Lecturer (Teaching and Administration)
University of Canterbury
What the role involves
- Delivering geography teaching
- Administering undergraduate courses
- Assessing student learning
What they ask for
Master’s degree or PhD in Geography or a closely related discipline; experience teaching and administering introductory geography courses
- Master's degree
About the job
Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment
Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
- Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
- Continuing (permanent) position
Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha invites applications for a full-time, continuing (permanent) academic position at the level of Lecturer (Teaching and Administration) in Geography within the School of Earth and Environment (SEE) with specific expertise in Geography.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the delivery and ongoing development of the undergraduate Geography programme, with a particular focus on engaging and supporting first-year students and promoting high-quality teaching and learning across a range of geographical disciplines.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across SEE and the wider university, you will design and deliver engaging learning experiences, contribute to course administration, including the management of online learning platforms, support undergraduate and, where appropriate, postgraduate student research, and help strengthen the Geography programme's connections with schools and the wider community.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Designing and delivering high-quality geography teaching through lectures, laboratory classes, workshops and field trips; assessing student learning through marking and providing feedback; assisting with student queries and enquiries; and applying effective and engaging pedagogical approaches.
- Supporting the operation and administration of large undergraduate courses across physical geography (GEOG106), human geography (GEOG110), geographic information science (GEOG122) and research methods (GEOG309).
- Contributing to the assessment of student learning, including marking and moderation of assignments and examinations.
- Coordinating the recruitment, training and mentoring of tutors across the Geography programme.
- Supporting the transition of students from secondary school to university, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Contributing to student recruitment, geography outreach and engagement with local secondary schools and teachers.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to enhance teaching quality and the student experience across the Geography programme.
Mōu | Who You Are
You will be an enthusiastic and student-focused educator with broad geographical knowledge and a commitment to high-quality undergraduate teaching. You will enjoy working with students from diverse backgrounds, supporting their transition to university, and collaborating with colleagues to deliver an engaging and inclusive Geography programme.
Applicants will have a Masters degree and/or PhD in Geography, or closely related discipline, with demonstrated experience in teaching and administering introductory geography courses.
You Will Bring
- Broad knowledge and expertise of university-level Geography
- The ability to support the teaching and delivery of large undergraduate classes
- The ability to deliver key house-keeping, skills and exam preparation lectures
- The ability to assist with the marking and moderation of student assignments and exams in the geography programme.
- The ability to manage and coordinate the recruitment, training and mentoring of tutors across the Geography programme.
- An understanding of assessment practices, including marking and moderation, and a commitment to fair and consistent assessment.
- A strong commitment to academic integrity and the ability to promote good academic practice among students, including through clear guidance on academic expectations and responsible use of sources and Generative AI.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, particularly when working with first-year Geography students.
- An understanding of the challenges students face when transitioning from secondary school to university. Familiarity with the New Zealand secondary school system and curriculum would be an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within the School, Faculty and wider university.
- An interest in geography outreach, student recruitment and engagement with local secondary school teachers.
- A commitment to the University's values and to fostering a positive, inclusive and supporting working environment.
If you are passionate about Geography education and ready to make a meaningful contribution to undergraduate teaching, student success and programme development, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of SEE.
Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment is committed to excellence in teaching and research. The School has strong collaborative links with research groups, industry and communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora -– Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.
The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. We aim to develop graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.
Mea e tukua nei | What we offer
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment, which includes:
- five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays
- UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
- generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
- flexible working arrangements
- supportive working environment
- professional development and study opportunities
- living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
- a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.
For more information on our Benefits, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/
For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz
This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and within the salary range $70,258p.a. to $100,776p.a. dependent on experience.
The closing date for this position is 15 November 2026 (midnight NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed after the closing date.
The intended start date is by semester 1 (February) 2027.
Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:
- a cover letter which includes a 1-2 page statement outlining your teaching and teaching administration experience.
- A CV which includes details of your geographical knowledge and expertise.
We do not accept applications by email, but are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz
For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Professor Simon Kingham - simon.kingham@canterbury.ac.nz
For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for working in New Zealand.
Please note, this is an onsite position.