Position Summary: Westmont College is creating a new position as Assistant Director of Environmental Studies beginning August 2025. Funding is guaranteed through July 2026 with the possibility of extension for additional years. The position will report to the Director of Environmental Studies and work closely with the academic program, student life, and the physical plant to support the Environmental Studies program and campus initiatives related to sustainability, as well as oversee the continued development and maintenance of the vibrant Westmont Community Garden.

Requirements: A Master’s degree in an environment/sustainability-related field, and experience in cultivating fruits and vegetables is required. Personal affirmation of the Christian mission of Westmont College and the Community Life Statement and adherence to its behavioral expectations required. Background with one or more of the following is also desired: social/environmental justice initiatives, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity monitoring, energy, climate change, GIS, student programming, church leadership and/or public communication. Candidates must also be able to articulate a compelling commitment to creation care based on Christian principles. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Amanda Sparkman, Director of the Westmont Environmental Studies program, at sparkman@westmont.edu.

Westmont College is a nationally-ranked liberal arts college in the evangelical Protestant tradition. Westmont has a strong commitment to cultural and academic diversity that is increasingly reflected in its student body, curriculum, and faculty. We seek a colleague who shares these commitments and will contribute to their rich applications in the field of environmental stewardship and environmental justice.

Responsibilities:

• Provide programmatic support for Environmental Studies at Westmont, including teaching one 4-unit course per year, supervising the ENV internship course during Fall and Spring semesters, and assisting with academic advising
• Provide administrative assistance for the Environmental Studies program, including assistance with organizing social events
• Actively manage and maintain the Westmont Garden, from garden infrastructure to weed control to composting to planting and harvesting
• Work in close partnership with the academic program, student life, Westmont Students for Sustainability, the Westmont Garden Club, and community gardeners to develop sustainability initiatives on campus
• Rigorously engage the academic program with the Westmont Garden and campus sustainability initiatives, strengthening existing practices and developing new connections
• Implement a plan for bringing produce from the Westmont Garden into the Dining Commons and/or the campus Farm Stand, and help develop initiatives for reducing food waste
• Supervise academic year and summer garden and sustainability internships
• Create outreach opportunities that strengthen community around sustainability, particularly at the intersection of food, faith and advocacy–such as potlucks, cooking classes, garden workdays, and prayer vigils
• Work with college communications to enhance visibility of Environmental Studies, sustainability, and Garden programs and promote a vision of sustainability and community at Westmont
• Pursue opportunities for continued funding surrounding Environmental Studies, Westmont Garden, and sustainability at Westmont
• Expectations for workplace demeanor include but are not limited to: working collaboratively and harmoniously with co-workers and others by sharing ideas and resources constructively; respectfully considering the ideas and perspectives of others; readily admitting and correcting personal mistakes; meeting commitments; keeping supervisors and others who may be affected informed about work progress; addressing problems by seeking practical and lasting solutions acceptable to all parties; working promptly toward reconciliation during conflict; respecting the diversity of the Westmont community in words and deeds
• Other duties as assigned

Reports to: Director of Environmental Studies