Assistant Professor, Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies

at  University of the Fraser Valley

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies invites applications from qualified individuals for a tenure-track position in Geography and Environmental Studies, with a specialization in the geographies of health, One Health, and/or climate and environmental health. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a record of, and commitment to, holistic postsecondary teaching that integrates methods and approaches from the social sciences and sciences. The successful candidate will be expected to start in August 2025.
UFV is located in one of the fastest growing regions of Canada, home to some of the country’s most intensive land use. The region’s communities and industries are experiencing increasing climate-related and environmental vulnerabilities. The risks are not felt evenly across populations and geographies. Therefore, applicants with relevant expertise that could potentially support connections with community partners are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to candidates who can build on research and/or teaching experience working in and with Indigenous communities.
The Department of Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies (PGES) houses multiple undergraduate programs, including Geography, Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Natural Sciences), and Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP). Moreover it also offers Associate Certificate in Applied GIS. The PGES team collaborates closely with multiple local and international partners on projects that address community-identified needs, and to create opportunities for student research and applied learning.
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a teaching-focused institution where faculty members typically have a workload of 7 teaching sections, involving approximately 4-5 course preparations throughout the academic year. Some research-related release time may be available.
The newest faculty member will be responsible for teaching GEOG 325: Health and Place, while also developing new courses aligned with their area of expertise (Example: One Health and Environmental Impact Assessment etc.). New hire would directly align with institutional priority in One Health, additionally some sample courses that they may require to teach include Social Geography and Economic Geography.
Furthermore, they will collaborate with other faculty members in the Geography and Environmental Studies (PGES) department to teach core lower-level courses. The successful candidate will also regularly teach one or more courses in geographic methods, such as GIS applications, quantitative methods, knowledge and ethics in geographic and environmental research, and/or environmental field techniques.
Depending on their specific expertise, the new faculty member may have the opportunity to contribute to the Planning program as well. Additional skills in GIS mapping, stakeholder engagement, and policy development will be considered assets.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have the following essential qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Geography (preferred), Public Health, Environmental Studies, or related field. Candidates must have completed a PhD degree by the start date of the appointment. Candidates whose PhD is not in Geography/Environmental studies should be able to demonstrate significant training in Geography/ Environmental Studies (e.g., Master’s degree, graduate coursework).
• Evidence of the ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate students in both classroom and community-based settings.
• Evidence of high-quality research and scholarship with community partners, and the potential to work collaboratively with colleagues, secure funding, and build internal and external collaboration.
• A commitment to promoting a diverse, inclusive and vibrant academic and work environment.

Please refer the Job description for details