Overview

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for two term appointment faculty teaching positions (Lecturer or Professional Practice Assistant Professor) to support a new program in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI). We seek candidates who can holistically apply innovative GeoAI methods such as machine and deep learning, multidimensional data analysis, and big data visualization to natural resource applications. Teaching areas may include remote sensing, GeoAI applications in natural resources, geospatial programming courses in Python, ethics related to geospatial data and artificial intelligence, Google Earth Engine, and geovisualization techniques specific to remote sensing. These two non-tenure-track, full-time academic-year (nine-month) faculty positions are based at the USU main campus in Logan. The emphasis for each position is 95% teaching and 5% service. Funding for these positions is secured for two years and ENVS will be seeking ongoing funding. The positions start August 1, 2024.

Application review begins February 16, 2024 and continues until the position is filled. For further information contact the search committee chair, Shannon Belmont (shannon.belmont@usu.edu).

Responsibilities

• Course Instruction: Teach up to 18 credits per academic year (equivalent to six 3-credit courses) focusing on critical thinking and practical skill development and applying best practices for inclusive pedagogies. Courses will focus on Remote Sensing and GeoAI foundations and applications but may also include courses in other areas of the Department’s degree programs. Courses will be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered via online, in-person, or in a blended format, with the greater weight towards online deliveries.
• Curriculum Development: Develop courses related to remote sensing and GeoAI utilizing effective and innovative teaching methods to engage students and facilitate a dynamic learning environment. Maintain relevancy of curriculum by keeping pace with industry advancements in Remote Sensing and GeoAI. Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the curriculum in alignment with departmental goals.
• Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of emerging technologies, pedagogical approaches, and best practices in the relevant subject areas.
• Student Mentoring: Provide academic guidance and mentorship to a diverse set of students pursuing interests in geospatial fields. Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.
• Service: Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus and professional involvement off campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A master’s degree or higher at date-of-hire in geography or related quantitative field with a focus on geospatial science in a human-environment context.
• Demonstrated expertise in remote sensing and geospatial artificial intelligence.
• For appointment as a Professional Practice Assistant Professor, substantial relevant professional experience outside of academia in the application of remote sensing and/or geospatial artificial intelligence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in geography or related field.
• Prior teaching experience, with an emphasis on developing and delivering innovative courses in geospatial science of human-environment interactions.
• A demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate in an interdisciplinary academic setting.
• Experience with or the desire to learn about distance and online course delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of diverse members and foster a sense of belonging for all students.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1) Curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2) Cover Letter- upload to "Other Documents 1-10"

3) Statement of teaching experience and philosophy (3-page maximum)- upload to "Other Documents 1-10"

4) Contact information for three references

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.

College/Department Highlights

The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.

The Department of Environment and Society uses the social, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences to understand human-environment interactions at a range of spatial scales and to bring human considerations into natural resource and environmental management. Faculty promote people-centered solutions for sustainability transitions and climate change adaptations and deliver graduate and undergraduate education in environmental studies and social sciences, recreation resource management, and geography. Together we value inclusive practices, center socio-environmental justice, and work towards greater diversity of community. 

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023