Job Description

The  Environmental Studies Program in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor  of Indigenous Environmental Studies to join our interdisciplinary, community-engaged program. We seek a candidate with broad interdisciplinary expertise related to Indigenous perspectives on the environment, environmental justice, and environmental ethics to teach courses in Environmental Studies that support our undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability and our Environmental Justice Certificate, including courses that serve Environmental Science and Sustainability majors. The faculty member will teach a total 15-16 credits at the undergraduate level, including lower division required courses, courses on environmental justice and traditional ecological knowledge, and a course to be determined based on the needs of programs and the background of the successful applicant.

About us

The Environmental Studies Program (EVST), founded in 1970, is nationally known for its engagement-oriented Master of Science (MS) graduate program. We seek to provide students with the literacy, skills, and commitment needed to foster a healthy natural environment and to create a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. To these ends, the Environmental Studies Program educates and challenges students to become knowledgeable, motivated and engaged in environmental affairs. Our students acquire the skills and awareness to promote positive social change and improve the environment and communities of Montana and the world, for current and future generations. More information on our program is at https://www.umt.edu/environmental-studies/

Position Details

Title:  Assistant Teaching Professor in Indigenous Environmental Studies

Schedule: Full time academic year (10-month) position beginning fall semester 2026. Potential to renew annually.

FTE:  0.90 teaching, 0.10 service

Salary: $60,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• An interdisciplinary master’s degree that includes environmental humanities, ethics, natural resource management, Native American Studies, Justice Studies, Democracy Studies, or other related fields; or a combination of a master’s and undergraduate degrees that demonstrate academic training in the forementioned areas.
• Expertise in environmental justice, Indigenous perspectives, social justice, human rights, or closely related areas.
• Demonstrated or potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications

• An interdisciplinary Ph.D. that integrates Indigenous environmental studies, environmental ethics, and justice studies; or a combination of a Ph.D. and other degrees that demonstrate academic training in the forementioned areas.
• Expertise in Indigenous knowledge, including traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous land stewardship, Indigenous research methodologies, Indigenous environmentalism, tribal-federal co-stewardship, rights of nature, or other closely related areas.
• Experience working with tribal or environmental non-profit organizations through community-engaged research, teaching, or service.
• A publication record in Indigenous environmental studies, environmental humanities, environmental justice, environmental ethics, or other closely related subjects.

Application Instructions

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of March, 18, 2026 however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit the following materials:

• A cover letter (2 page maximum) describing your interest in the position and relevant experience in both teaching and community engagement.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• One recent, relevant publication.
• Names and contact information for three references.

Please contact Search Committee Chair Robin Saha ( robin.saha@umontana.edu) with any questions.

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five  priorities for action Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.