The School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites individuals to apply for the position of LEO Lecturer Intermittent to teach one class in Fall 2025, EAS 558 - Water Policy and Politics. A specific course description is included in the Job Summary below. Applications are welcome and encouraged regardless of background and identity. 
To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site.  In addition, the following materials must be submitted as one PDF document along with your application on the UM Jobs site.

• A cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position and outlines experience that directly relates to this position. The cover letter may be up to two single-spaced pages.
• A statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae
• Names of three individuals that can serve as references.

If considered, you will be contacted and interviewed remotely. The start date for this position is expected to be August 25, 2025

Please contact Nicole Rutherford, nicolmba@umich.edu, if you have any questions.

This position is subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement. The full LEO contract can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/um-leo_lecturers_collective_bargaining_agreement_2024-2028_-_final_0.pdf.
 

The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a 33% FTE lecturer to teach one class (EAS 558 - Water Policy and Politics) in the Fall 2025 term. The appointment dates for this position will be 8/25/25-12/31/25.

Course Description (Note: Hired Lecturer can make adjustments within the general scope of the course).

Water is the basis for life. Water connects people, land, infrastructure, ecosystems, and the climate. The choices we make about how and where to use, transport, treat, or leave water resources have social, environmental, and economic consequences. These consequences are becoming more important over time. Water policy reveals the important effects of power in our political processes and decision-making.

This course provides an intensive graduate-level introduction to the legal and institutional dimensions of U.S. water policy and an in-depth examination of the politics surrounding public policy choices affecting water quality, sustainability, and equity. Students will gain substantive expertise in the key levers of U.S. water policy and politics, strengthen their policy analysis and policy writing skills, be exposed to current issues and differing perspectives in the field, and work toward designing solutions to complex socio-environmental problems. The focus is on decision- making processes, power structures, conflicts, and rules. The course focuses on U.S. freshwater policy and politics (although with some international examples). Depending on the instructor's experience, areas of focus could include water quality regulation, ecosystem restoration, Western water, municipal water infrastructure and/or groundwater management, among other topics. 

This is an Intermittent Lecturer appointment which is a non-tenure track position and subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement which can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/academic-human-resources/contracts. 
 

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting depending on eligibility 
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/benefits-enrollment/benefits-enrollment-eligibility. 
 

Teach one course in the Fall 2025 term for 3 credit hours. All courses are expected to be taught in person on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus unless there is a compelling pedagogical reason for remote or hybrid instruction.

The individual will be expected to hold office hours and handle all routine matters related to instruction.  While teaching is expected to take place in-person, office hours can be held remotely.
 

• A PhD in environmental studies, public policy, political science or a related field; OR a JD in environmental law OR a Masters Degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience.

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring.
• Substantial knowledge of U.S. water policy, politics and institutions.
• Direct experience relevant to water policy and politics, including connections to professionals working on water issues
   

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

All application materials must be submitted no later than July 4, 2025. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely shortly after the posting closure date. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than July 25, 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is August 25, 2025.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
 

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.