Instructor of Watershed Science

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 12 Sep 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Instructor of Watershed Science
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Posting Number 202200295F
Proposed Annual Salary Range $65,000 - $73,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Position Type Faculty
Work Hours/Week 40
Description of Work Unit
The mission of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University is to advance understanding, develop and share insight, and provide leadership for decision makers at the forefront of local, regional and global sustainability challenges. We are renowned for interdisciplinary research in ecosystem function and ecosystem sustainability, such as sustainability of water, food, and energy systems from technological, social-ecological, and modeling perspectives. ESS faculty whose research lies at the interface of biophysical and social sciences have created open and flexible research and education programs with issues of sustainability as the core focus.
The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D degrees in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and Watershed Science. The department also is the home to a new formed Professional Science Masters with focus areas in water, carbon, and food. The Department has in excess of 350 undergraduate students and 75 graduate students
Tenure/Tenure Track? No
% Research 20
% Teaching 70
% Service 10
% Administration 0
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/12/2022
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 01/02/2023
Position End Date
Position Summary
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (ESS) at Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications for a faculty instructor in Watershed Science beginning spring semester 2023. We seek applications from candidates who have expertise in watershed science, field sampling techniques, water quality regulations, analysis of hydrological data, and conceptual understanding of the effects of land use and land management on water resources. Teaching expectations are approximately 15 credits per year (~5 classes) , including lecture and lab-based courses primarily in Watershed Science, with potential contributions to other quantitative and geospatial courses in the ESS department. Advising and mentoring will include mentoring and advising professional science masters students. Teaching assignments for this position could include Sustainable Watersheds (WR204), the watershed component of Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements (NR220), Land Use and Water Quality (WR418), Watershed Measurements (WR417), and GIS for Water Resources (WR514).
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Required Job Qualifications
  • An advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a related field (completed by December, 2022)
  • Broad background in watershed science
  • Data analysis skills, including geospatial data analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to lead field-based courses and research projects
  • Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching, curriculum development, and pedagogy
  • Experience and interest in working on interdisciplinary teams
  • Proficiency using and/or teaching field and lab-based watershed measurement techniques
  • Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive classroom and field practices
  • Demonstrated skills with using and teaching programming languages. Several watershed courses have modules in the R programming language, so the interest to integrate courses with this language is desired, though programming background can be diverse and non-R
  • A developed interest and ability to lead improvements in curriculum across the Watershed programs
  • Expertise in water quality analysis, research, and/or teaching which could include topics like aqueous chemistry, biogeochemistry, and water quality law
  • Special Instructions to Applicants
    Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than 9/12/022 for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
    Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
  • Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot
  • Resume
  • References – as requested by the search committee

  • References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

    Background Check Policy Statement
    Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
    EEO Statement
    Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
    The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
    The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
    Diversity Statement
    Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
    Search Contact Matthew Ross, [email protected]

    Essential Duties


    Job Duty Category Research
    Duty/Responsibility
    Engage with existing faculty on ongoing research in Watershed Science. Work on water resource issues in Colorado with both university faculty, government scientists (e.g., USFS) and non-profit organizations. 
    Percentage Of Time 20%
    Job Duty Category Service
    Duty/Responsibility
    Review department curriculum and provide feedback to the undergraduate curriculum committee on options for textbooks and other materials to keep materials current and fulfill the curriculum objectives.
    Contribute to the update and maintenance of the degrees in Watershed Science.
    Support the diversity efforts in the College by respecting and encouraging all students and providing fair and equal access to all students. 
    Percentage Of Time 10%
    Job Duty Category Teaching
    Duty/Responsibility
    Prepare and deliver lectures, labs, assignments, and other course materials that meet university and college-level curriculum expectations. Continuously improve materials that are associated with the courses to which the instructor is assigned.
    Assist with the development and advancement of the watershed science curriculum across the college.
    Evaluate student’s understanding of the curriculum with exams, quizzes, and other assessments. Maintain up to date feedback on student performance and progress throughout the semester, and assign student grades at the end of the semester.
    Percentage Of Time 70%


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