Job Description

Department: College of Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category:  Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule:  Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary:  Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check:  Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) is well known for its truly transdisciplinary faculty focused on environmental natural and social sciences. ESP also includes additional graduate program faculty from across the university and numerous affiliated environmental professionals. The following degrees are awarded: B.S. in Environmental Science, B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy. The Department also partners with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, VA, to offer undergraduate and graduate-level courses in biodiversity and conservation, and with Mason?s Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE), which provides a unique opportunity for faculty to work in a collaborative manner across disciplines at Mason and with external partners nationally and internationally.

For more information about the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, visit us on the web at For more information about the College of Science, visit

Statement of Diversity

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (AJEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes Anti-Racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

We are looking for a dynamic, innovative individual to teach primarily undergraduate courses in environmental science, conservation, and ecology. For information on courses currently taught, please see

We seek a broadly trained candidate with expertise in ecology, conservation and environmental science. The expected teaching responsibility for this position is the equivalent of four courses per semester. The courses would be assigned based on the department?s need for course offerings while aligning with the individual?s background and expertise. Preference will be given to the expertise of conservation biology, applied ecology, wildlife conservation and management, or environmental horticulture.

Service activities within ESP and the College of Science are expected. The position could also involve active engagement in the academic life of the department, such as developing curricular materials, serving as a research mentor for undergraduates, participating in Master?s or PhD committees, and contributing to the development of academic initiatives.

Subsequent appointments may be offered on an annual basis, under the same terms and conditions, at the discretion of the department, college, and university and contingent upon availability of resources. 

Responsibilities:

• Teaches primarily undergraduate courses in environmental science, conservation, and ecology. The expected teaching responsibility for this position is the equivalent of four courses per semester; and
• Performs service activities within ESP and the College of Science.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field or have a conferred PhD in a relevant discipline (before the start date of the position);
• Teaching expertise in ecology, conservation and environmental science and related fields;
• Strong knowledge in the specific academic field, keeping up-to-date with the latest research and advancements;
• Demonstrated record of teaching excellence;
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to students;
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff;
• Ability to design and implement engaging and effective curriculum;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities;
• Ability to mentor and guide students in their academic and professional growth; and
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching in an academic, higher education setting;
• Experience in communicating science to the general public and/or non-scientists;
• Experience teaching in a 4-year University setting; and
• Experience in communicating science to the general public and/or non-scientists.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for  Environmental Science, Conservation, and Ecology Assistant Professor at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV and Philosophy of Teaching for review. 

Posting Open Date: September 6, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 20, 2024

Open Until Filled:   Yes

About George Mason University

George Mason University is a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia located in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Mason was initially founded as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, and became an independent institution in 1972. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.

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Job Tags

Full time,

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