment and Society( 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.

Founded in 1888 Utah State University is Utahs 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 29800 students both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah States 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 womens volleyball three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in womens soccer conference championships and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics reflecting USUs 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 willchampion excellence in education research discovery outreach and believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability contact the universitys ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at or.

*updated 12/2025

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 USUs non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination please visit or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

*updated 10/2025