Assistant Lecturer / Lecturer in Forest Management / Forest Economics

Te Kura Ngahere| School of Forestry

Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

If you are early in your career or coming from industry – join UC to shape the future of Forestry Management through academia!

• Generous leave and superannuation provisions
• Fixed-term position (3 years) – intended start July 2026
• Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te (insert job title)? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Te Kura Ngahere| School of Forestry has a fixed-term (3-years) Assistant Lecturer / Lecturer opportunity in the field of Forest Management / Forest Economics for those ready to launch their academic career in Forestry Management, or pivot from industry into teaching and research? The intended start time is July 2026.

In this role you will have a commitment to excellence in teaching of core courses in forestry, delivering effective methods that enable a wide range of learners to succeed. A strong academic interest, being able to effectively engage with the NZ forestry industry, the ability to collaborate with others, and an interest in contributing to the School’s activities are also an essential component of the role.

Mōu | Who You Are

Ideally, you will have a PhD in Forestry with teaching and research experience. However, a candidate with the following background and experience is also encouraged to apply:

• a PhD in Forest Management or Forest Economics (or related area) with a strong interest in plantation forestry; or a
• a Masters or 1st class Honours degree in Forestry Science or Forest Engineering (or related field) with three or more years of forest industry experience, and motivated to complete a PhD during the appointment period.

The successful candidate would be expected to teach the approximate equivalent of two full courses (typically one in each semester). The courses are well-developed and strong support is available for those without lecturing experience at this level. 

You will have an alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

As a team member in Te Kura Ngahere| School of Forestry, you will teach and mentor highly engaged students in a hands-on, industry-connected environment, supported by excellent facilities and small class sizes. You will integrate real-world learning through field trips, advanced technologies like LiDAR and drones, and strong links with the forestry sector. With forestry being a high-growth, globally relevant industry—particularly in sustainability and climate change mitigation and play a key role in preparing graduates for outstanding career outcomes while contributing to a dynamic and impactful discipline.

For more information visit Te Kura Ngahere| School of Forestry

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued. 

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people.

We offer a range of benefits, for more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc . 

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ 

The closing date for this position is: Sunday, 3 May 2026 (midnight NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:

1. a 1-page cover letter, a 1-page research statement outlining your research interests and goals
2. (combined)
3. a Resume which includes a list of relevant research publications, if applicable (combined).

Please note, only 2 documents can be uploaded in the application process.

We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Rien Visser, Head of Department, rien.visser@canterbury.ac.nz

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.