Lecturer - GEOG 450: Parks and Protected Areas (Fall 2026)

California State University San Marcos; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 61,458 - 89,280; Full time

Job summary

California State University San Marcos is seeking a Lecturer for GEOG 450: Parks and Protected Areas starting Fall 2026. Candidates must possess a master’s degree in Geography or a related field and have experience teaching geography courses. The role involves exploring U.S. and international parks to understand human-environment interactions. Salary ranges from $5,507 to $8,000 per month, depending on qualifications. Applications are accepted until filled, with an initial review starting May 8, 2026.

Qualifications

• Evidence of specialization in physical geography or earth systems science.
• Higher education teaching experience in geography courses.
• Preference for applicants who demonstrate intercultural competence.

Responsibilities

• Teach an upper-division majors course on Parks and Protected Areas.
• Use case studies to explain evolving ideas in conservation and sustainability.

Skills

Teaching experience in geography courses

Specialization in physical geography or earth systems science

Intercultural competence

Education

Master's degree in Geography, Resource Management, or a related field

Doctorate in Geography, Resource Management, or a related field

Job description

Lecturer: GEOG 450: Parks and Protected Areas

• Position: Lecturer
• Semester: Fall 2026
• Day/Time: Monday and Wednesday, 7:00–8:15 p.m.
• Modality: in-person
• College: College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Department: Environment & Geography

The Department of Environment and Geography at California State University San Marcos is accepting applications for Fall 2026. Salary is commensurate with credentials and experience. Seeking lecturers to teach an upper‑division majors course (no course prerequisites). The course description is below.

Course Description

Uses U.S. and international parks and protected areas to explore themes of human‑environment interaction, sustainability, and conservation. Explores the history of parks and protected areas, including the development of the U.S. National Park system. Examines representative case studies to explain evolving ideas regarding wilderness, public space, principles of multiple-use, and sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Geography, Resource Management, or a related field
• Evidence of specialization in physical geography or earth systems science
• Higher education teaching experience in geography courses

Per the California State University’s Out-of‑State Employee Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU‑related work outside of California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A doctorate in Geography, Resource Management, or a related field
• Higher education teaching experience in general education science courses
• Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate intercultural competence and a commitment to serving a diverse campus community as it relates to teaching and, as applicable, service.

Salary

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,507 – $8,000 per full‑time month. The salary schedule information for the Lecturer – Academic Year Classification is available based on the following ranges:

• CSU Classification Salary Range Lecturer A – AY: $5,507 – $6,677 per full‑time month
• CSU Classification Salary Range Lecturer B – AY: $6,221 – $13,224 per full‑time month

Application Requirements

• Your completed faculty application
• Curriculum Vitae (uploaded)
• Contact information for three current references
• Letter of interest (uploaded)

Timeline

A review of applications will begin on May 8, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Equal Opportunity

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and veteran or military status.

Compliance

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.