Assistant Professor of Outdoor Studies

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Outdoor Studies Program

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track assistant professor in its interdisciplinary Outdoor Studies program beginning August 2025. We are looking for a scholar with a background in the humanities or social sciences who can teach both interdisciplinary academic courses and outdoor field courses as well as maintain a productive research/scholarship program.

University of Alaska Southeast – Outdoor Studies Program

The Outdoor Studies Program, housed in the humanities department of UAS, offers an interdisciplinary liberal arts approach that integrates technical courses in climbing, kayaking, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor pursuits with intellectually challenging courses in philosophy, literature, the social sciences, and other academic areas. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Outdoor and Adventure Studies, and a 2-semester certificate in Outdoor Skills and Leadership.

UAS is located in Southeast Alaska on the cultural homeland of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The Department of Humanities supports the ongoing decolonization of the university, openly embraces diversity and inclusivity, and seeks candidates who will create a climate that attracts students of all races, genders, classes, sexualities, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.

The UAS Juneau campus overlooks Auke Bay on one side and Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier on the other. Importantly for the Outdoor Studies Program, this beautiful location offers excellent access to salt water, fresh water, mountains, and glaciers.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to teach both lower and upper-division interdisciplinary academic courses required in the program (examples might include, Philosophy 372: Perspectives on the Natural World, Environmental Studies 120: Cultures and Environments, or Humanities 370: Sport, Leisure, and Culture). The candidate should have the ability to teach outdoor skills courses (examples might include, Backpacking in Southeast Alaska, Backcountry Skiing, or Introduction to Sea Kayaking). And, the candidate is expected to maintain an active research program in humanities or social sciences, with an interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary work.

The role also requires a willingness to lead or assist in expedition courses, which may involve international travel and travel in remote environments. Experience guiding or leading groups in outdoor settings, particularly in cold mountain or coastal environments will be an asset. Finally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to fostering an equitable, culturally safe campus that values diversity and inclusivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in a humanities, social science, or related field (ABD applicants will also be considered).
• Strong outdoor skills. 

Position Details:

This position is located on the Juneau campus in Southeast Alaska. This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty appointment  competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. 

This position is represented by United Academics-AAUP/AFT (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/.

Applications will be accepted for review on January 23, 2025, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE of January 22, 2025.

Application must include the following:

• Cover letter
• Academic Curriculum Vitae *must include resume of Outdoor Experiences (include professional experience, personal trips, certifications, skills, etc)
• Statement of teaching philosophy (upload as supporting document item 1)
• Statement of research experience and future plans (upload as supporting document item 2) 
• Copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts *unofficial copies are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required from the successful candidate
• Three letters of reference (combine letters into single file and upload as supporting document item 3)

We are seeking to build a culturally diverse faculty and staff and strongly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Kevin Krein, Professor of Philosophy and Director of ODS: kjkrein@alaska.edu.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is located in the traditional territory of the Lingít, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, a majestic array of islands, channels, fjords, coastal mountains, icefields, and glaciers. On our three campuses, students have opportunities for field study, research, creative production, and internships in the Tongass National Forest, in marine and freshwater environments, with local businesses, and within tribal, federal, and state governmental entities. The university is also proud to be the home of Alaska Native Studies, which includes the languages, culture, and art of the Indigenous Peoples of Southeast Alaska.

The Outdoor Studies Program is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and open environment at the University of Alaska Southeast. We prioritize equitable access to resources and opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential, recognizing the importance of cultural safety and belonging for present and future success.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check that may include the applicant's driving record. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.