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Form of workAbout Westfield State University:
In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.
Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.
Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member
You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.
Our Values
Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.
- Embrace Diversity - We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
- Maintain Excellence and Integrity - We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
- Collaborate with Each Other - We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
- Provide Accessible Education - We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
- Build a Strong Community - We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
- Engage the Outside Community - We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.
Job Description:
Campus Title: Assistant Professor of Wetland and Soil Science/ Tenure Track
State Job Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Environmental Science
Job Code: HA3200
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-6014
Bargaining Unit: MSCA
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, Tenure Track
Timeframe: Academic Calendar
Shift: TBD
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Chair of Environmental Science
Supervision Exercised: None
Salary: $60,000.00-$67,900 (Salary commensurate with education and experience)
General Statement of Duties:
The Department of Environmental Science at Westfield State University seeks a full-time (9 month) environmental science faculty member with a specialty in wetland science and Soil science or closely-related field for a tenure track position beginning Fall 2024. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an environmental-science discipline, be a dynamic and engaging teacher, be able to teach courses in wetland science and Soil science, and be able to mentor undergraduate research projects in their area of scientific expertise. Candidates with experience in wetland restoration are especially encouraged to apply.
The incumbent will be expected to teach a lecture/lab course in Environmental Soil Science, an introductory course in environmental science, and develop courses in wetlands science, restoration and ecology to support and enhance our existing minors in Wetland Planning and Management and Restoration Ecology. The incumbent will also contribute to the development of a new certificate program in Wetlands Science. Teaching responsibilities are 24 credits per academic year; typical lectures are 3 credits, lecture/lab courses are 6 credits
WSU considers teaching and focus on student learning to be the primary duty of faculty, but research is also encouraged, especially applied projects that involve undergraduates and community partners. The department offers a collegial work environment where classes are relatively small. During the current academic year we have about 100 students in our major with additional students pursuing one of our several minors.
The University owns a beaver pond / wetland complex, property on the Wild and Scenic Westfield River and woodlands which are often used for field-based teaching and research. We have a strong working relationship with environmental partners such as The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Wild and Scenic Westfield River Committee of the National Park Service, and others.
Additional information on the Department of Environmental Science can be found at: www.westfield.ma.edu/envs
Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an environmental-science discipline
- Be a dynamic and engaging teacher
- Able to teach courses in wetland science and Soil science
- Be able to mentor undergraduate research projects in their area of scientific expertise.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in wetland restoration
Additional Information:
Salary:
Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.
Employee Benefits:
Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.
- Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees with coverage effective on the 1st of the month following the 60 days of employment.
- Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
- Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
- Paid Time Off: employees receive 11 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
- Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.
Disability Accommodations
Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.
Background Check
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.
Application Instructions:
An online application is required. A complete application includes:
- Cover Letter*
- Curriculum vitae
- Unofficial copy of transcripts of highest degree
- Statement of teaching philosophy with areas for continuing scholarship
- Contact information for three reference letter providers**
Notes:
* In your cover letter please include the ways in which you would advance diversity and inclusion in your classroom and at the university.
** Contact information for three reference letter providers should be completed on the reference form. Applicants that are using Interfolio for an existing confidential letter of recommendation should provide the Interfolio based email address (e.g. ref1@interfolio.com).
Application deadline: Review of applications will begin February 1, 2024. The job will remain open until finalists have been selected.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. John McDonald
Professor and Chair
Department of Environmental Science
Westfield State University
577 Western Ave
Westfield, MA 01086-1630
jemcdonald@westfield.ma.edu / 413-572-8393
NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.
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