Description

Summary: The Biology and Geography Departments at Grand Valley State University invite applications for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Affiliate Faculty position to begin Fall 2026. Applicants are expected to have at least a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources Management, Geography, Environmental Science or a closely related field. The primary responsibility of this position is to teach GIS concepts and analyses at introductory or advanced levels. There may be opportunities to assist university personnel and community partners with GIS projects. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Education:

Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources Management, Geography, Environmental Science or closely related field, with demonstrated GIS applications. Master’s degree must be completed prior to the start of Fall 2026 semester.
Potential for successful college-level teaching and impactful instruction at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels with a commitment to active pedagogy for all learners.
Demonstrated experience using and applying GIS to address natural resource management and environmental sustainability issues.
Demonstrated experience with ArcGIS Pro software, ArcGIS Online applications, ArcGIS governance, geospatial database management, geospatial data structures, budget and financial management, and organization.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
 

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

PhD in Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources Management, Geography, Environmental Science or closely related field.
Demonstrated ability and vision to collaborate and build a multidisciplinary initiative in pursuit of enhancing undergraduate education and community partnerships pertaining to applied GIS and natural resource management.
Experience managing and facilitating grants, income, endowments, and other revenues secured.
Experience enforcing ArcGIS Online content creation protocols and institutional data quality standards, assisting with managing institutional licensing for ArcGIS software and applications, organizing and maintaining institutional repository of spatial data.
 

Responsibilities:

Affiliate Faculty are normally expected to teach at least 12 contact hours per semester.
The successful candidate will teach introductory, intermediate, or advanced levels of geospatial courses per semester that may include cartography, GIS, remote sensing, webGIS, or other areas of specialization with applications focusing on natural resources and environmental management.
This position may include administrative work to support GIS projects with community partners and will come with reassigned time, depending on actual workload.