Assistant Professor, Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies

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Application deadline: January 29, 2027

Job Number: J0626-1023 Status: Permanent Open Positions: 1 Anticipated Start Date: 01/08/2027 Campus(es): Abbotsford (King Road) Hours/Week: 35 % Full Time: 100 Total Months/Year: 12 Salary Schedule: Teaching Faculty Salary Schedule Salary: $70,437.00 - $112,872.00/Year

Job Summary

UFV's Department of Planning, Geography and Environmental Studies (PGES) in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a tenure-track, open-rank Professor of Land-Use Planning with an interest in one or more of the following areas: sustainable development, food security, environmental, and Indigenous community planning. The successful applicant will join a thriving faculty that supports programs in Geography, Environmental Studies, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) degree has recently been accredited and has strong enrollment. The successful candidate will help to further grow and strengthen the new planning program in PGES and contribute to practicums and professional experience, PGES programs’ curriculum development and teaching.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses and supervise undergraduate research students through studio, applied practicum, and independent study courses. Teaching assignments may include Settlements(PLAN 160), Social Geography: The Urban Experience (GEOG 241), GIS for the Built Environment (GEOG 355), Quantitative Methods in Geography (GEOG 252), Planning Law (PLAN 310) and Indigenous Land Use and Community Planning (PLAN 410), but the final list will be tailored to the expertise of the successful candidate. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will actively participate in PGES activities, service, events, and initiatives, and will be committed to ongoing professional development.

PGES seeks a collegial and energetic individual with exceptional communication skills, demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level, and experience in teaching across traditional disciplinary boundaries and delivering courses in community settings. The successful candidate is expected to build relationships with Fraser Valley municipalities and Indigenous communities by providing students with collaborative and integrative applied experiential learning opportunities. Incorporating Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum is essential, as is teaching international students and managing the needs of students in a diverse learning environment.

Short-listed applicants will have an emerging record of applied research or professional productivity commensurate with their experience. The ability to attract external funding and establish a successful applied research program at UFV to support research and student learning experiences are highly desirable. The ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, statistical software (SPSS/STATA), and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to support land-use planning will be an asset, as is experience with community outreach in agricultural regions with rapidly growing urban centers.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of land-use planning: urban spatial structure and physical design within urban and regional settings.
• A master’s degree in urban and regional planning or a closely related field from a recognized post-secondary institution is required, in addition to extensive professional experience. However, a PhD in the mentioned disciplines is preferred.
• Registered Professional Planner certification with the Canadian Institute of Planners, facilitated by the Planning Standards Board of Canada, is required .
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate level with recent evidence of teaching excellence is preferred.
• Familiarity with technology-supported teaching both in the classroom, online and in the planning profession.
• Effective cross-cultural, interdisciplinary communication skills and experience working with Indigenous communities are assets.
• A growing list of impactful applied research and/or community-based planning initiatives.
• Interest in service contribution to PGES, UFV, and Indigenous communities of the Fraser Valley.
  

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package that includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy statement, research interest statement, samples of scholarly activities (e.g., publication or project portfolio), and three letters of reference. In your application, please indicate your eligibility to work legally in Canada.

Applications will be reviewed by the SAC in December 2026, however the posting will be kept open for applications until the end of January 2027.

You will receive a confirmation email once you successfully apply for the position. If not, do not hesitate to contact the Njoyn Help Desk at candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com or 1-877-427-7717, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST).

UFV is committed to equity in employment, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check and a verification of their education credentials.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Cherie Enns, RPP, Chair, Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning, University of the Fraser Valley, at cherie.enns@ufv.ca.