Job description
Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.
At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Science. Pacific University’s Environmental Studies Department has an opening for a one-year (0.75 FTE) teaching position starting Fall 2026 on the Forest Grove, Oregon campus. The teaching load for this position is 18-credits across the fall, winter, and spring semesters. The faculty contract period is August 24, 2026 – May 17, 2027. The 0.75 FTE position is eligible for tier 1 benefits
(https://www.pacificu.edu/about/directory/fin ance-administration/human-resources/benefits).
Preferred candidates will have a PhD in environmental science, ecology, soil science, or related field with teaching experience in both introductory and advanced courses at the college level. Teaching expectations include an introductory environmental science lecture & lab course, an introductory soils and water course, an introductory GIS course, and an upper-division course in the successful candidate’s area of specialty.
Pacific University has a diverse student population and is particularly interested in candidates who can complement existing expertise in the department and contribute, through their teaching and research, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
Pacific University is an independent, comprehensive university in Forest Grove, Oregon (about 25 miles west of Portland). The Environmental Studies department is part of the College of Undergraduate Studies, a liberal arts undergraduate college where faculty and staff are committed to an intimate, personalized education. The University also includes a College of Graduate Studies, including programs such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Pharmacy, Dental Science, Professional Psychology, & Optometry.
The Department of Environmental Studies currently has 2 full-time faculty members, who work with a number of affiliated faculty in complementary disciplines throughout the college. The department is committed to learning through discovery in the field, the laboratory and the classroom. The program graduates ~12 majors each year, many of whom pursue graduate studies in environmental science or embark on careers with an environmental focus.
At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.
We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:
- Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
- Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
- Comprehensive dental and vision plans
- Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
- Free mental health appointments
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
- On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
- Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at [email protected].
How to apply
Please submit application materials through PayCom:
- A cover letter that addresses (1) your preparation to teach at Pacific; (2) specific experience teaching college-level courses; (3) brief description of your experience working with undergraduate students; (4) qualifications to teach the required courses (environmental science, GIS, soil and water)
- A CV
- A Teaching Statement (including a brief course description for an upper-division course in your area of expertise)
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. teaching evaluations, peer observations, etc.)
- Names and contact information for three references who can address your teaching experience and potential for this position
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Rich Van Buskirk (Environmental Studies Department Chair, [email protected]) with questions.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.
