Instructor (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Certificate in Wetland Science & Management: Landscape Understanding of Wetland Setting, Processes and Management course
Position Overview
Organization: Continuum College
Title: Instructor (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Certificate in Wetland Science & Management: Landscape Understanding of Wetland Setting, Processes and Management course
Position Details
Position Description
UW Continuum College expands the reach of the University of Washington by delivering educational programs that meet the needs of learners at all phases of their lives. We’re focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment, and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we’re creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.
UW Continuum College (UWC2) has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time Co-Instructor in Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) Wetland Science & Management non-credit Certificate program, specifically for the Landscape Understanding of Wetland Setting, Processes and Management course offered in winter quarter. Instructors serve a key role in certificate programs, engaging with students, serving as subject matter experts, presenting learning content, and assessing whether learners have achieved course competencies. PCE students consistently say that the instructor is the single most important element of their course.
Instructors serve a key role in certificate programs, engaging with students, serving as subject matter experts, presenting learning content, and assessing whether learners have achieved course competencies. PCE students consistently say that the instructor is the single most important element of their course.
The pay range for this instructor position is $1,500 - $1,700 per CEU* per course, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Specific appointment type of instructor or co-instructor will be assigned based on programmatic need. As co-instructors share course responsibilities, co-instructor salary will be prorated based on assigned duties. *Continuing Education Credits (CEU) information for individual courses may be found on our website. Each course in the Wetland Science & Management non-credit Certificate program is 3 CEUs.
For this position we are seeking an experienced GIS professional to co-teach the course with a focus on spatial analysis, landscape processes, and aquatic ecosystem management. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in geospatial tools with a robust understanding of Pacific Northwest aquatic systems to teach students how landscape controls influence stream and wetland functions, as well as how to apply GIS assessment models to real-world planning and permitting decisions. The course will be co-taught with a watershed ecologist who will lead instruction on landscape processes and their interaction with stream and wetland structure and function.
Professional and Continuing Education Instructors...
- Teach to a set curriculum plan with clear learning outcomes and competencies
- Customize course content and lesson slides, while aligning with learning objectives set, for the course they are scheduled to teach; Instructors are encouraged to personalize the curriculum to their teaching style and experience in the Wetland Science & Management program
- Prepare a course syllabus in advance of the course start date (templates provided)
- Ensure that lesson plans and presentation materials for the full course are relevant and current
- Teach all class sessions at the scheduled time
- Respond to student inquiries and provide feedback on student assignments in a timely manner
- Coordinate with other instructors and instructional assistants in the certificate program, to ensure curriculum continuity across courses
- Adapt instructional techniques based on feedback from students and the Program Manager, and implement sound pedagogical practices
- Complete instructor onboarding, relevant learning technology training, and other training as required
- Observe FERPA, HIPAA, and other privacy laws and policies
- Participate in 1-2 instructor meetings and information sessions per year, outside of instructor onboarding and training
Responsibilities specific to this Wetland course include:
- Teach students to apply geospatial tools (GIS, GPS, remote sensing) to characterize watersheds, analyze spatial patterns, and communicate environmental data effectively
- In association with the co-instructor, develop data layers from online resources to characterize physical processes (water delivery, movement, storage and loss) and their influence on wetland formation and stream dynamics
- Assist with facilitating classroom discussions on integrating assessment results into local land-use planning, environmental permitting, and ecological restoration strategies
- Assist in developing ways to improve student comprehension of landscape controls (precipitation, geology, soils, landcover, topography) and their impact on ecosystem services at the site and reach scales
This course is offered winter quarter from January 2027 to March 2027. All Wetland Science & Management courses are taught in-person at our UW PCE Classrooms in downtown Seattle, at Puget Sound Plaza on 4th Ave. Information on PCE Wetland Science & Management certificate program may be found at https://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/wetland-science-and-management.
UWC2 Extension Lecturers / Instructors are Academic Staff, not faculty. These are part-time, temporary positions.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geographic Information Science, or closely related field with a primary concentration in GIS
- Minimum of four years of professional experience working on natural resource issues in the Pacific Northwest, with an emphasis on aquatic systems (streams, rivers, wetlands)
- Proficiency in industry-standard GIS software (preferably Esri ArcGIS suite), remote sensing techniques, and spatial modeling tools
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability and desire to successfully work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Willingness to teach with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and content relevance for adult students from different backgrounds
- Legal authorization to work and receive compensation in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geographic Information Science, or a closely related field with a primary concentration in GIS
- Familiarity with Wetland Mapping Tools and Resources utilized by City, County, Tribal, and State agencies for wetland assessment and management in Western Washington
- Experience teaching wetland science and management topics listed above to undergraduate students or professional learners
- Prior teaching or mentoring experience, particularly with adult learners
- Experience teaching/presenting in an online environment as well as in the classroom and field
Instructions
To apply to co-teach for the Landscape Understanding of Wetland Setting, Processes and Management course please submit the following:
- A cover letter describing your areas of interest and expertise in Wetland Science & Management, including related geospatial assessment experience. Applications that do not contain this information will not be considered.
- Resume or CV
- Names and contact information of two references [optional]
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and review of applications will occur intermittently dependent on program needs. Applications received by November 8, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
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Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.