Assistant Professor, Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies

UFVs 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 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.

• Extensive knowledge of land-use planning: urban spatial structure and physical design within urban and regional settings.
• A masters 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.
  

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 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 or 1- 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

The University of the Fraser Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Halqeméylem-speaking peoples. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in Stó:lo Tém:éxw (Stó:lo Land; Stó:lo World). In all that we do UFV strives to support and honour the Stó:lo peoples goals of self-determination and well-being on these lands. A commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation is core to our institutional Vision and Integrated Strategic Plan: IYAQAWTXW which means House of Transformation. This commitment includes the goal of centering Indigenous ways of knowing throughout our organization recognizing our responsibilities to community and a multi-year plan to increase the number of Indigenous faculty staff and administrators working at UFV.

UFV has campus locations in Abbotsford Chilliwack Mission and Hope in the beautiful British Columbia and in Chandigarh India. Recognized as one of BCs top employers UFV offers a combination of career and lifestyle benefits. Join a team of 1400 passionate professionals who value integrity inclusivity and excellence. At UFV you will serve a vibrant community and shape the future of 15000 students.

Indigenization equity and diversity are essential to our work as a university. A diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized. At UFV we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we proudly serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples members of groups that experience discrimination due to race colour place of origin ancestry and/or religion persons who identify as women and 2SLGBTQ and persons with disabilities. We invite applicants to complete a confidential self-identification survey as part of the application process. All questions are voluntary with an option to decline to answer. Information will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the recruitment process and results are not shared with the selection committee. Inquiries about the survey may be directed to Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given an effort to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. We thank all applicants for considering UFV for employment. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/ or a verification of their education credentials.

UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.