Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Landscape Architecture Program in the School of Planning, Design & Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, Fixed Term Teaching Specialist, expected to start on August 16, 2025. This position is an academic year (9-month) appointment, comprising 75% teaching, 15% outreach, and 10% service. Continuation of the appointment is contingent upon positive annual performance reviews.

The Teaching Specialist in MSU Landscape Architecture program will play a key role in advancing the program's educational mission. The successful candidate will address emerging issues in landscape architecture and contribute to a curriculum that emphasizes professional education in the field. Required proficiency includes teaching four to five core landscape architecture courses per academic year. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching portfolio includes, but is not limited to, traditional and digital communication, design studios, site engineering, and history courses. The successful candidate will also contribute to our study abroad program, curriculum development, and actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Responsibilities include engaging with students, providing mentorship, advising, and supporting their academic and professional development.

In addition, the new faculty member will coordinate diverse program events, including career fairs and lecture series, in collaboration with our alumni advisory board. They will also engage in impactful and inclusive collaborative opportunities with the Community, Food, and Environment Institute (CFEI) at Michigan State University Extension (MSUE).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Landscape Architecture (or related field if candidate has a BA or BS in Landscape Architecture)

Minimum Requirements

Candidate must have a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from an accredited degree program, or an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Landscape Architecture degree, along with a terminal Master’s degree in a related field at the start of employment. Ability to teach core courses in landscape architecture is essential.

Desired Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have professional landscape architecture licensure and professional experiences in Landscape Architecture or a related design field. Outstanding landscape architectural design and communication skills are desired.

Required Application Materials

For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu. Upload the following required documents: 1) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and highlights how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) design portfolio; 4) a statement (2-page maximum) addressing your experience with diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching/learning, mentoring, service, professional activities and research and/or describing how you will contribute to MSU’s goals of inclusive excellence; and 5) recommendation letters from at least three references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 1, 2024, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Eunsil Lee, leeeunsi@msu.edu. 

Review of Applications Begins On

12/01/2024

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/

Department Statement

The School of Planning, Design, and Construction (SPDC) unites four academic programs related to the built environment: Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, as well as the National Charrette Institute, with 45 faculty and academic specialists, and 8 staff members. The School offers 9 degree pathways from Bachelors to Ph.D. – including 5 professionally accredited degrees with over 500 undergraduate and 60 graduate students. The School is administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR). The mission of the School is to advance the knowledge, prepare innovative leaders, and support the practice of planning, design, and construction. Our academic activities address sustainability, health, transportation, and economic and community development. Please refer to the School’s homepage available at: http://www.spdc.msu.edu/.

Established in 1898, the MSU Landscape Architecture program is the oldest landscape program in the US. The program balances ideology, design, technology, art and science toward creating a sustainable and resilient world. The Landscape Architecture program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB), and consistently ranked among the top landscape architecture programs across the country. Landscape Architecture faculty teach and engage with students at the bachelors (BLA), masters of Environmental Design (MED), and doctorate (Ph.D. of the Environmental Design Concentration) levels. Please find more information about the MSU landscape architecture program in http://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/programs/landscape_architecture/.

CANR and SPDC at MSU are committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are particularly interested in candidates from all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view SPDC’s Community Code of Conduct at https://socialscience.msu.edu/_assets/pdfs/Community-Code-of-Conduct.pdf. 

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.