Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Anthropology in the area of applied archaeology such as Cultural Resources Management (CRM), Museum Studies and/or ability to provide students training through an archeological field school. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Introduction to General Anthropology, Archaeology or Biological Anthropology laboratory courses, CRM, Museum Studies, Field School, and other courses in the applicant’s area of study and based on program needs. The successful candidate will teach a total of 24 credits per year. Strong commitment to effective teaching, advising, service and professional development is expected. This position is in-person on-campus with possible online teaching duties.
Anthropology is a small program within the larger Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Western. In Anthropology, students have the opportunity to earn a BA in Anthropology and to select a supporting minor or potentially a second major. For more information on the Anthropology major, visit our website at https://western.edu/program/anthropology/.
QUALIFICATIONS: A PhD in Anthropology or a related field is required; ABD considered only if the applicant is a strong match for the advertised qualifications. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are characteristic of the department and would be sought in the successful candidate.
SALARY/BENEFITS: $62,000-$64,000annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
START DATE: August 2025
APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts, teaching evaluations, statement of teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references.
Please direct questions to Lynn Sikkink at (970) 943-2062; email: lsikkink@western.edu.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
December 1, 2025. Screening of applications will begin immediately.
Note: If transcripts are required for your application, you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, dates of attendance, or graduation from the educational institution. If a degree is required for employment, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of whom reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.
The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.
