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Geography Professor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Geography Professor information

See Colorado salary details

$17.4K

$59.5K

$121K

How much do geography professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for geography professor in Colorado is $59,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,594.00 and $66,835.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.

More about Geography Professor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Geography Professor jobs in Colorado? For Geography Professor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geography Professor jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Geography Professor jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Geography Professor jobs in CO? For Geography Professor jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Geography Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geography Professor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,475 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)

Istss

Boulder, CO • On-site

$225 - $275/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks applications for the Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). The successful candidate will be a tenured or tenure‑eligible faculty with relevant administrative experience and research expertise.

Successful applicants will have an outstanding record of scholarly achievement that demonstrates a dedication to and leadership in innovative social and behavioral science as well as experience in interdisciplinary research, training, and other outreach activities. This includes supporting basic and applied research and translating research findings to practitioners, policy makers, and the broader public. Applicants should also demonstrate experience working in and contributing to collaborative, respectful environments and supporting a broad range of perspectives in research, training, and engagement activities within and beyond the Institute.

The IBS Director provides overall leadership for the institute, setting a clear strategic vision and ensuring effective management, operations, and financial stewardship. The Director is responsible for guiding the institute’s direction, identifying and advancing emerging research opportunities, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to sustain a high-impact research portfolio.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead and develop a community of faculty, staff, researchers, and students; support training and mentorship across disciplines; and maintain an active and externally funded research program. The Director works closely with the IBS Board of Directors and Executive Committee, partners with campus and Research & Innovation Office (RIO) leadership, and represents IBS to external partners, funders, and broader communities. The position reports to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes.

This role requires a dedication to transparent communication, collaborative leadership, and fostering a positive and engaged institute culture, while advancing IBS’s visibility, partnerships, and long-term impact.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

What You Should Know

The position brings with it teaching relief (typically bringing a teaching commitment reduction to one course per year) and is a 12-month appointment with corresponding salary.

The annual salary range for this position is $225,000-$275,000, plus moving allowance.

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit.

All applications received by September 1, 2026 will receive full consideration, and the position will be open until filled. The desired start date for this position is January 1, 2027. All other job-related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact listed in the posting on CU Boulder Jobs.

The IBS Director Search Committee welcomes questions, which should be sent to the Committee Chair: Dr. Sona Dimidjian, Director of the Renee Crown Wellness Institute; sona.dimidjian@colorado.edu.

What We Require
  • Record of outstanding scholarly achievement in social and/or behavioral sciences and/or related interdisciplinary fields.
  • A record of teaching, research, and service that meets the qualifications necessary to be tenured at the rank of Professor at a major research university.
  • Evidence of experience in, and demonstrated capacity for, research and administrative leadership.
  • Ph.D. in a social or behavioral science such as Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or other related fields.
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