"Assistant Professor - Sociology and Human Services"

Position Summary

The Department of Sociology and Human Services, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado, invites applicants for an Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2026. This is a full-time, tenure track position starting mid-August 2026. The typical teaching load is 3/4. Candidates should be a broadly trained social scientist with a demonstrated ability to teach a wide variety of courses in sociology, critical criminology, and justice studies.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Teach lower-division and upper-division courses within the Sociology Department and Criminology and Justice Studies major
• Design and teach electives and new course offerings in the Sociology Department
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities
• Contribute to the shared responsibility of reconciliation at Fort Lewis College
• Hold office hours and provide resources for students to succeed in their classes
• Participate in department and college-wide service
• Attend conferences, publish papers, and/or engage in public sociology
• Produce and remediate digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience

• A Ph.D. in Sociology or related field is required. ABD will be considered; however, preference will be given to applicants who are close to completing their dissertation.
• Proven training in a broad variety of areas of expertise within Sociology and Criminology

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience teaching in areas of Restorative Justice and Indigenous Justice systems
• At least one year of experience in a teaching role serving undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, especially Indigenous populations
• At least intermediate-low proficiency in a language other than English proven by at least two college-level semesters of such language, one semester abroad experience, or native proficiency in such language
• Participation in at least one activity related to promoting inclusion of underrepresented populations in higher education
• Proven training or teaching experience in Indigenous pedagogies
• Proven training or teaching in experiential education

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility

The employee reports to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Light to moderate lifting is required

Travel

This is an in-person position and less than 5% travel is expected.

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Exempt
• Full Time
• Permanent
• Full Year
• 12 credit hours per semester.

Salary

The salary is $61,000, and a comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Application Deadline

Application materials received by 11:59 p.m. on January 11, 2026, will receive full consideration.

The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts and pass a background check

About Fort Lewis College

On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango