Job Description

General Summary:

In alignment with the Salish Kootenai College (SKC) Mission Statement and College Vision, the Division of Natural Resources seeks to hire a Natural Resources faculty member with expertise in geospatial technologies, remote sensing applications, environmental science, and natural resource management. The ideal candidate will have theoretical and applied expertise in remote sensing, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, focusing on natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and land stewardship. This position involves developing and teaching courses integrating theoretical concepts with practical applications, empowering students to utilize remote sensing, GIS, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technologies in real-world natural resource management contexts.

The successful candidate will join an established team engaged in geospatial science, working alongside SKC’s drone program, GIS certificate, and departments such as Tribal Historic Preservation, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, and Hydrology. This is not a stand-alone program to build from scratch, but an opportunity to strengthen existing offerings, meet regional needs, and advance applied research through Tribal and community partnerships that have already identified remote sensing as a critical and growing area of need. Demand from students and employers for applied remote sensing skills continues to grow, creating strong momentum for expanded instruction and innovation in this field.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Course Development and Instruction:

  Develop and teach courses in natural resources management with emphasis on remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial science courses, integrating theoretical and applied techniques. Collaborate across departments to create stand-alone trainings and stackable credentials (e.g., short-term certificates to Associate and Bachelor's Degrees) that incorporate hybrid/online methods to support diverse students, including high school students and current professionals, in environmental monitoring and conservation. Teach selected undergraduate Natural Resource courses as appropriate and needed. Incorporate student learning outcomes and department objectives into the curriculum in accordance with department goals. Integrate place-based, culturally relevant materials into coursework, focusing on topics relevant to natural resources management for tribal nations and Indigenous research methods.

  • Graduate Faculty:

    • Teach a minimum of 2 graduate courses per term. This position would also teach undergraduate and/or CTE classes as needed and assigned.

    • Serve on and/or Chair graduate student committees or advise students on practice-based projects.

  • Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation:

    Lead data collection using remote sensing, GPS, and field methods. Teach students how to process and analyze data using industry standard data processing software such as GIS, and conduct applied research in resource management, land use, and sustainability.

  • Student Engagement, Advising, and Support:

    Mentor and advise students, especially those from Indigenous and underrepresented backgrounds, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through projects and internships in resource management. Assist with information, outreach, and recruitment initiatives for NRD. Work with Enrollment Services to maintain current and correct institutional reports. Maintain current advising files for all advisees. Evaluate student transcripts for transfer students as needed. Help prepare graduation paperwork, including course transfer, course waiver, course substitution, and graduation applications. Keep current on changes that affect student advising and mentoring.

  • Curriculum Integration and Community Engagement:

    Collaborate with faculty to integrate remote sensing and geospatial technologies into interdisciplinary courses across Natural Resources and Tribal Historic Preservation programs. Work with tribal organizations to align courses and research with community needs, providing training on land management and conservation.

  • Research and Professional Development:

    Support research on Indigenous community needs in resource management using remote sensing, seek funding for applied data collection, and stay current with advancements in remote sensing technologies.

  • Develop or assist with writing grant applications to support research and/or student internships in natural resources management areas.

  • UAS Integration (Optional Skill):

    Teach UAS operations and applications in natural resource management, engage students in projects, and stay updated on technological advancements.

  • Outcomes Assessment

Assist in the preparation of yearly departmental outcomes and assessment reports. Collect and supply coursework outcomes, assessment, and evaluation data. Support the completion of program reviews (every 4 years).

• Other:

Participate in SKC committees. Attend SKC general staff meetings, professional development sessions, and other meetings as appropriate. Maintain timely and correct paperwork, including quarterly book orders, time and leave reports, grades, syllabi, office hours, and other forms. Model professional working relationships for students, including (but not limited to) interpersonal and professional written and verbal communication skills, organizational, conflict management, teamwork skills, and citizenship. Understand the appropriate role as a representative of SKC outside the campus environment. Know and follow SKC administrative policies. Other duties as assigned.

Undergraduate Faculty Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Geospatial Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.

• At least one year of experience in the application of remote sensing, data collection, and analysis, preferably in natural resource management or environmental monitoring (may include graduate research).

• Experience teaching undergraduate courses in remote sensing, GIS, UAS, and/or natural resources (i.e., forestry, wildland fire, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries, and data processing and analytics), with the ability to integrate theoretical foundations and applied methodologies.

• Strong ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners within the Division of Natural Resources and beyond.

• Experience, or a strong interest in, working with Native students or Indigenous communities, with a commitment to culturally relevant education and community engagement.

• Ability to safely engage/participate in field-based classes that can be physically challenging, require specialized safety training, and involve safe driving skills in remote areas.

• Experience with remote sensing, GIS, and analyzing data from both satellite and drone sources for environmental or resource management applications.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants with doctoral credentials, qualified to teach graduate-level courses

• Doctorate degree in Geospatial Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.

• At least one year of experience in the application of remote sensing, data collection, and analysis, preferably in natural resource management or environmental monitoring (may include graduate research).

• Experience teaching graduate or undergraduate courses in natural resource management, remote sensing, GIS, and/or natural resources, with the ability to integrate theoretical foundations and applied methodologies (i.e., forestry, wildland fire, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries, and data processing and analytics).

• Strong ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners within the Division of Natural Resources and beyond.

• Experience, or a strong interest in, working with Native students or Indigenous communities, with a commitment to culturally relevant education and community engagement.

• Ability to safely engage/participate in field-based classes that can be physically challenging, require specialized safety training, and involve safe driving skills in remote areas.

• Established research agenda or documented research interests.

• Experience with remote sensing, GIS, and analyzing data from both satellite and drone sources for environmental or resource management applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful experience writing and managing grants.

• Experience mentoring and supporting undergraduate or graduate student research or practice-based projects.

• Experience integrating indigenous research methods and methodologies and culturally relevant content into classes.

• Experience with the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, e.g., drones) and the analysis of drone-collected data for environmental or resource management applications.

To apply, you must submit an SKC application, cover letter, resume, and applicable transcripts to Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855 or email venessa_sandoval@skc.edudavid_miller@skc.edu Your application must include evidence that you have the skills, experiences, and abilities indicated in this announcement. Applicants are asked to provide copies of academic transcripts and any other educational, training, or applicable credentials or licenses that may support your application for this position.The information you provide with your application and resume will be used as deciding factors in our employment process.

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