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Graduate Geography Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Department Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Department SSD Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization - Staff and Temporary Employees ... CEGU is home to a robust BA degree program, graduate degree certificates, research platforms and ...

Department Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Department SSD Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization - Staff and Temporary Employees ... CEGU is home to a robust BA degree program, graduate degree certificates, research platforms and ...

GIS Technician Apprentice/Internship

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be an undergraduate or graduate study rising senior majoring in an area of Geography with proven academic success; a grade point avg of 3.0 or higher * At least 1 year of experience working with GIS ...

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Graduate Geography information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.8K

$77.5K

$115.9K

How much do graduate geography jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate geography in Chicago, IL is $77,464.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $93,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical career paths and advancement opportunities for a graduate geographer?

Graduate Geography professionals often start in entry-level roles such as research assistants, GIS analysts, environmental consultants, or planning assistants. With experience, many advance to positions like project managers, senior analysts, urban planners, or policy advisors. Career growth frequently involves gaining specialized skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis, or environmental assessment, as well as pursuing further qualifications or certifications. Networking, internships, and involvement in multidisciplinary teams also play a key role in opening up advancement opportunities within government, private industry, or non-profit sectors.

What is a graduate geographer?

Graduate geographers are individuals who have earned a degree in geography, often at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level. They use their knowledge of physical and human geography to analyze spatial data, conduct research, and solve real-world problems related to the environment, urban planning, and resource management. Graduate geographers can work in various sectors such as government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, and may also pursue careers in education or further academic research.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Geographer, you need a solid understanding of geographical concepts, spatial analysis, and research methods, typically supported by a degree in Geography or a related field. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data visualization tools, and mapping software like ArcGIS is often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help you interpret data and present findings effectively. These competencies enable geographers to solve spatial problems, inform policy, and contribute valuable insights across environmental, urban, and social sectors.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Graduate Geography jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Graduate Geography job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Geography job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,464 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Faculty, Meteorology and Physical Geography

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL • On-site

$63K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Joliet Junior College rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

498th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Faculty, Meteorology and Physical Geography
Job Description:
POSITION TITLE:Faculty, Meteorology and Physical Geography
STATUS:Full-time tenure-track
DEPARTMENT: Natural Science/Physical Education
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
UNION: Faculty
REPORTS TO: Department Chair
PLACEMENT: Base Compensation for 2026/2027 Academic Year: $63,770 - $113,632/annually (9 month). Compensation placement based on Education and related teaching/work experience.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its faculty.
POSITION SUMMARY
Adapt to new and changing situations and demonstrate a positive attitude. Demonstrate respect for students; understand learning styles and apply understanding to institution-related activities; demonstrate integrity and promote diversity and open communication. Fifteen credit hours a semester constitute a standard load. Course assignments may be late afternoon, evening, Saturday, and at branch campuses or satellite centers. Position is subject to all terms and provisions of the Joliet Junior College faculty contract.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Teach Introductory Meteorology and Physical Geography as needed.
2. Work closely with other instructors, special programs, and services within the college to determine placements, curriculum, and academic support.
3. Participate in course development, assessment, accreditation, and planning activities.
4. Be willing to teach online and/or hybrid courses.
5. Participate in appropriate departmental meetings and recruitment activities; serve on committees.
6. Demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and learning.
7. Employ effective and innovative teaching methods in the classroom and laboratory.
8. Demonstrate strong understanding and commitment to the community college mission.
9. Teach at other campus sites as needed.
10. Meet other contractual obligations as spelled out in the Joliet Junior College full time faculty contract.
11. Assist in assessment and curriculum data application and annual program reviews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Master's Degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science, or closely related field with at least eighteen graduate level credit hours within the area of Meteorology and Physical Geography.
2. Credentialing, coursework, or experience related to Meteorology and Physical Geography.
3. Three (3) years of teaching experience at the collegiate level with at least one (1) of year full time experience.
4. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.
5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Doctoral Degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science or closely related field with the ability to teach Meteorology and Physical Geography.
2. 3-years' experience at the community college level.
3. Expertise in appropriate technologies for instruction.
4. Experience with traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds.
5. Experience in teaching online and/or using course management programs.
6. Experience in course development and assessment, planning, quality and accreditation processes, and committee service.
7. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
8. Demonstrated multicultural competence.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
1. Normal classroom and laboratory (indoor and outdoor) physical demands.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Classroom and laboratory (indoor and outdoor) teaching environment.
BENEFITS
Click on the link for information about JJC's Benefits: Faculty-AFT Local 604
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Union (If Applicable):
Scheduled Hours:
40

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