SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, seeks a broadly-trained Human Geographer for a one-year, full-time (non-tenure-track) lecturer appointment in Geography beginning August 17, 2026. The successful candidate will teach lower- and upper-division courses fulfilling General Education and major requirements, including GEOG 1150 (Human Geography), GEOG 3308 (Global Geography), and GEOG 3350 (The Global Environment), with possible additions such as GEOG 2218 (Applications in GIS) or GEOG 3328 (Remote Sensing). The expected teaching load is five courses per semester.
An MA or MS in Geography is required. A specialization in Economic, Political, or Urban Geography (or similar sub-field) is desired, as is the ability to teach/apply advanced Geospatial Technologies in the area of specialization. Candidates with documented experience in undergraduate instruction will be given preference.
We seek a teacher committed to excellence in undergraduate instruction and Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy.

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507-$6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,221

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MA or MS in Geography
• Ability to teach general education courses in Geography
• Demonstrated teaching experience or potential for successful teaching
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and serving diverse student populations and to advancing access, equity, and inclusion within the curriculum and department
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. (or ABD) in Geography with a specialization in Human Geography—especially Economic, Political, or Urban Geography or a closely related sub-field
• Experience developing inclusive and culturally responsive curriculum reflecting diverse historical perspectives
• Interest in interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration across programs
• Evidence of effective communication and collegial engagement with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population fostering a respectful, collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Social Sciences Department, in the College of Liberal Arts, has two majors: B.A. in Sociology and a joint B.S. in Anthropology & Geography. The department serves approximately 150 Anthropology & Geography majors. The department also plays important roles in the Latin American Studies minor and the Environmental Studies minor. The department’s website is: https://socialsciences.calpoly.edu/

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #554581. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

• Current curriculum vitae
• Cover Letter 
• Teaching philosophy/ statement/ effectiveness
• Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned, official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment
• Summary of courses previously taught
• Course materials and sample syllabi
• Student Evaluations

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. For full consideration apply by the review begin by date. Applications received after this date may be considered. 

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Projected Start Date: 08-17-2026

Review Begin Date: 04-06-2026

For questions about the position please contact Gregory S. Bohr at gbohr@calpoly.edu, Andrew Fricker at africker@calpoly.edu, or Benjamin Timms at btimms@calpoly.edu