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Grand Valley State University

Affiliate Faculty in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, United States

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Overview

Affiliate Faculty in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

– Grand Valley State University 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.

Salary and Benefits 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 and College Context The Department of Biology and the Department of Geography & Sustainable Planning at Grand Valley State University emphasize teaching excellence, engaging pedagogies, active scholarship, and impactful service to the university and community. There are collaborative opportunities across the department, campus, and community. Programs include a Geography major with Geospatial Technology emphasis, a Geospatial Technology minor, and certificates in GIS & Technology, Environmental Remote Sensing, and Applied GIS in Natural Resources.

University Context Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution with multiple campuses in West Michigan. The University attracts over 22,000 students and offers high-quality programs and facilities. The institution is committed to equal opportunity and inclusive excellence. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity for details.

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.

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