Assistant / Associate Professor of Outdoor Studies

ASSISTANT / ASSOCIATE Professor & Director of Outdoor Studies

Alaska Pacific University (APU) invites applications for Assistant or Associate Professor of Outdoor Studies. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise teaching outdoor recreation, outdoor education, and outdoor leadership at the college level.

THE UNIVERSITY : APU is a small, private liberal arts university known for experiential and project-based learning. The university campus is in Anchorage, Alaska, a diverse city and home to more than 300,000 residents. APU offers a unique set of bachelors, master’s and doctoral- level degrees, with emphasis on Alaska-critical and globally relevant issues. Focused on competency development and cultural relevancy, the APU curriculum fosters high-level intellectual and practical skills, a wide-ranging knowledge of science, cultures, and society, and an active commitment to personal and social responsibility. APU aspires to become a Tribal university, and by honoring Alaska’s Indigenous heritage, exemplifying excellence, and preparing paths for educational attainment and student success, the University is committed to growing innovative programs that are responsive to the workforce needs of Alaska, as well as growing Alaskan and Alaska Native professionals from within the state.

THE PROGRAM AREA : Outdoor Studies is a four-year degree program preparing students for careers in outdoor recreation and education through expedition and classroom learning. The program has concentrations in land management, outdoor and environmental education, snow science, outdoor entrepreneurship, and adventure therapy. The program area also includes APU’s MS in Outdoor and Environmental Education, BA in Community and Placed Based Education, and Teacher Education K-8 Certificate. The program is part of APU’s Institute for Culture and Environment. Other programs in the Institute are Liberal Studies, Marine and Environmental Science and Environmental Public Health.

DUTIES OF THE POSITION : The contract carries a 9-month teaching load of 24 credit hours per year with a load reduction of 8 credits for administrative duties. Teaching topics include expedition learning in remote settings and classroom-based courses in topics including outdoor education, land management and stewardship, cultural tourism, and other topics specific to the OS concentrations. Course assignments are based upon expertise and needs of the program. Responsibilities also include : mentoring and advising students; coordinating of practicum and internships; budgeting and course scheduling; assisting with recruitment of faculty and students; and administrative duties such as permitting. The candidate should have interest in academic program development. All faculty are encouraged to develop scholarship or creative work in their chosen field. Faculty are expected to participate in assessment, curriculum development, and university committees, as well as other service to the university and broader community.

RANK AND COMPENSATION : Assistant or Associate Professor. Salary is dependent upon educational preparation and experience and is prescribed by a university-wide salary range. APU is a non-tenure college; faculty are eligible for multi-year appointments after initial contracts.

As a non-profit institution, APU aims to offer highly competitive compensation when considered wholistically, combining a positive work experience with a generous benefit package and fair salary compensation.

In living this philosophy, APU engages in evaluation and purposeful investments in :

• Quality of work environment

Meaningful work, feedback, and valued contribution

Monetary compensation for time and effort

Benefits that add to quality of life

The right-fit employee for APU is someone who shares the APU values and mission, someone who desires to be part of a small team and work interdependently, someone who works hard but also values time off and a work-life balance, and someone who is looking for a meaningful work experience.

DATE OF APPOINTMENT :  Summer / Fall 2024

QUALIFICATIONS : Masters of Arts or Science in related field required and PhD preferred. Candidates should be able to demonstrate expertise in a core competency area related to outdoor education and recreation. Experience organizing and leading extended wilderness education programs and classroom teaching topics related to outdoor recreation, leadership and education required. Interest and experience working with indigenous populations is preferred. Candidates with experience administering college-level education programs are preferred.