The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) seeks qualified applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership. Responsibilities include teaching core courses in the Outdoor Recreation and Leadership program including courses such as Outdoor Recreation, Facilitation & Interpretation, Land Management for Recreation, Expedition Management, and National Parks, Monuments, and Culture. There also may be opportunities to teach outdoor recreation classes including backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, and others. These are a combination of upper and lower level courses and enrollment for each is generally < 25 students. Faculty in the SNR also contribute to LSSU’s undergraduate programs through academic and career advising, mentoring students engaged in undergraduate research, advising student professional organizations, and working collaboratively with external partners to provide unique student experiences.

We seek colleagues whose classroom teaching and scholarly activities employ experiential-based methodologies. The Outdoor Recreation program provides opportunities for students to concentrate in park and land management, outdoor recreation and ecotourism, or environmental education. Many areas of expertise are appropriate, but we especially are interested in those who can leverage our existing strengths and grow new opportunities for our students in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership.

Success of students within the SNR stems from extensive interaction with faculty during hands-on labs, student research, and active student organizations. All students within the school are required to complete a senior thesis – focused on a research or experiential learning project – and they are encouraged to present their results at regional and national conferences. Faculty mentor students engaged in the senior thesis process, and also provide academic advising to students, mentor students engaged in internships or apprenticeships, contribute to university service, and work closely in advising student professional organizations, including an active Parks and Recreation Club.

LSSU is a small public university located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The campus sits on the St. Marys River, the sole outflow of Lake Superior, and provides numerous educational and professional opportunities in recreation and natural resources management, being surrounded by forests, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. Additionally, LSSU is surrounded by three Great Lakes and many state, provincial, and national forests and parks, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Mackinac Island State Park, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park; all of which provide tremendous recreational opportunities and a high quality of life. LSSU offers state-of-the-art facilities for natural resource programs including the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE; http://www.lssu.edu.cfre/ ), a new state-of-the-art building that includes a Great Lakes visitor’s center and discovery center for K-12 education, along the shores of the St. Marys River. The new facility is uniquely positioned to build partnerships to advance education and community engagement in the region.

Minimum Qualifications: M.S in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Education, or closely related discipline plus at least two years of teaching experience at the university level. The successful applicant also should have, demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high-quality research, and an interest in including undergraduates in research and providing professional opportunities for students outside of class.

Preferred Qualifications: PhD in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Education, or closely related discipline. Experience mentoring undergraduate students, demonstrated record of research including, experience acquiring external funds to support teaching and research initiatives, and experience building relationships with community partners. Established involvement with the Association for Experiential Education, Association for Outdoor Recreation Education, Wilderness Education Association, National Outdoor Leadership, National Recreation and Park Association, or similar professional organizations.

Physical Demands: Be able to accompany students on field labs, actively lead and participate in recreational activities in and outdoors, be able to lift up to 40 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, and operate a 4WD truck.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Submit a cover letter and resume, CV, teaching statement, research statement, diversity statement, transcripts and contact information for 3 references

Review of applications: will begin immediately and continue until filled.