Lecturer in Geology

Position Summary:

Job Description:

POSITION: Western Colorado University invites applications for a non-tenure-track full time faculty position in Geology. Teaching responsibilities in the Geology and General Education programs including courses in introductory geology, lecture and lab, development of interdisciplinary first year seminar courses, mentoring of undergraduate student research, and lab coordinator duties. Other courses could be included in the teaching load based on need and the successful candidate's qualifications. This position is in-person and located in Gunnison, CO.

The Geology Program at Western has approximately 40 majors. Students can earn BS degrees in Geology, Environmental Geology, Petroleum Geology, Geoarchaeology, and Secondary Licensure in Earth-Space Science. For more information on the Geology Program, visit our website at:

QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of a MS in Geology or related field, preference given to PhD; ABD also considered for appointment. Candidates who possess a MS, but not a PhD, should have teaching experience related to geology. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are characteristic of the department and would be sought in the successful candidate.

The Geology Program at Western is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $50,000-$52,000 annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

START DATE: August 2025

APPLICATION: Apply online at . Required attachments to the application include: curriculum vitae, transcripts, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to Dr. Elizabeth Petrie, at (970) 943-2117; email: .

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May, 1, 2025 at 11:59PM (MST).

Screening of applications will be ongoing and will begin upon receipt.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS