Instructor of Geographic Information Systems 

Job Title: Instructor of Geographic Information Systems
Job Code: 251081
Department: Biological and Environmental Sciences
Reports to: Dean of Biological and Environmental Sciences
FSLA: Exempt
Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Summary: The Department of Biology at East Central University (ECU) and the Oka’ Institute at ECU seeks qualified applicants for an Instructor in Geographic Information Systems. This position offers half load to include exemplary in-person teaching; curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation; in coordination with the ECU-Oka Institute coordinating and conducting Institute directed research collaborations, GIS and remote sensing data analysis, modeling and other related activities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Teach undergraduate/graduate courses in Geographic Information Systems with potential to teach graduate and undergraduate electives or mentor research in their field. The hour load per semester expectation for this dual-appointment position is 6 hours of teaching load per semester (0.5FTE).
2. In addition to part-time teaching responsibilities, this dual-appointment position will support the Oka’ Institute’s applied research and environmental data initiatives, with a primary focus on the Juniper Evaluation Tool (JET) Phase II project (0.5FTE).
3. Applicants are especially encouraged to apply with the expertise to teach in the field(s) of:
• Geospatial Sciences
• Natural Resources or
• specialized data courses.
4. Required to work on scholarship (grant writing, research and publications).
5. FTE hours are evenly split from service to the department, college and university (to include recruitment/retention activities and advising students); and the Oka institute.
7. Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example.
8. Must be a professional, credible, and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community.
9. Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible.
10. Ability to communicate in a courteous manner.
11. Performs other duties as assigned by Department Chair and Dean of College of Health and Science or designee.
The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Expected Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate broad expertise in geospatial technologies and applied GIS. They will have access to advanced GIS software suites, digital mapping platforms, and fully equipped, university-supported computer laboratories. Their skills will aid in students entering and completing the undergraduate GIS certificate program and completing coursework at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Instructional expectations include the ability to design and deliver in-person, hybrid, and online courses that align with program outcomes and accreditation standards. Candidates must be committed to fostering inclusive learning environments that support students from varying backgrounds and abilities. Experience with curriculum development, student assessment, and the integration of emerging geospatial technologies into teaching and research will be considered highly desirable. Additionally, half of the appointment performs assigned tasks and activities as directed by ECU-Oka Institute as GIS analyst.
Essential skillsets include:
 Spatial Data Management (Collection, organization, storage, and quality control of geospatial datasets.)
 Cartographic Design & Visualization (Application of cartographic principles for static, interactive, animated, and 3D map products.)
 Spatial Analysis (Proficiency in techniques for evaluating change, distance, density, distribution, and complex spatial relationships.)
 Geo-Programming (Ability to teach and apply programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript) for GIS applications, model building, and workflow automation.)
 Database Development (Experience with relational databases, geodatabases, and cloud based data environments.)
 Workflow Automation & Modeling (Skills in streamlining GIS processes, creating reproducible analysis pipelines, and integrating data across platforms.)
 Experience with remote-sensing data workflows
 Experience working with Google Earth Engine (GEE) for large-scale raster data processing
 Experience working with LiDAR data, particularly for canopy height modeling
 Experience with NAIP aerial imagery analysis.
 Proficiency in vegetation indices (NDVI/EVI)
 Experience with ArcGIS and AcrGIS Online for publishing, visualizing, and sharing spatial data products
 Experience organizing, managing, and processing very large geospatial datasets (locally and in the cloud)
 Knowledge of eastern redcedar and related woody encroachment issues in Oklahoma—including existing management practices and related state and federal programs
Candidates should also bring applied research experience that demonstrates the use of GIS across fields such as environmental systems, public health, or water resourcing and monitoring, with the ability to mentor students in independent or collaborative research projects. The successful candidate will contribute expertise in remote sensing, GIS, and large-scale geospatial analysis to advance Oka’s work in monitoring eastern redcedar encroachment, modeling watershed conditions, and developing data-driven tools for land and water stewardship across Oklahoma.
This role offers the opportunity to integrate academic research, high-impact student engagement, and real-world environmental applications in collaboration with tribal, state, and community partners.
The ECU Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences is a cross-disciplinary department containing multiple concentration programs including Ecology, Health Sciences, Molecular, Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Public Health, Clinical Lab Sciences and Teaching Certification at the undergraduate levels and a Master’s in Biological Sciences with additional optional concentrations in Water Science or Health Science is preferred. Our faculty pride themselves on the academic environment fostering a community of learning and support. ECU encourages faculty participation in high-impact student experiences such as research with the Center for Learning lab on campus, local access and support to the field sites including the Blue River as well as collaboration with local tribes. ECU is classified as a minority-servi

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No