Job description

Department: Geosciences & Natural Resources

About WCU:
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources at Western Carolina University invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term Instructor in Geology and Environmental Science for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. Continuation beyond this period may be considered based on available funding and departmental needs. The department offers major programs in Geology, Environmental Science, and Natural Resource Conservation and Management, all of which share a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, experiential learning, and undergraduate research.

We seek candidates in hydrology or geosciences who hold a M.S. or Ph.D. and demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching excellence and providing experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. Teaching responsibilities will include GEOL 305: Soils and Hydrology; courses in introductory environmental science and/or the Environmental Science capstone; and potentially a general education course in geology.

The campus encompasses approximately 600 acres and includes a hydrological research station that supports research and experiential learning. The department is growing and has a strong reputation in the environmental sciences, with a continued commitment to experiential learning and undergraduate research. Western Carolina University values inclusive excellence and fosters a welcoming community where all individuals are respected and feel a sense of belonging.

Western Carolina University is part of the University of North Carolina system and is committed to the Boyer model of scholarship, stewardship of place, integrated learning, and community engagement. The campus is located approximately 50 miles west of Asheville in the heart of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a M.S. or Ph.D. in geosciences or a related field from an accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated high-quality teaching experience, formal pedagogical training, and a record of mentoring undergraduate students.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

How to apply

To apply, please visit: [email protected].