Environmental Studies Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change, the emphasis on Environmental Studies Professors has never been more significant.

As we venture deeper into the Anthropocene, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can educate, inspire, and contribute to environmental protection and sustainability grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Environmental Studies Professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of environmental studies,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Environmental Studies Professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Environmental Studies Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Studies Professors are educators and researchers in the field of environmental studies.

They are responsible for teaching students about various environmental issues and conducting research in this field.

They also contribute to the development of curriculum and academic programs within their institution.

The duties and responsibilities of an Environmental Studies Professor include:

• Developing and delivering lectures on various topics related to environmental studies
• Supervising students’ laboratory and field work
• Designing, implementing, and grading assignments and exams
• Maintaining office hours to advise and assist students
• Conducting research in environmental studies and publishing findings in academic journals
• Contributing to the development of the department’s curriculum and academic programs
• Participating in departmental and institutional committees
• Keeping up-to-date with developments in the field of environmental studies
• Applying for and managing research grants
• Collaborating with colleagues on research projects and other academic initiatives

 

Environmental Studies Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Studies Professor to instruct and inspire our students about the complexities of the environment, ecosystems, and environmental protection.

As an Environmental Studies Professor, you will be responsible for conducting lectures, preparing course materials, conducting research, and providing academic guidance to students.

Our ideal candidate is a subject matter expert with experience in academia, who can stimulate intellectual growth and facilitate student engagement.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures on topics such as environmental science, conservation, climate change, and sustainable development.
• Design and implement innovative teaching methodologies to aid student understanding of complex environmental concepts.
• Conduct research to advance knowledge in environmental studies and sustainability.
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, assignments, and handouts.
• Guide students on field trips and study tours to observe environmental phenomena and issues firsthand.
• Participate in departmental meetings, college functions, and staff development activities.
• Maintain regular office hours to advise and assist students.
• Evaluate and grade students’ classwork, assignments, and papers.

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Environmental Studies or a related field.
• Proven work experience as a professor in Environmental Studies or a related field.
• Strong record of research and publications in reputable journals.
• Familiarity with online teaching platforms and methodologies.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to stimulate critical thinking and awareness of environmental issues.
• Experience with curriculum development and assessment is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance for family
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Studies Professor
• Work Environment: This position will mainly involve working in a campus setting, with occasional field trips for academic purposes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Environmental Studies.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with standard academic pay scales.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and evidence of teaching effectiveness and research accomplishments to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Studies Professor Do?

An Environmental Studies Professor usually works in universities and colleges where they teach students about environmental science and related subjects.

They create curricula, plan lessons, and assess student performance in courses such as ecology, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

They may also instruct on topics that explore the relationship between the environment and human societies, economies, and cultures.

Apart from teaching, these professors often conduct research in their area of expertise, contributing to the scientific understanding of environmental problems and potential solutions.

This can include fieldwork, laboratory experiments, or theoretical analysis.

Their findings are typically published in scholarly articles and books.

Environmental Studies Professors also play a crucial role in mentoring students, guiding them through their academic careers and often supervising their research projects, such as dissertations and theses.

In addition, they often participate in academic committees and university governance, contributing to the intellectual and administrative life of their institutions.

They may also engage with the wider community, sharing their expertise through public lectures, consultations, or advocacy work on environmental issues.

 

Environmental Studies Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Environmental Studies Professor should possess a range of academic, teaching, and interpersonal skills to effectively educate students on environmental issues, including:

• PhD in Environmental Studies or a related discipline, demonstrating deep knowledge in the field.
• Teaching experience at the university level, utilizing effective pedagogical techniques to deliver course content and facilitate student learning.
• Strong research skills to conduct and publish original research in the field of environmental studies, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively deliver lectures, lead discussions, and facilitate student understanding of complex environmental issues.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse range of students, faculty, and staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
• Organizational skills to manage course syllabi, grade assignments, and coordinate class schedules.
• Ability to apply real-world scenarios to academic theories, enhancing students’ understanding and application of environmental studies concepts.
• Commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest developments, trends, and research in the field of environmental studies.
• Problem-solving skills to address student concerns, respond to academic challenges, and develop innovative approaches to teaching environmental studies.

 

Environmental Studies Professor Experience Requirements

Prospective Environmental Studies Professors typically start their journey with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field.

Many aspiring professors also opt to complete a Master’s degree in a specific area of environmental studies to specialize their knowledge.

