Environmental Studies – Tenure-stream faculty

Position: Assistant Professor, Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies
University: University of the Fraser Valley
Location: Abbotsford, BC

Assistant Professor, Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies
Planning, Geography & Environmental Studies
Abbotsford (King Road)
Application deadline: April 24, 2025

Job Number: J0325-1002
Status: Permanent
Open Positions: 1
Salary Scale: Teaching Faculty Salary Scale
Hours/Week: 35
Salary: $70,437.00 - $112,872.00

Job Summary

The Faculty of Science at the University of the Fraser Valley is delighted to issue an open call for applications for a tenure-stream faculty appointment in Environmental Studies, primarily in the Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies departments. We look forward to welcoming a faculty member who is earnestly committed to innovative and collaborative scholarship and pedagogy, using decolonizing, inter- or transdisciplinary, and cross-cultural approaches.

The applicant should have experience in one or several fields of interest: 1) climate resilience and conservation of natural and cultural resources, 2) mitigation and environmental management in communities, and/or 3) climate planning and GIS mapping. We look forward to considering applicants from a broad and diverse range of fields focused upon climate and sustainability. In addition, we especially encourage applicants of Indigenous heritage and individuals having experience living and working in and with Indigenous communities to apply.

The successful candidate will be required to teach and develop core courses in environmental sciences and studies and higher courses in conservation, environmental studies, and methods. The successful candidate will also be able to create new courses in their speciality area. Depending on experience and training, the applicant may further contribute to geography and/or planning courses. The successful applicant must also conduct research and scholarship and serve the university and broader communities.

The successful candidate should have at least two years of inclusive experience in post-secondary teaching. Upon appointment, a PhD or equivalent credential in environmental studies, geography, planning, resource management, Indigenous Studies, or another related area in sustainability and climate is required. In exceptional situations, applicants in the final year of their PhD may also be eligible to apply.

The successful candidate will teach and design interactive coursework suitable for each level of undergrads and facilitate students in their undergraduate research. They will commit to engaging in partnerships with Fraser Valley municipalities, industries and Indigenous peoples to design cooperative, integrated, and applied learning experiences for students. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems is preferable, especially with expertise in cross-cultural outreach in communities specializing in environmental conservation, management, and planning.

The Department of Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies is seeking a collegial and dedicated instructor with excellent communication skills and demonstrated excellence in teaching and designing coursework for undergraduates. There are about 15,000 students in the University of Fraser Valley, of whom 15% are from outside Canada and 5% are Indigenous. There is a need to integrate Indigenous views and input into the curriculum. Addressing students from diverse international backgrounds and meeting the needs of a diversified and multifaceted learner environment is just as important. The position involves interdisciplinary teaching and delivering courses in local communities.

Short-listed applicants should demonstrate high levels of applied research and professional productivity that indicate their experience and demonstrated potential to build a successful research program at UFV. In addition, applicants should indicate their potential to secure external funding to further their research and improve students' learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Understanding and use of decolonized and cross-cultural approaches within the field of sustainability and climate
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with or in Indigenous communities.
• A scholarship based in the community, spanning various cultures.
• Knowledge of environmental adaptation practices in resource contexts such as forests, watersheds, mining, etc.
• A PhD closely related and linked to one or more of the following fields: 1) climate resilience and cultural/ natural resource protection, 2) community environmental management and response, and/or 3) climate planning and GIS mapping.
• An active research portfolio that demonstrates the ability to write and receive external grants and design a collaborative and relevant research program within the field of Environmental Studies.
• Teaching and course content development experience at the undergraduate level with recent evidence of teaching excellence.
• Familiarity with technology-supported teaching both in the classroom and online.
• Proficient and functional communication skills which cross boundaries of discipline and culture.
• Engaging with and/or developing climate governance measures is an asset.
• A preference is present for having the skill to model and interpret climate scenarios.
• Keen interest in meaningful service contribution to the Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies department, UFV, and Indigenous communities of the Fraser Valley region.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package that includes the following:

• A cover letter evidencing how you meet the qualifications of the position.
• Curriculum Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching dossier including (1) a teaching philosophy statement, (2) teaching-related academic contributions and professional development, (3) an example of a syllabus you have created, and (4) evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student feedback and evaluations).
• Research statement discussing past and current research outcomes and future research initiatives.
• Statement of Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

In your application, indicate your eligibility to work legally in Canada. The hiring committee may request up to three reference letters may be requested by the hiring committee if you are short-listed.

Apply here: Apply. Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

For further information about the position, please get in touch with Dr. Afia Raja, Department Head of Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies, University of the Fraser Valley, at afia.raja@ufv.ca

About UFV

The University of the Fraser Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Halq'eméylem-speaking peoples. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in Stó:lo Tém:éxw (Stó:lo Land; Stó:lo World). In all that we do, UFV strives to support and honour the Stó:lo peoples goals of self-determination and well-being on these lands. A commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation is core to our institutional Vision and Integrated Strategic Plan: IYAQAWTXW — which means House of Transformation. This commitment includes the goal of centering Indigenous ways of knowing throughout our organization, recognizing our responsibilities to community, and a multi-year plan to increase the number of Indigenous faculty, staff, and administrators working at UFV.

UFV has campus locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope in the beautiful British Columbia, and in Chandigarh, India. Recognized as one of BC's top employers, UFV offers a combination of career and lifestyle benefits. Join a team of 1,400 passionate professionals who value integrity, inclusivity and excellence. At UFV, you will serve a vibrant community and shape the future of 15,000 students.

Indigenization, equity, and diversity are essential to our work as a university. A diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized. At UFV, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we proudly serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, members of groups that experience discrimination due to race, colour, place of origin, ancestry, and/or religion, persons who identify as women and 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. We invite applicants to complete a confidential self-identification survey as part of the application process. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. Information will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the recruitment process, and results are not shared with the selection committee. Inquiries about the survey may be directed to careers@ufv.ca . Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In an effort to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible, UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. We thank all applicants for considering UFV for employment. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/ or a verification of their education credentials.

UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.

Please note: you should receive a confirmation email once you have successfully applied to this position. If you do not, please contact the Njoyn Help Desk at webhelp.njoyn, webhelp.njoyn@cgi.com or 1-877-427-7717 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (EST).