Assistant or Associate Professor, Forest Sciences (integrating Indigenous Perspectives)

University of Northern British Columbia

Department of Ecosystem Science & Management
Faculty of Environment
Tenure-track
Posting FAESM01-25 BW

The University of Northern British Columbia invites applications for a tenure-track position in the Department of Ecosystem Science & Management at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, with proposed starting date of 1 July 2026. As an institution committed to the fostering of an inclusive and transformative learning environment, UNBC values high quality and growth in both teaching and scholarship. UNBC’s Dept of Ecosystem Science & Management oversees BSc. undergraduate degrees in: Biology; Conservation Science & Practice; Forest Ecology & Management; and Wildlife & Fisheries, and a BA. degree in Nature-based Tourism Management. Faculty supervise graduate students (Masters and Doctoral) within the Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (NRES) Graduate Program.

We seek candidates who will develop a vigorous, externally funded, long-term research program in Forest Ecology and Ecosystem Management. UNBC values interdisciplinarity, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty from across the university as well as national and international colleagues, conservation groups, community forest managers, government, and industry and First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.

This position will contribute to the delivery of key courses in support of our Forest Ecology & Management, Biology, Wildlife & Fisheries and Conservation Science & Practice degree programs. The successful candidate will teach both lower and upper division courses on Forest Science, Forest Ecology and Forest Stewardship, that incorporate community and cultural focused land and resource management (NREM 303). The candidate will also be expected to contribute toward courses on policy and practice in forest ecology/management that integrate Aboriginal knowledge and pedagogy (NREM 306), and/or courses on plants and society (BIOL 304). Preference will be given to applicants with a background and research interest in forest biology; forest practices; land resource management; ecology, and/or botany, particularly those who integrate traditional ecological knowledge into their research. Candidates will also be expected to supervise research of undergraduate and graduate students.

Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in Forestry, Biology, Resource Management or a closely related discipline. Ideally, applicants will have post-doctoral and/or professional experience, demonstrated teaching experience at the University level, as well as demonstrated connections with Aboriginal communities. Preference will be given to applicants who hold Aboriginal status in Canada. The successful candidate will have a growing record of scholarly activity, as well as present evidence of and commitment to teaching excellence.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity
The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.

Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

About the University and its Community
Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. In responses to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, UNBC is committed to work towards greater integration of Indigenous Knowledge and teaching methods into our classrooms. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.

UNBC’s three regional campuses are located in Quesnel, Fort St. John, and Terrace. The South-Central campus in Quesnel is situated on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff Band), Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation (Kluskus Band), and Esdilagh First Nations (formerly Alexandria Band). Lhtako, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz are Dakelh First Nations, and Esdilagh is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The Peace River-Liard campus in Fort St. John is situated on the traditional territory of the Doig River, Blueberry River and Halfway River First Nations. They are the Dunne-Za people. The Northwest campus in Terrace is situated on traditional Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) territory of the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations. It includes a satellite campus in the coastal community of Prince Rupert. UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC was also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~74,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience and https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.

To Apply
Applicants should forward the following documents to FacultyRecruitment@unbc.ca or mail to Office of the Provost quoting the posting number (FAESM01-25 BW):
o cover letter indicating potential contributions to the Program;
o curriculum vitae;
o a brief statement of teaching approaches and research program;
o the names and addresses of three references (including telephone and email information); and
o the Statement of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, which can be found here:
https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/statementofemploymenteligibilityjan0520221.pdf.
Voluntary Form:
o the Self-Identification from, which can be found here:
https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/unbcself-idreviseddec2022-fillable.pd
Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at wellbeing@unbc.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Mail Submissions: Office of the Provost, University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way, Prince George, B.C., V2N 4Z9

Email Submissions: FacultyRecruitment@unbc.ca

Inquiries: Dr. Ken Otter, Chair of Ecosystem Science & Management
ken.otter@unbc.ca
250-960-5019

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Applications received on or before 15 January 2026, will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.