Plant & Wildlife Sciences - CFS Professional Faculty - Environmental Analytical Laboratory Director

Brigham Young University

$80K — $95K *
Provo, UT 84604In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree in environmental science preferred; M.S. degree considered with relevant experience.
  • Teaching experience relevant to environmental sciences.
  • Laboratory experience required; lab management preferred.
  • Experience in mentoring students in an academic or professional setting.
  • Strong organizational skills for budget and laboratory management.

Responsibilities

  • Teach 4-5 courses per year in Environmental Science and support undergraduate certification programs.
  • Direct the BYU Environmental Analytical Lab, overseeing its operations and research activities.
  • Mentor undergraduate students and foster their engagement in scientific research.
  • Develop and maintain lab procedures and quality control systems.
  • Manage lab budgets and seek funding opportunities for lab initiatives.
  • Contribute to university governance and engage in the community life at BYU.

Benefits

  • Engagement in a collaborative academic environment focused on student development.
  • Opportunity for impactful teaching and hands-on lab management.
  • Involvement in community governance and leadership within the university.
  • Ability to shape the curriculum and mentorship programs in environmental sciences.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Plant & Wildlife Sciences - CFS Professional Faculty - Environmental Analytical Laboratory Director

Posting End Date: October 15, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, October 14, 2026 @ 11:59 pm MST

Position Start Date: July 1, 2027

Required Degree: A doctoral degree in a field related to environmental science is preferred, although applicants with an M.S. degree and experience as an environmental professional will be considered. The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience:
  • Teaching and mentoring experience: Teaching experience relevant to the position and the applicant's career status will be evaluated. The applicant should document their teaching interests, experience, vision, and how these could strengthen the BYU ESS program.
  • Laboratory and managerial experience: Experience in a laboratory setting is required and lab management experience is preferred.


Duties/Expectations:
  • Teaching: The successful candidate will teach 4-5 regular classroom or laboratory courses (12-15 credit hours) per year in the ESS program, plus mentoring courses (approximately 50%). The teaching assignment will include an undergraduate environmental skills and certifications course designed to support students seeking professional environmental science jobs. Other assigned courses will depend on expertise and need but could include environmental science courses connected to the function of the EAL such as Soil Science with associated lab, Watershed Ecology, Environmental Policies and Laws, Quantitative Environmental Chemistry, or other courses focused on water, plant science, and/or environmental chemistry.
  • Managerial: Director of the BYU Environmental Analytical Lab (approximately 45%). The EAL is a core research facility of the College of Life Sciences under the direction of the Plant and Wildlife Sciences Department (PWS). The EAL performs chemical and physical testing of environmental samples (water, soils, sediments, plant or other organic tissues) for a diverse set of customers from inside and outside of BYU. The EAL is focused on student mentoring in a client-facing lab setting. Essential functions as the EAL director include:
  • Mentoring undergraduate students in the EAL, leading to tangible mentoring products such as student-led presentations at scientific meetings, abstracts, or papers.
  • Service on graduate committees in association with students who use the EAL to process samples related to their graduate research.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and quality control systems that ensure analyses are conducted efficiently and according to established scientific standards. Perform routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment and protocols.
  • Responsible for researching, evaluating, recommending, purchasing, and installing laboratory instrumentation and overseeing its operation, maintenance and repair.
  • Develop and administer laboratory budgets, with responsibility for balancing laboratory income with costs including wages, supplies, and equipment needs. Identify and pursue income and funding to support the mentoring goals of the lab.
  • Citizenship: Faculty are expected to participate actively in departmental, college, and university governance and engage in the intellectual and community life of the university (approximately 5%).


Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter and Mission Alignment Statement to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.

BELONGING STATEMENT

United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

All faculty are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Brigham Young University

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Plant & Wildlife Sciences - CFS Professional Faculty - Environmental Analytical Laboratory Director jobs: