Assistant or Associate Professor, Environmental Studies

The College of Education and Public Service (COEPS) seeks applicants for a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, beginning in Fall 2027. The position will support the Environmental Studies , Master of Environmental Management , and Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. programs. Candidates should have research and teaching expertise in environmental policy, environmental governance, environmental politics, environmental system change, or a related area.

Areas of particular interest include environmental and natural resource management; agricultural and food policy; energy policy; mining policy; science, technology, and society; and the intersection of global, environmental, and urban change. Competitive candidates will have an established record of social science research demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and public-facing scholarship.

The successful candidate will teach core courses in COEPS undergraduate and graduate programs, including the undergraduate Environmental Studies, Master of Environmental Management, and Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. programs. This position is a key hire to support the Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. program, and will include responsibility for mentoring and advising master’s and doctoral students.

College and Program overview: The newly formed College of Education and Public Service (COEPS) empowers new generations of problem-solvers through expertise in leadership, education and public service. Its faculty teach and engage in research in a variety of disciplines, including public administration, environmental management, criminal justice, leadership and conflict management, political science, environmental studies, urban studies, global studies, and a variety of education disciplines.

COEPS faculty work with students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, facilitate experiential learning, and participate as advisors and mentors to students in the college’s three doctoral programs. The Environmental Studies program is an interdisciplinary degree program, employing a problem-based learning approach.

The curriculum is rooted in concrete examples of environmental issues. Classes and internships incorporate hands-on and academic considerations of wildland fire, multicultural agriculture, foothills use-planning, urban restoration, and more. Faculty teaching in the Environmental Studies program also contribute to the Global Studies Program and Urban Studies & Community Development Program, where synergies align.

The Master in Environmental Management (MEM) program is a shared program in the College of Education and Public Service and the School of Environment (SoE) within the College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty work in disciplines in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, and many engage in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, promoting understanding of social, ecological, and technical systems.

The program prepares innovative and capable managers and researchers who understand the complexities of environmental challenges. The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration prepares students for research and senior leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and academia. About Boise State: Boise State University is a powerhouse of creativity, research, and impact.

Our campus sits along the Boise River and reaches into the heart of Idaho’s capital – a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure. We’re nationally recognized for trailblazing research, student success, and community impact. At Boise State, we have a robust community of environmental scholars and practitioners, in both the social and natural sciences.

Boise is also home to the National Interagency Fire Center, The World Center for Birds of Prey, and numerous environmentally oriented non-profit organizations. Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and changemakers who advance ideas, discoveries, and the next generation of leaders. Boise offers the perfect backdrop – a welcoming city with a thriving arts scene, growing tech sector, and mountains on the horizon.

Join us and help shape a bold, collaborative academic community. Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise .

Minimum qualifications

Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology or a related field at the time of appointment is required. Advanced ABD’s may be considered. Ability to teach core courses in the Environmental Studies program. Ability to teach courses in the Master of Environmental Management program.

Ability to mentor and advise Ph.D. and MEM students.

Preferred qualifications

Ability to teach graduate-level methods courses. Evidence of interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, and engagement. Evidence of external grant activity. Experience or evidence of success in mentoring and advising doctoral students. Record commensurate with the rank of Advanced Assistant or Associate Professor. Required application materials: An updated curriculum vitae (CV).

A letter of application outlining the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and interest in the position, with specific reference to research, teaching, and service. A sample of scholarly work. Contact information for three professional references. Closing Date: Position will remain open until filled, with review to begin on November 16, 2026.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Nisha Bellinger, nishabellinger@boisestate.edu Salary and Benefits: The 9-month salary range for an Assistant Professor starts at $70,000; the range for an Associate Professor starts at $80,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract with pay and benefits spread over 12 months.

This is a yearly, renewable contract. More information about faculty contracts and work days is available here . Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package , including (but not limited to): 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees) Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents Dual Career Assistance Support for spouses and partners See our full benefits page for more information