What are the responsibilities and job description for the AY 25-26 Environmental Science & Management Adjunct Faculty Recruitment position at Portland State University and Careers?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
03/16/2026
Working Title
AY 25-26 Environmental Science & Management Adjunct Faculty Recruitment
Department
220900 - ESR Environmental Sci PhD
Position Number
D97752
Representation
AP - AFT, Local 3571
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Located in Portland, Oregon, Portland State has an innovative approach to education that combines academic rigor in the classroom with field based experiences through internships and classroom projects with community partners. The University’s 49-acre downtown campus exhibits Portland State’s commitment to sustainability with green buildings, while many of the 124 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees incorporate sustainability into the curriculum. PSU’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” inspires the teaching and research of an accomplished faculty whose work and students span the globe.
The Portland State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) provides the intellectual foundation for the liberal and professional education of students at Portland State and for the enhancement of the quality of life in the metropolitan area. The College, which consists of departments across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, features a newly formed School of Earth, Environment, and Society (SEES).
Within SEES, Environmental Science and Management (ESM) is the study of the interactions between society and the physical, chemical, ecological and biological processes that structure and maintain ecosystems. Our work is critical to understanding and developing sustainable ecosystems, human societies and economies. SEES offers undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, three Master’s degrees, and a joint PhD in Earth, Environment, and Society.
Position Summary
The Environmental Science and Management (ESM) academic area in the School of Earth, Environment, and Society (SEES) at Portland State University (PSU) invites applications for Adjunct Instructors and Adjunct Professors with expertise in Environmental Science and Management to teach undergraduate and graduate courses. Successful applicants will have experience and training to teach core undergraduate and graduate majors courses or undergraduate general education courses for non-majors (see PSU Bulletin for individual course descriptions).
Undergraduate General Education Courses, such as:
- Environmental Science I: Natural Systems
- Environmental Science II: Human Impacts
- Environmental Sustainability
Undergraduate and graduate majors courses, such as:
- Air Quality
- Ecological Toxicology
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Managing Climate Risks and Vulnerabilities
- Urban Ecology
- Water Quality Policy & Management
Minimum Qualifications
To teach Undergraduate level courses: Master’s or advancement to candidacy for a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Science and Management (or closely related field).
To teach Graduate courses: Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Management (or closely related field) and professional activity sufficient to assure awareness of current advances in the discipline or profession. An MS and extensive work experience aligned with course content may be used in lieu of degree, at the discretion of the department.
To teach Graduate courses: Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Management (or closely related field) and professional activity sufficient to assure awareness of current advances in the discipline or profession. An MS and extensive work experience aligned with course content may be used in lieu of degree, at the discretion of the department.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Management (or closely related field).
Previous teaching experience.
Previous teaching experience.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
- Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
- Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Required Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at www.pdx.edu/hr/professional-standards-conduct.
Compensation
Adjunct instructors are paid per credit hour, per the PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement, and are hired on either a per term or academic year basis.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Applicants should upload:
o Evidence of any teaching experience and effectiveness (for example, any of the following: summarized evaluations, letter or statement from a supervisor/person familiar with candidate’s teaching, a positive assessment, an award, etc.)
o Courses interested in teaching
o Any significant constraints on availability
Details about compensation and other components of the PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found at THIS LINK
For questions, please contact the Environmental Science and Management Department at maxnp@pdx.edu and enter “Adjunct Faculty Application” in the subject line.
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement of interest which may include
o Evidence of any teaching experience and effectiveness (for example, any of the following: summarized evaluations, letter or statement from a supervisor/person familiar with candidate’s teaching, a positive assessment, an award, etc.)
o Courses interested in teaching
o Any significant constraints on availability
- Names and contact information for two professional references with knowledge of the candidate’s teaching qualifications.
Details about compensation and other components of the PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found at THIS LINK
For questions, please contact the Environmental Science and Management Department at maxnp@pdx.edu and enter “Adjunct Faculty Application” in the subject line.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
Yes