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.

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.

Minimum Starting Salary: $54,000 annually; commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Department: The departments of Biology and Geography & Sustainable Planning at Grand Valley State University place an emphasis on teaching excellence using engaging pedagogies, active scholarship, and impactful service to the university and community. Faculty in each department uphold the values of a liberal education while providing intensive engagement in the biological sciences. High-impact field and lab experiences and community collaboration are hallmarks of our relevant, interdisciplinary curriculum.  There are numerous collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across a wide group of partners within the department, across campus and in the community. Between the 2 departments, students have opportunities to take classes toward a major in Geography with Geospatial Technology emphasis, minor in Geospatial Technology, and earn certificates in GIS & Technology, Environmental Remote Sensing, and Applied GIS in Natural Resources.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts over 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at the Community Resources page on Grand Valley State University Human Resources website.

How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following items to the online application (combined files cannot exceed 5 MB):

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU

• Curriculum vitae

• Teaching philosophy statement

• Graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable)

• Sample(s) of completed or in-progress geospatial projects (e.g., maps, story maps, dashboards, web apps, or others)

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance, email Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Alexandra Locher (lochera@gvsu.edu).

Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on November 10, 2025. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.