Warren Wilson College seeks applicants for a full-time, continuing Sustainable Agriculture faculty position in the Department of Environmental Studies. Through leadership in our thriving agriculture and food studies program, this new colleague will educate changemakers and contribute to building just, resilient and regenerative food systems in the western North Carolina region.
Ideal candidates will be able to teach introductory environmental studies or environmental science, introduction to sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and specialty courses related to agriculture or food systems in the successful candidate’s area of expertise. The faculty member in this position is also expected to advise students in the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies major, mentor students in undergraduate research projects, and work in close collaboration with the Center for Working Lands team. The new faculty member will also be expected to collaborate with faculty in related disciplines to vision the long-term future of the campus agricultural lands and Warren Wilson as a hub for agricultural expertise, food justice and climate resilience in Western North Carolina. This is a full-time, continuing faculty position on a 10-month contract in an extended contract system. Opportunities also exist to teach in the College's MS in Applied Climate Studies program--these are optional and would be additionally compensated.
The Department of Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary learning community, preparing leaders who are able to critically assess, develop, and promote resilient and sustainable futures for life on Earth. The department offers three majors: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies (BS or BA), Environmental Science (BS), and Environmental Studies (BA). Program graduates have a strong foundation in the natural sciences and a rich understanding of the social, political and ethical implications of environmental problems and solutions. Approximately 300 acres of ecologically-managed working farmland, including both livestock and vegetable production, serve as a hands-on educational setting for the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies major. In the wake of September 2024’s Hurricane Helene, the Warren Wilson College agricultural system will serve as a vital demonstration site for resilient and regenerative agricultural practices and an important connection for food justice and sovereignty in the region.
Successful candidates will have evidence of excellence in and commitment to undergraduate teaching, a track record of relevant scholarly activity, experience in interdisciplinary approaches to agriculture, and ability to collaboratively contribute to the College’s agricultural program.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach 24 credit hours per year; typically, 4-6 credits are re-assigned to mentor undergraduate research projects and coordinate research with farm and garden managers.
- Provide academic and career advising to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Studies students.
- Mentor student research projects within the Natural Science Undergraduate Research Sequence.
- Integrate the College’s agricultural lands into teaching and research through collaboration with the Farm and Garden managers.
- Work with the Center for Working Lands to vision the future of the College’s sustainable agriculture programs, including operation and outreach goals for the farm and garden.
- Participate in and contribute to the business of the Environmental Studies Department.
- Contribute to the college’s General Education Program, as appropriate.
- Provide service to the college, as well as ongoing professional development and scholarly activity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in agroecology, agronomy, food studies, or related field, ABD will be considered;
- One year of successful teaching experience in classroom or agricultural settings;
- Demonstrated practical experience in sustainable agriculture;
- Demonstrated experience with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in learning spaces. For instance, experience incorporating inclusive teaching modalities, selection of course content, subject matter experts and working with diverse student populations (e.g., racial/ethnic, income, immigration status, sexual orientation/gender identification, etc.).
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and scholarship.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two or more years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level;
- Teaching and/or professional experience in traditional ecological knowledge, food justice and sovereignty, or soil science;
- Evidence of experiential and applied learning pedagogy;
- Experience mentoring undergraduate research.
ABOUT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
Warren Wilson College is located on a beautiful 1,135-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. We enroll approximately 750 undergraduates and 100 graduates. Rooted in liberal arts education, the College provides educational programs that foster students’ curiosity, empathy, and integrity to prepare graduates to engage in groundbreaking scholarship and creative work; to pursue meaningful careers with professionalism; and to lead purposeful lives dedicated to fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
As the National Leader for Learning in Action, our Progressive Promise articulates our innovative educational approach that intentionally integrates academics, campus work and community engagement for a rich, challenging student experience. Our students matriculate through deliberately scaffolded courses and signature capstone experiences that combine intellectual foundations with experiential skill development and problem solving.
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should provide the following documents to complete their application:
- a curriculum vitae
- a cover letter that describes how their teaching, research, and/or creative scholarly activity connects to Warren Wilson’s distinctive learning approach and community.
- a statement of teaching philosophy;
- an essay response to the following prompt: Reflect on your past experience with creating inclusive learning spaces in 500-1000 words.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 1, 2024. Electronic submission is required.
We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations.
Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.