Visiting Instructor of Earth Sciences

published May 3, 2018 8:23am

Starting Date: August, 2018

Position Description

The Earth Science Program at Adams State University announces a one-year visiting position for a broadly trained Earth scientist to join a vigorous faculty committed to excellence in undergraduate education. Responsibilities include teaching lower and upper-division lecture and laboratory courses. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: geomorphology, climatology, natural resource management, and remote sensing. Participation in lower division geology and environmental science courses commensurate with the needs of the Department. Teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester.

Candidates should demonstrate that they possess (1) a commitment to student-centered instruction (2) a commitment to furthering the university's mission of Inclusive Excellence. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse faculty, staff, and students within the Biology and Earth Science department and across campus.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in an earth science discipline with a background in one or more of the areas listed above, Ph.D. preferred.
  • Evidence of valuing equity, treating cultural and linguistic diversity as assets, and promoting inclusiveness

Preference will be given to applicants who possess/demonstrate

  • Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
  • Commitment to undergraduate laboratory instruction
  • Experience using a variety of delivery methods for teaching

Departmental and Campus Information

The Earth Science program offers Bachelor degrees in Geology (BA/BS), Physical Geography and Conservation (BA/BS), and Secondary Education (BA). The department faculty enjoy a collaborative environment and have university-wide support to further the vision of educating diverse students.

Located in the beautiful San Luis Valley between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges in Alamosa, Colorado, Adams State University is a state-supported Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The vast San Luis Valley is designated the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (http://sdcnha.org/js). We are, at 7500 feet, in the largest alpine valley in the United States. Alamosa is located approximately 3.5 hours from Denver, 1.5 hours from Taos, NM, and 2.5 hours from Santa Fe, NM. Alamosa has a population of 9500 with recently built elementary schools, a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and is in an area where the opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. ASU takes a leading role in local theatre performances and musical events.

The university is dedicated to fostering Inclusive Excellence. Given the university's mission and student body composition, the department is committed to increasing its faculty diversity and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that reflect perspectives not represented by our current faculty; we will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings, or who possess varied language skills, have a record of research that supports diverse communities, or have a record of teaching a diverse student population. Additional information about the university and the department may be found at www.adams.edu/academics/

Salary and Benefits

Salary is $40,000 to $44,000 (9-month academic year contract), commensurate with experience. Adams State University offers excellent medical/dental and retirement benefits.

To Apply

Completed applications must include the following:
1. Letter of application addressing the following points:
- applicant's interest in and qualifications for the position, with reference to the above criteria
- interest in specific courses mentioned in the position description
- examples of how the applicant would work in a multi-cultural classroom and university setting and contribute to the mission and vision of ASU
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts of all college work (legible copies accepted). Official transcripts and background check are required at time of appointment.
4. A list of five professional references (name, affiliation, email address, and phone number) who can address the applicant's qualifications for the position. References will not be contacted immediately but may be asked for a written or verbal evaluation of the candidate at subsequent points in the review process.

Materials should be submitted electronically to Dr. Benita Brink, Chair of the Department of Biology and Earth Sciences at babrink@adams.edu

Completed applications received prior to May 25, 2018 will receive full consideration. Position will remain open until a suitable applicant is hired.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1986, candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, college policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, marital status, and parental status.

Background Check Policy

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential, to the extent provided for by law.