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The Department of Geography invites applications for the following position(s):

Teaching Assistants 
Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU)

All positions have a closing date of March 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

Please review the location information carefully as some courses will be offered online and some will be offered in-person in Summer 2026. TAs teaching online courses need to be comfortable in an online environment such as Canvas; some courses may require additional qualifications as per the postings below. Please note that training will be available through SFU’s Centre for Educational Excellence and is recommended (overview, TA Day, Online Teaching Resources for TAs).

Applicants should complete the online application on the Department of Geography website. Please ensure you complete the correct version of the online application:

If you are not able to complete the online application, you may obtain an electronic application form from the Geography Department via email (geoggrad@sfu.ca) and return the completed electronic copy via email to the attention of Curtis Platson, Graduate Assistant.

In addition to the listed qualifications for each position, the Department of Geography will define qualification in accordance with Article XIII F of the Collective Agreement with the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU). Evaluation of the adequacy of qualifications is at the Chair’s/Director’s discretion. Departments may interview a short list of candidates.  Department of Geography appointment priorities are on the Geography website and posted outside RCB 7123.

Many departments include a wide range of specializations and, in order to be appointed, a person must have sufficient knowledge of the course to interpret the course material. Qualifications for the TA positions in GEOG courses include experience with course subject matter obtained either via successful coursework completed in the area or direct practical experience.  Course subject matter can be found described in the SFU calendar. Qualified TAs will also have demonstrated proficiency in English communication skills, both oral and written.

Please check the schedule of classes PRIOR to submitting your application.

For questions and inquiries, please email the Graduate Assistant geoggrad@sfu.ca or contact the Manager, Academic and Administrative Services, at 778-782-2558 or geogmgr@sfu.ca.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact geoggrad@sfu.ca.

Privacy: The information submitted with your application is collected under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468, s. 27(4)(a)), applicable federal and provincial employment regulations and requirements, the University's non-academic employment policies and applicable collective agreements. The information is related directly to and needed by the University to initiate the employment application process. The information will be used to contact references supplied by you, evaluate your qualifications and complete the employment process by making a hiring decision. Applicant information may also be disclosed to the Teaching Support Staff Union in accordance with Article XIII F.3.1.a (iv) of the Collective Agreement. If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of this information please contact the Associate VP, Human Resources, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6. Telephone 778-782-3237.

1

COURSE:

GEOG 100 Our World: Introducing Human Geography

LOCATION:

Online (Intersession)

DURATION:

 May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

1.94 BUs – 5.17 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$2,750-$7,372 (GTA1) / $3,191-$8,522 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION:

Marking and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiarity with a broad range of human geography foci. Ideally, an undergraduate degree in Geography. Experience in online education settings, familiarity with Canvas program. Organized and an excellent communicator.

2

COURSE:

GEOG 104 Climate Change, Water and Society

LOCATION:

Burnaby Campus (Intersession)

DURATION:

May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

1.94 BUs – 5.17 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$2,779-$7,372 (GTA1) / $3,225-$8,522 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION:

Marking and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of the physical and social dimensions of climate change and its impact on water resources.

3

COURSE:

GEOG 150 Digital Earth

LOCATION:

Online (Intersession)

DURATION:

May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

1.94 BUs – 5.17 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$2,750-$7,372 (GTA1) / $3,191-$8,522 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION:

Marking and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have good knowledge of vector and raster GIS methods and techniques, map design principles, spatial database techniques, and experience with the complete workflow for quantitatively analyzing geographic data. Effectively supporting students will require the implementation of the weekly course learning outcomes through well-defined tasks that include grading assignments digitally and outside of Canvas; and meeting with the instructor in-person on multiple days of the week.

4

COURSE:

GEOG 255 Geographic Information Science I

LOCATION:

Burnaby Campus (Intersession)

DURATION:

May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

5.17 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$7,372 (GTA1) / $8,522 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION

Labs

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have good practical knowledge of the ArcGIS Pro software environment as well as Microsoft Excel for data conversion and some statistical analysis. Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint is needed for presentations during the weekly in-person computer lab sessions. Effectively supporting students in the computer labs and office hours will require: good knowledge of vector and raster GIS methods and techniques, map design principles, spatial database techniques, and experience with the complete workflow for quantitatively analyzing geographic data; ability to locate, integrate and process geographic data for use in lab demos; communicate and explain GIS concepts in a clear manner; implementation of the weekly course learning outcomes through well-defined tasks; grading assignments digitally and outside of Canvas; and meeting with the instructor in-person on multiple days of the week.

5

COURSE:

GEOG 312 Geography of Natural Hazards

LOCATION:

Online (Intersession)

DURATION:

May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

1.94 BUs – 5.17 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$2,750-$7,372 (GTA1) / $3,191-$8,522 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION:

Marking and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should have a basic understanding of plate tectonics, weather and climate, and human interactions with their environment. Ability to hold online office hours through zoom or other technological platforms.

6

COURSE:

GEOG 327 Geography of Tourism

LOCATION:

Burnaby Campus (Intersession)

DURATION:

May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

1.56 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$2,234 (GTA1) / $2,593 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION:

Marking and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Background in tourism geography (acquired through coursework or experience) including experience in issues related to sustainable development, culture and heritage studies, recreation and environmental management, and/or Indigenous studies. National and/or international experience of travel and tourism would be an advantage

7

COURSE:

GEOG 363 Urban Planning and Policy

LOCATION:

Harbour Centre (Intersession)

DURATION:

May 11 to June 28, 2026

BASE UNITS:

3.17 BUs – 7.17 BUs

SALARY RANGE:

$4,508-$5,198 (GTA1) / $5,198-$11,846 (GTA2)

POSITION INFORMATION:

Tutorials and field trips

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have strong writing skills, strong editing and constructive feedback skills, strong communications skills, ability to answer questions in oral and email formats and interest in urban planning and policy.  Applicants should have a background in urban geography, spatial literacy, understanding of Vancouver regional urban issues and current events, understanding of governance system in Canada, BC, Vancouver and knowledge of Vancouver and regional geography.