What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor of Regenerative Organic Agriculture position at Maharishi International University?
About the Role
The Instructor of Regenerative Organic Agriculture is a full-time, campus-based faculty position responsible for undergraduate instruction, student mentoring, experiential learning, and program support within the College of Sustainability. This role advances regenerative organic agriculture through hands-on education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-centered learning experiences.
Based in Fairfield, Iowa, the instructor teaches approximately two to four on-campus Regenerative Organic Agriculture and related College of Sustainability courses annually. The remainder of the position is dedicated to maintaining the College's instructional garden plots as dynamic living laboratories while supporting a variety of student-facing initiatives, including experiential learning opportunities, campus engagement activities, recruitment events, workshops, and community-building programs.
Working collaboratively with faculty and staff, the instructor contributes to the creative planning, enhancement, and expansion of campus-based sustainability and regenerative agriculture programs. Responsibilities include developing innovative educational experiences, strengthening student engagement, supporting interdisciplinary initiatives, and helping cultivate a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that reflects the mission of the College of Sustainability.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agroecology, Soil Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated knowledge of regenerative agriculture principles and practices
- Teaching, training, or professional education experience
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) preferred; for the right candidate, MIU will fund completion of the certification as part of the faculty member's professional development.
- Experience with online learning management systems and instructional technology
- Practical experience in farming, consulting, or land stewardship
- Experience in curriculum development
- Expertise in agroecology, soil health, organic agriculture, permaculture, or regenerative systems
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Instruction
- Teach undergraduate and certificate-level courses in regenerative agriculture and sustainability
- Deliver both in-person and online instruction aligned with program needs
Student Advising & Mentorship
- Advise and mentor students academically and professionally
- Support student success through experiential learning, individualized guidance, and active engagement
Instructional Gardens & Experiential Learning
- Coordinate seasonal planting, harvesting, and maintenance activities
- Integrate outdoor learning spaces into course instruction and student activities
- Support internships, practicums, workshops, and other hands-on learning opportunities
Program Development and Innovation
- Collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen and expand campus-based sustainability programs
- Develop new instructional materials, educational experiences, and interdisciplinary initiatives
- Participate in curriculum review, continuous improvement, and program planning
Permaculture Design Certificate
- Support instruction and delivery of the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) program
- Participate in PDC-related professional development and program activities
Recruitment & Community Engagement
- Participate in student recruitment, retention, and outreach activities
- Support campus events, workshops, and community engagement activities
- Represent the College of Sustainability at university and community events as appropriate
Skills
- Strong teaching and facilitation skills
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Curriculum design and instructional development skills
- Proficiency with educational technology and online learning platforms
- Systems thinking and applied problem-solving