Geography Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our increasingly globalized world, the importance of geography education has never been more relevant.

As societies continue to evolve and interconnect, the need for knowledgeable individuals who can elucidate, examine, and interpret our physical and cultural landscapes is escalating.

But what does it truly mean to be a geography professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexities of geography education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable geography professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Geography Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Geography Professors are responsible for teaching geography courses at the university level, conducting academic research in their field, and providing service to their department and institution.

The duties and responsibilities of a Geography Professor may include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as physical geography, human geography, GIS, and regional geography
• Developing and implementing innovative instructional methods to engage students and enhance learning
• Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, and career issues
• Conducting research in the field of geography and publishing findings in scholarly journals, books, or conference proceedings
• Supervising students’ laboratory and field work
• Developing and directing students’ participation in special projects in geography
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, laboratory and field work, assignments, and papers
• Collaborating with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
• Participating in campus and community events, such as serving on committees and attending group meetings
• Applying for grants and manage grant-funded research projects
• Keeping abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, speaking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences

 

Geography Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Geography Professor to join our academic team.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in geography, conduct research, publish findings in academic journals, and contribute to the intellectual life of the university.

The ideal candidate should have a strong commitment to teaching excellence, an outstanding research record, and the ability to mentor students.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in geography
• Supervise student research and internships
• Conduct high-quality research in geography
• Publish findings in reputable academic journals
• Seek out funding opportunities and grants
• Participate in departmental and university service
• Mentor students and provide career guidance
• Stay updated with latest trends in geography and education methodologies
• Attend academic and professional conferences

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geography or closely related field
• Proven work experience as a geography professor or similar role
• Record of published research and academic writing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Experience in securing funding and grants

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Geography Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences and research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Geography Professor Do?

A Geography Professor works in universities and colleges where they teach courses in the discipline of geography to undergraduate and graduate students.

They are specialized in various areas of geography such as physical geography, human geography, geographic information science, or regional geography.

They are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, designing and implementing educational curriculum, and guiding students in their coursework.

They assess student performance, provide feedback, and help students improve their understanding of geographical concepts.

Geography Professors also engage in academic research, often specializing in a particular area of geographical study.

They contribute to the development of the field by publishing their research in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and participating in collaborative research projects.

They also serve on academic and administrative committees, participate in faculty meetings, and may perform various service roles within their institution such as advising students or leading departmental initiatives.

Many Geography Professors also work with geographic information systems (GIS) and may teach students how to use these tools to collect, analyze, and interpret geographic data.

Their goal is not only to impart knowledge, but also to inspire curiosity about the world and foster a deep understanding of the spatial dimensions of social and environmental issues.

 

Geography Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Geography Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of geography, both physical and human, and the ability to teach these subjects at a collegiate level.
• Strong communication skills to efficiently explain complicated concepts to students and engage them in class discussions.
• Excellent research skills to contribute to the development of the discipline through scholarly publications and presentations.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative teaching methods that meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Strong organizational skills for preparing syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with students, colleagues, and other professionals in the field.
• Mentoring skills to guide students through their academic journey, providing support and advice where necessary.
• Experience with using technology in teaching, such as geographical information systems (GIS) and online learning platforms.

 

Geography Professor Experience Requirements

Prospective Geography Professors will need to have extensive experience in academic and research settings.

A minimum requirement is typically a Ph.D. in geography or a closely related field, which provides a substantial amount of experience in conducting original research and producing scholarly articles.

Entry-level candidates generally have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through serving as graduate teaching assistants while pursuing their doctorate degree.

This position provides them with experience in teaching and helps them develop their pedagogical skills.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often postdoctoral scholars who have honed their research skills and broadened their academic networks.

They may have had the opportunity to teach their own courses, publish in prominent geography journals, and present their work at national or international conferences.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically seasoned academics who have a solid track record of successful grant applications, publications, and teaching.

They may have supervised graduate students, served on academic committees, and made significant contributions to their field of expertise.

Such candidates are well-prepared for the responsibilities of a full professorship, which can include program leadership, departmental governance, and high-level administrative duties.

 

Geography Professor Education and Training Requirements

Geography Professors typically require a Ph.D. in geography or a closely related field.

Prior to pursuing a Ph.D., they should have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in geography or a related field.

These programs provide foundational knowledge of geographical principles, research methodologies, and geographic information system (GIS) technologies.

While in a Ph.D. program, prospective professors will engage in original research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field of geography.

In addition, it is often beneficial for Geography Professors to have teaching experience.

This can be gained through teaching assistantships during their graduate studies or by teaching at the high school or community college level.

In order to stay current in their field, many Geography Professors also attend seminars, conferences, and continuing education programs related to their area of expertise.

Although not required, certification as a GIS Professional (GISP) or in other specialized areas of geography may enhance a professor’s credentials.

In some cases, especially for those focusing on applied or technical areas of geography, relevant professional experience in the field may be beneficial.

 

Geography Professor Salary Expectations

A Geography Professor earns an average salary of $80,295 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary depending on the level of experience, the type of institution, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Geography Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Geography Professor need?

A Geography Professor should have a strong grasp of geographical theories and concepts, as well as knowledge of research methods in this field.

They should be able to present complex geographical ideas in an easily understandable manner, and have good written and verbal communication skills.

They also need organizational skills to manage their teaching responsibilities, research projects, and administrative tasks.

They should also have proficient computer skills, especially in geographic information systems (GIS) and other relevant software.

 

Does a Geography Professor need a PhD?

Most universities require Geography Professors to have a PhD in Geography or a related field.

Some may allow a Master’s degree if the candidate has significant experience in the field or in teaching.

It’s also common for universities to require ongoing research and publication in scholarly journals.

 

What should you look for in a Geography Professor’s resume?

In a Geography Professor’s resume, you should look for a doctoral degree in Geography or a closely related field.

Additionally, experience in teaching and conducting research are important.

Publications in well-known geography or scientific journals showcase a candidate’s expertise and dedication to the field.

Expertise in a specific area of geography, such as physical geography, human geography, or GIS, should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Geography Professor?

A good Geography Professor is passionate about the subject and able to inspire this passion in students.

They should have a deep understanding of geographical theories and concepts and be able to explain them clearly.

They should also be patient, approachable, and able to adapt their teaching style to the needs of different students.

Good organizational skills are necessary for balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

 

What are the daily duties of a Geography Professor?

On a typical day, a Geography Professor might lecture in classes, grade student assignments, and prepare course materials.

They may also conduct research, write and review scholarly articles, and attend academic conferences.

Additionally, they may hold office hours to meet with students, serve on academic committees, and participate in departmental meetings.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve explored the intricate world of being a geography professor.

And you know what?

It’s not just about marking maps.

It’s about shaping the minds that will navigate our world, one geography lesson at a time.

Armed with our reliable geography professor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready for your next adventure.

But why end your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your roadmap to creating pinpoint-accurate job listings or refining your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every geography lesson is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future. Together.

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