Part-Time Faculty - Environmental Science & Policy Summer 2025

The University of Southern Maine is seeking part-time faculty to teach an online Environmental Education and Interpretation course for Summer 2025. The course runs from May 19 to June 13, 2025, with two Zoom sessions. Responsibilities include course development, teaching, and assessment. The position is student-focused and welcomes diverse applicants. Part-time faculty are compensated on a credit hour basis and may access certain benefits.
The University of Southern Maine’s Department of Environmental Science and Policy is seeking part-time instructor applicants to teach our Environmental Education and Interpretation (ESP 445) for our Summer Session 2025.

This course is scheduled to run from 5/19/2025 – 6/13/2025 (4 weeks). This is an online asynchronous course except for May 19th and June 2nd. These two classes will be held on Zoom. This may be adjusted depending on availability of hire.

Environmental Education and Interpretation (ESP 445) - Students explore the basics of classroom and non-formal environmental science education and interpretation using an inquiry-based approach. Topics include teaching ecosystem and environmental science principles, selecting and designing environmental curricula, and assessment.

We are seeking a student-focused instructor who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.

The Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) is a friendly and interdisciplinary department that welcomes instructors from different backgrounds and experiences and encourages collaborations between faculty and students. We take an interdisciplinary and applied approach to understanding and solving problems arising from human/environment interactions. Our curriculum prepares students for a variety of professional roles in the environmental field as well as for graduate school.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University .

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates diverse perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. USM encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, veterans, and those with differing abilities, experiences, and cultural perspectives.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications :
• Graduate degree completed or near completion, with at least one degree related to environmental policy, environmental science or a related field.
• Teaching experience preferred but not required.

To apply , click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:
• Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately. These positions will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

Clery Act :

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email or call 207.780.4035.

EEO Statement :

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).