Senior Laboratory Instructor, Physical Geography

University of Northern British Columbia

Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Environment
Probationary or Continuing
Posting #FAGEES01-24 BW

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for a Senior Laboratory Instructor position in the Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, with a proposed starting date of May 1, 2025. The rank of Senior Laboratory Instructor will be commensurate with the education and experience of the successful candidate. As an institution committed to the fostering of an inclusive and transformative learning environment, UNBC values high quality and growth in both teaching and scholarship.

The position of Senior Laboratory Instructor in the Department of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences primarily involves teaching of undergraduate and graduate students. However, given that UNBC is a research-intensive university, there is the expectation that the position will also involve the supervision of undergraduate and graduate student projects and/or research that contributes to the strengths of the Department.

The individual seeking employment in this position will need to be able to teach to a range of courses, from lower division through to upper division. The latter may include graduate (i.e., MSc) students. As many of the courses involve a lab and/or field component, they will need to utilize existing lab exercises and/or develop new ones. This would be aided by experience in organizing and implementing field programs. Proficiency in programming language Python is a strong asset.

The successful candidate will also develop and teach a range of courses in physical geography as well as coordinate and oversee teaching materials for teaching assistants. The exact suite and nature of the courses will depend on the applicant and their qualifications. We are especially interested in a candidate who has teaching experience in these courses:

• Introduction to Earth Science (GEOG 210)
• Natural Hazards (GEOG 211)
• Hydrology (GEOG 310)
• Drainage Basin Geomorphology (GEOG 311)
• Quaternary and Surficial Geology (GEOG 411/611)
• Mountains (GEOG 416/616)
• Global Water Resources (GEOG 498)

Additionally, field courses are a key component of the Geography Program and experience and/or a commitment to organizing and facilitating regular field courses is crucial to this position.

Applications for this position should hold an MSc or Ph.D. in physical geography or earth science or an equivalent area of expertise. Professional accreditation (P. Geo or P. Eng) is an asset. Previous experience in teaching both lecture and laboratory courses at the undergraduate level is required, and applicants should also provide evidence of a record and commitment to teaching and learning. Experience of supervision or co-supervision of undergraduate student projects and/or graduate students would be an asset.


Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity

The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “he/she/they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.

Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person


About the University and its Community
Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.

UNBC’s three regional campuses are located in Quesnel, Fort St. John, and Terrace. The South-Central campus in Quesnel is situated on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff Band), Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation (Kluskus Band), and Esdilagh First Nations (formerly Alexandria Band). Lhtako, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz are Dakelh First Nations, and Esdilagh is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The Peace River-Liard campus in Fort St. John is situated on the traditional territory of the Doig River, Blueberry River and Halfway River First Nations. They are the Dunne-Za people. The Northwest campus in Terrace is situated on traditional Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) territory of the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations. It includes a satellite campus in the coastal community of Prince Rupert.

UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~74,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience and https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.


Salary

The salary for this position will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience as per the UNBC Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The annual salary range for this position is expected to be from $86,140 to $123,940. Please refer to the link below to the Collective Agreement for more compensation information:

https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/facultyassociationcollectiveagreementjuly12023-june302025-revised.pdf


To Apply

Applicants should forward the following documents to FacultyRecruitment@unbc.ca or mail to Office of the Provost quoting the posting number (#FAGEES01-24 BW):

o cover letter indicating potential contributions to the Program;
o curriculum vitae;
o a brief statement of teaching approaches and research program;
o the names and addresses of three references (including telephone and email information); and
o the Statement of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, which can be found here: https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human- resources/statementofemploymenteligibilityjan0520221.pdf.

Voluntary Form:
o the Self-Identification form, which can be found here:
https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/unbcself-idreviseddec2022-fillable.pdf


Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at employeewellbeing@unbc.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Mail Submissions: Office of the Provost, University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way, Prince George, B.C., V2N 4Z9

Email Submissions: FacultyRecruitment@unbc.ca

Inquiries: Dr. Catherine Nolin – Acting Chair, Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Catherine.Nolin@unbc.ca
250-961-5875

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC. However, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Applications received on or before November 25, 2024, will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.