Job description

Sterling College and the Rian Fried Center for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (RFC) invite applications for a full-time faculty position in Sustainable Agriculture, beginning in August 2016. Candidates are expected to have a deep commitment to undergraduate education. Teaching assignments will include several of the following classes in the Sustainable Agriculture major:  Animal Science, Livestock Systems Management, Grazing Management, Agroecology and Whole Farm Planning and /or other courses consistent with the applicant’s expertise and the needs of the program.

Preference will be given to candidates who can also teach Ecology in the core curriculum.The Rian Fried Center for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems is the instructional laboratory for an experiential and place-based education that integrates the kitchen, garden, farm, and forest. The Center aspires to model site-specific agroecosystems that are size scaleable and regionally adaptable. These agroecosystems are grounded in ecological principles that enhance nutrient cycling and support the biodiversity of species and genetics, while increasing the socioeconomic viability of communities, and build the practical skills and critical thinking capacities of our students. 

A successful applicant’s pedagogy engages students in experiential learning and analytical thinking, and integrates the RFC vision into the curriculum. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate as an active member of the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Instructional Team and demonstrate the ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The student to faculty ratio is 8 to 1 at Sterling College and great emphasis is placed on personalized education, strong advising, and interdisciplinary approaches to undergraduate studies. All full-time faculty serve as advisors to students, independent study instructors, senior project advisors, Work Program supervisors, and as active members of the Sterling community.In addition, a successful candidate must hold an advanced degree in an agricultural science or a closely related field, with a terminal degree preferred by the date of employment.  

Other important skills include significant  practical experience, and a strong background in teaching.  

The application deadline is February 8, 2016. While the position is open until filled, priority will be given to candidates that meet the application deadline.  Applicants should send the following materials electronically: cover letter, curriculum vitae, a one page statement of your personal teaching philosophy, and contact information for three references. Later in the process, applicants will be asked to provide proof of terminal degree. Application materials should be addressed to Dr. Charlotte Rosendahl, Search Committee Chair, and sent to Ms. Katie Lavin, Assistant to the President at klavin@sterlingcollege.edu.

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

February 08, 2016