Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor in Sustainable Food Systems
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO, USA
USD 75k-90k / year
Posted on Oct 17, 2025
Job Summary
The Masters of the Environment (MENV) professional graduate program, within the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Environmental Studies, seeks a full-time Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor to lead the Sustainable Food Systems Specialization.
The successful candidate will possess significant academic and/or professional experience in sustainable agriculture and food systems, bringing a career-focused approach to their work that spans the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The candidate will have a nuanced, systems-oriented understanding of food systems, with MENV especially interested in candidates with expertise at one or more of the following intersections: (i) agriculture, climate, land, and natural resource management; (ii) food systems, urban planning, and resilience; (iii) the food-energy-water nexus; (iv) food production and environmental or public health; or (v) sustainable food production, processing, and distribution (e.g., corporate sustainability, sustainable supply chains, and circular economy).
Candidates with significant experience in professional activity and research or creative work, and/or a record of teaching, and a passion for student mentoring are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates who will support learning environments that encourage collaboration among students, that welcome a wide diversity of viewpoints and perspectives, and that support the success of students from a diverse range of backgrounds. We also seek candidates committed to collaboration with faculty and staff and committed to the success of the program. Since MENV is a professional graduate program, we value a variety of accomplishments and qualities in a candidate, including professional experience, applied research, interpersonal skills, self-directedness, experiential education, and an entrepreneurial spirit befitting an innovative and vibrant professional practice program. Personal qualities should include a spirit of collaboration, a passion for learning and the requisite humility that is required when working in an emergent field with creative, professional students.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
Masters of the Environment program: The Masters of the Environment (MENV) Graduate Program in the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary professional master’s degree that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to address complex environmental challenges. The MENV program prepares students to become leaders in a wide range of careers in the environment, energy, natural resources, food systems, urban resilience, and sustainability. MENV is distinct from research-based graduate programs (i.e., MS and PhD) in its focus on preparing students for professional environmental and sustainability careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The program is cohort-based and intensive, including both demanding coursework and a year-long group capstone project with an external partner organization. In addition to a core curriculum focused on environmental science, students in the program must choose a subject-matter specialization track. These include Environmental & Natural Resources Policy, Urban Resilience & Sustainability, Renewable & Sustainable Energy, Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry, and Sustainable Food Systems. The MENV program values diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. More information here: www.colorado.edu/menv
Department of Environmental Studies: The Department of Environmental Studies (ENVS) at the University of Colorado Boulder is a hub for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration in environment and sustainability. The department nurtures interdisciplinary academic training for undergraduate and graduate students, provides guidance for students with career aspirations in environment and sustainability venues, promotes diverse professional education experiences, fosters fundamental and applied research, forms meaningful connections with communities beyond the university, and integrates innovative, interdisciplinary programs unified by the themes of environmental research. ENVS offers both research-based and professional graduate programs.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
This position consists of a nine-month academic year non-tenure track appointment and a part-time summer appointment. The position includes a mix of the following four primary responsibilities:
- Teaching. The candidate will teach courses in-person primarily within, and related to, the Sustainable Food Systems Specialization. Teaching may also include coursework in other programs within the department. Currently, MENV Specialization Lead teaching load includes three courses a year.
- Serving as the faculty lead for the Sustainable Food Systems Specialization. This will include overseeing the curriculum and mentoring of MENV Lecturers, advising students, and developing community within the specialization.
- Serving as an MENV Capstone Advisor. The faculty member will advise MENV student teams in capstone projects (akin to externships). Currently, MENV Specialization Lead Capstone advising load is three teams per year.
- This position also includes a) demonstrating a deep understanding of professional practices in sustainable food systems; b) developing, facilitating relationships with, and serving as a resource to external organizations; c) demonstrating impact and innovation within professional practice; d) Capstone Partner recruitment; e) participation in MENV program management and governance; and f) participation in department and university service.
What You Should Know
This position will consist of 85% teaching (3 courses/year and other responsibilities of MENV Specialization Lead as described above), and 15% service.
What We Can Offer
This faculty position will be offered at either the Assistant Teaching Professor or Associate Teaching Professor ranks. We can offer a competitive salary in the range of $75,000 - $90,000 depending on rank and experience.
Teaching Assistant Professor:
- Graduate degree (e.g., PhD, MS, MA, MBA, MFA, JD, MArch, MLA) or close equivalent in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Science, Animal Sciences, Biology, Crop Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Food Studies, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Soil Sciences, Resource Economics, Resource Management, Soil Sciences, or relevant fields.
- Teaching experience at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional level, which may include experience as a graduate teaching assistant or equivalent (e.g., teaching or training as an environmental professional), OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
- Successful candidates with limited teaching experience should have more significant professional experience, those with limited professional experience should have more significant teaching experience.
Teaching Associate Professor:
- Minimum 7 years experience as assistant professor or equivalent or professional practice by the start of appointment
- Demonstrated experience and passion for teaching, shown through, for example, course/curriculum development, integration of service learning, teaching innovation, development of effective pedagogical methods
- Record of professional development (e.g., delivering workshops, presenting at, or organizing conferences)
- Demonstrated thought leadership (research, publications, presentations) that contributes to a strong professional reputation
- Demonstrated outreach, community engagement, or service in the community or in other areas that utilizes expertise and creates novel materials
- Enhancement of student/employee education through activities such as participation on student/work committees and student/employee mentoring
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- A PhD, a master’s degree, or other terminal degree by the start of the appointment. Degree should be in a field closely related to sustainability and food systems (i.e. Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Science, Animal Sciences, Biology, Crop Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Food Studies, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Soil Sciences, Resource Economics, Resource Management, Soil Sciences, or relevant fields) or, if the degree is unrelated, then candidate should have significant professional experience in a field related to food systems.
- Academic and professional background with an emphasis on agriculture, sustainable food systems, food studies, or a related discipline.
- Candidates must also have at least a year of experience in teaching or curriculum delivery in higher education or for a professional audience, AND/OR
- Candidates must have at least one year of professional experience related to one or more of the five intersections identified above.
What You Will Need
- A nuanced, systems-oriented understanding of food systems, with expertise at one or more of the following intersections: (i) agriculture, climate, land, and natural resource management; (ii) food systems, urban planning, and resilience; (iii) the food-energy-water nexus; (iv) food production and environmental or public health; or (v) sustainable food production, processing, and distribution (e.g., corporate sustainability, sustainable supply chains & circular economy).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and self-directedness.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Two or more years of higher education teaching experience.
- Three or more years of professional experience directly related to one or more of the five intersections identified above.
- Evidence of engaging a diverse range of stakeholders and creating strong partnerships.
- Experience in creating innovative learning experiences.
- Demonstrated experience of teaching, developing curriculum for professional or higher education learning, extension, and/or facilitation and technical assistance.
- A passion for student mentoring.
Special Instructions
To apply, submit the following materials (using single-spaced, Times New Roman 11pt font, and 1-inch margins). Within your application package (cover letter and/or statements), describe how your work would support the department’s three strategic imperatives.
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) summarizing your interests and qualifications for this position
- A curriculum vitae
- A teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your pedagogical approach and relevant experience as a teacher or mentor
- A service statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your contributions to the profession or community through service, leadership, or public engagement
Review of applications will begin on November 17, 2025; applications submitted until November 21, 2025 may be considered.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
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.