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Geography Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Geography Professor information

See California salary details

$18.1K

$61.9K

$125.8K

How much do geography professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for geography professor in California is $61,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,148.00 and $69,525.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a geography professor do?

A Geography Professor teaches courses related to physical and human geography at the college or university level. They develop curricula, deliver lectures, guide student research, and often conduct their own academic research in various areas of geography. In addition to teaching, they may publish scholarly articles, attend conferences, and contribute to their academic community through service roles. Geography Professors help students understand topics like climate, landforms, population, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Their work often combines classroom instruction with practical fieldwork and analysis.

What does a geography professor do?

As a geography professor, your job is to teach geography classes at a college or university. In this role, you may help students learn more about the different types of geography within the country, help write a curriculum, and adjust lesson plans based on the unique learning needs of each student. Geography professors often participate in school activities and events, and you may personally oversee the education of graduate students or the daily work of assistant professors. You may also perform research when not teaching classes. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this job sometimes involves writing books, recording videos, or providing input for news companies looking for expert explanations of recent geographic events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geography professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geography Professor, you need an advanced degree in geography or a related field, a strong research background, and expertise in both physical and human geography. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical software, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help engage students and foster a collaborative learning environment. These competencies ensure effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to the academic community.

What are some common challenges geography professors face when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Geography Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging lectures, mentoring students, and conducting original research. One common challenge is finding time to pursue research projects and secure funding while meeting teaching obligations and departmental service commitments. Effective time management and collaboration with colleagues can help, but it’s important to set realistic goals and communicate openly with department leadership about workload. Universities typically offer support through research grants, teaching assistants, and sabbaticals to help manage these demands.

What is the difference between Geography Professor vs Geography Teacher?

AspectGeography ProfessorGeography Teacher
Required CredentialsDoctorate or Master’s degree in Geography or related fieldBachelor’s degree or teaching certification in Geography
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, research settingsHigh schools, middle schools, or community education programs
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academic researchSecondary education institutions, public or private schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, research opportunitiesClassroom teaching, student engagement

While both Geography Professors and Geography Teachers work in educational settings related to geography, Professors typically hold advanced degrees and teach at the college level, focusing on research and higher education. Teachers usually have a bachelor's degree and teaching certification, working in primary or secondary schools to instruct students directly. The roles differ mainly in educational level, credentials, and work environment, but both contribute to geography education.

Infographic showing various Geography Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,869 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Adjunct Professor, Geography

San Bernardino Community College District

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$69 - $75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Adjunct Professor, Geography at San Bernardino Community College District Share on X Print Application Deadline 1/4/2027 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/8/2026 Contact Deneatrice Lewis 909-382-4014 Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range 69 - 75 Per Hour Length of Work Year See Job Description Employment Type Full Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Adjunct Professor, Geography Salary: $69.00 - $75.00 Hourly Location: San Bernardino Valley College and/or Crafton Hills College, CA Job Type: Department: Geography Job Number: 000512024 Closing: Continuous Job Description San Bernardino Community College District accepts applications for part-time, hourly adjunct positions for our two college campuses (San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College) on a continuous basis. However, this does not imply the department is actively recruiting for this position. If there is an interest and/or need within the specific department, applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be contacted by respective department deans and/or faculty chairs

Applications submitted will remain active for up to one (1) year. This posting is to establish a pool of qualified applicants positions as Adjunct Professor, Geography. Qualifications Education: Master's in geography OR Bachelor's in geography AND Master's in geology, history, meteorology, or oceanography OR the equivalent.

*Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements outlined in the posting may submit an Equivalency Request. The Equivalency Request and any additional supporting documents an applicant wishes to be considered must be attached. To download the Equivalency Request Form http://www.sbccd.org/~/media/Files/SBCCD/District/HR%20%20Documents/2019-10-10%20Request%20for%20equivalency%20Determination%20Form.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Experience: Experience that indicates a sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical and learning disabilities. Desired Qualifications: Experience teaching Geography courses at the college level. Physical Demands and Working Environment The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 25 pounds; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Employment Requirements Special Instructions: To be considered a qualified applicant, interested persons must submit ALL of the following documents: 1.

Completed San Bernardino Community College District online application. (Do not state "See Resume" on the application form.) Determination of applicants meeting minimum requirements will be based upon information provided in the SBCCD application. Resumes will be reviewed by the committee only after information satisfying minimum requirements have been listed in the SBCCD application

Paper applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 2.

A resume summarizing your educational and professional experience. 3. A cover letter explaining how your experience and background demonstrates that you meet the minimum requirements for the position stated in the posting.

4. Teaching Philosophy of your beliefs about teaching and learning. The statement or description should include examples of how you put your beliefs into practice by including concrete examples of what you do or anticipate doing in the classroom.

5. Unofficial transcripts that show you meet the minimum educational requirement(s) for the position. Only transcripts showing the awarded minimum required degree or higher degree will be accepted.

Transcripts must be legible. Transcripts must be from a US accredited institution. Transcripts from outside the US must include an official evaluation for equivalency.

Copies of diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts if the position requires a degree. Official Transcripts will be required upon hire. If possible, please highlight the area indicating the degree name/major and date the degree was awarded or conferred.

All interested parties must apply through the SBCCD employment website to be considered a qualified applicant. The person selected for hire will be required to complete the following pre-employment requirements: Submit to and successfully pass DOJ live scan/fingerprinting. Cost of live-scan services to be borne by candidate.

Sealed official transcript(s) in envelope from institution or electronic copies emailed directly from institution (for positions with higher education requirement) Tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment Other pre-employment requirements may be required depending on the position (i.e. certifications or licenses; see job posting qualifications section for details). Successful completion of all pre-employment requirements is mandatory to be eligible for employment

These requirements are in accordance with the San Bernardino Community College District's https://sbccd.edu/about-sbccd/board-of-trustees/policies-and-procedures/index.php. To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/7304429 The San Bernardino Community College District is an equal opportunity employer. The District encourages applications from underrepresented minorities and the disabled

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