College Faculty - Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management

Salary Range: $60,000.00 To $89,200.00 Annually

Title: College Faculty: Ecology and Ecosystem Management (Open Rank)

Department/Location: Center for Sustainability, Ecology, and Chemistry, Elsah, IL

Position Type: Full-time, 9-month

Start Date: Fall 2027

Summary: The Ecology and Ecosystem Management Department, housed within Principia College’s Center for Sustainability, Ecology, and Chemistry, includes faculty with expertise in ecology, zoology, botany, forestry, ecosystem management, and genetics, who are committed to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and scholarly engagement. Faculty typically teach 10-12 credit hours (normally 2-3 full courses plus seminars/independent research courses) per semester, advise majors, and contribute to the academic community through professional development, program assessment, and campus service. As part of a close-knit, student-centered liberal arts college, Principia College faculty help prepare students for meaningful lives and careers through rigorous academics and applied learning experiences, including internships, study abroad, projects, and capstones. Our faculty also support Christian Science-based character education in accord with Principia's Mission and Guiding Statements. Principia College values a passion for educating, a commitment to scholarly engagement, and a spirit of service and collegiality. You will be a primary contributor to delivering on Principia’s academic vision: "Principia College's academic unit strives to create a collaborative and inclusive academic community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and sees each other as infinitely capable and divinely whole. Our rigorous globally-focused curriculum and character-based approach honors diverse perspectives and develops creative problem solvers who use their academic skills to benefit their communities and the world."

Who We Are: At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends. At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference. Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities: Teaches a full load of undergraduate courses (approximately 18-24 credit hours/year) in areas such as zoology, ecology, wildlife conservation, ornithology, herpetology, entomology, vertebrate and/or invertebrate zoology, and other subjects aligned with departmental needs and faculty expertise and within the context of Principia’s philosophy of liberal arts education Works closely with students to develop their thinking, reading, writing, research, and communication skills Mentors students through advising, office hours, and high‑impact experiences, including field trips, lab and field work, independent research activities, and senior thesis projects. Refreshes and innovates courses and curricula in collaboration with colleagues Assess student learning and contributes to continuous improvement of academic programs Contributes to a collegial service culture through department, center, and committee work (reduced service in year one for new faculty) Supports Principia's liberal arts philosophy, Christian Science-based character education, and commitment to an inclusive learning community Prayerfully supports the mission and goals of Principia and its operations

Core Competencies: Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia: Continuous Learning & Expertise : Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development. Accountability & Results Orientation : Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high‑quality outcomes. Problem Solving & Judgment : Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals. Proactivity & Ownership : Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes. Excellence & Attention to Detail : Produces accurate, polished, and high‑quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results. Service Orientation : Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Collaboration & Collegiality : Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment. Communication : Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations. Inclusion & Belonging : Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect. Master’s degree in a zoology-related field (e.g. zoology, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, entomology), PhD preferred Ability to be an academic generalist, teaching multiple areas within the discipline Classroom teaching experience or work with college-aged students preferred The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits: We offer a competitive starting salary range commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes: Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).

Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles. Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.

Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more. Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status. In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.