Beyond obtaining the necessary degrees, hands-on experience in environmental research is crucial.

This can be gained through internships, research assistantships, or positions in environmental consulting firms or non-governmental organizations.

A minimum of 2 to 3 years of research experience is often required.

After gaining experience in the field, the next step is usually to pursue a Doctorate degree.

Ph.D. programs often require the completion of a dissertation, which provides an opportunity to contribute original research to the field.

During their Ph.D., many also gain teaching experience as teaching assistants.

Upon completion of a Ph.D., many start their academic career as a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate, where they can gain additional research experience and publish their work in academic journals.

It’s generally expected for candidates to have at least 2-5 years of postdoctoral research experience before applying for tenure-track faculty positions.

For a tenure-track professorship, most universities expect candidates to have a strong record of research, teaching experience, and significant academic publications.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some administrative or managerial experience and could be considered for department chair positions or other leadership roles within the university.

Continued professional development and staying current with environmental studies and pedagogical trends are also crucial throughout a professor’s career.

 

Environmental Studies Professor Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Studies Professors typically hold a doctoral degree in environmental science, environmental studies, or a related field.

This follows a bachelor’s and master’s degree in similar disciplines.

The process of obtaining a doctorate involves extensive research and study in a specific area of environmental science, often culminating in a dissertation, which makes the individual highly knowledgeable in their area of expertise.

They should be knowledgeable in different aspects of environmental studies such as ecology, sustainability, conservation, climate change, and environmental policy.

Proficiency in field research, data analysis, and report writing is also vital.

Some universities may require Environmental Studies Professors to have some form of teaching experience.

This could be as a teaching assistant during their doctoral program or post-doctoral fellowship.

Besides the academic qualifications, Environmental Studies Professors also need to have excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex environmental concepts to students.

They should also have good organizational skills for planning course materials and lessons.

Depending on the university, a professor may also be required to contribute to the institution’s research efforts.

Therefore, a strong record of published research and ongoing involvement in environmental studies scholarship could be an added advantage.

Continuing education to stay updated with the latest environmental research and teaching methods is also highly encouraged.

This can be achieved through professional development courses, workshops, and conferences.

 

Environmental Studies Professor Salary Expectations

An Environmental Studies Professor earns an average salary of $87,000 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as academic qualifications, years of teaching experience, research contributions, and the region where the university is located.

 

Environmental Studies Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Studies Professor need?

Environmental Studies Professors should have a strong understanding of environmental science and related fields such as geography, ecology, and climate change.

They should also possess excellent communication skills to convey complex ideas to students effectively.

Good research skills are also essential as they may conduct research in their field.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate students are also beneficial.

 

What qualifications does an Environmental Studies Professor need?

A PhD in Environmental Studies or a related field is usually required to become an Environmental Studies Professor.

Prior teaching experience at the university level can be beneficial.

Some universities may also require their professors to have a record of published research in reputable academic journals.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Studies Professor’s resume?

An Environmental Studies Professor’s resume should highlight their educational qualifications, teaching experience, and research accomplishments.

They should have a strong academic record with a doctorate in environmental studies or a related field.

Look for evidence of their research capabilities, such as published works, grants, or fellowships.

Their resume should also demonstrate their ability to engage and inspire students.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Studies Professor?

A good Environmental Studies Professor should have a passion for the environment and a deep understanding of the complexities of environmental issues.

They should be able to inspire students to take an interest in these issues and teach them how to think critically about solutions.

Good professors are also excellent communicators, able to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that is engaging and understandable for students.

 

What are the daily duties of an Environmental Studies Professor?

An Environmental Studies Professor’s daily duties might include preparing and delivering lectures, grading student assignments, advising students, and conducting research.

They may also attend faculty meetings, serve on academic committees, and participate in other university activities.

Some professors may also work with community organizations or government agencies to apply their expertise to local environmental issues.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly entails to be an environmental studies professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing on global warming.

It’s about shaping the future guardians of our planet, one lesson at a time.

With our ready-to-use environmental studies professor job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to creating pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every lesson you impart is a part of the broader mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become an Environmental Studies Professor (Complete Guide)

Economic Warriors: Recession-Proof Jobs for a Stable Future

AI’s Human Hurdle: The Professions That Machines Can’t Handle

The Platinum Standard: The Most Prestigious Jobs in the Industry

The Workplace Wallflowers: The Most Hated Jobs Lacking Fans