Lecturer in Wildlife Ecology

Position Summary:

Job Description:

POSITION: Western Colorado University invites applications for a non-tenure-track full-time faculty position in the Clark Family School of Environment and Sustainability (“Clark School”) in quantitative Wildlife Ecology. Teaching responsibilities would include graduate-level M.S. Ecology courses in wildlife population analyses, quantitative methods in ecological research, and wildlife-related electives. Other courses could be included in the teaching load based on need and qualifications. The successful candidate will teach a 3/3 load with release time for thesis advising and overseeing statistics tutors. Strong commitment to effective teaching, advising, service and professional development is expected. This position is in-person on-campus.

The Clark School serves over 150 students across its majors and minors. Students can earn a B.A. in Environment and Sustainability, a Master in Environmental Management, or a M.S. in Ecology. For more information on the Clark School degrees, visit our website at https://western.edu/department/school-environment-sustainability/.

Western’s faculty are teacher-scholars who contribute meaningfully to their discipline, the campus, our community, and beyond. We seek candidates who will actively support our institutional mission and strategic priorities, including:

• Participating in our innovative Western Watershed General Education program;
• Promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging;
• Collaborating within and across disciplines to grow enrollment and deepen student engagement;
• Expanding career-connected learning and professional pathways.

QUALIFICATIONS: A M.S. or Ph.D. with an emphasis in ecology, natural resources, or a wildlife-oriented discipline is required. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.

The Clark School seeks candidates who have 1 or more years of experience in a wildlife ecology field, which could include state or federal agencies, non-profits, consultancies, or higher education. 1 or more years of experience teaching and advising in higher education is preferred. In addition, the Clark School seeks candidates with demonstratable experience conducting quantitative ecological and wildlife research, coding, and computational statistics.

The Clark School at Western is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $50,000-$55,000 annualized salary, with the possibility of additional stipends related to program leadership and thesis/tutor supervision. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

START DATE: August 17, 2026

APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: A letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of successful teaching and mentoring, evidence of successful scholarly activity, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references, including one from a current supervisor.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to Dr. Jonathan Coop, Professor of Environment and Sustainability, at (970) 943-2565; email: jcoop@western.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 30th, 2026 at 11:59pm (MDT.)

Screening of applications will begin immediately.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

Western Colorado University encourages qualified candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

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