2 Sessional Lecturer Jobs in Forestry at the University of Toronto, Canada
The University of Toronto is inviting applications for two Sessional Lecturer positions in Forestry through the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Both positions are based at the St. George campus in downtown Toronto and are offered under the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.
These opportunities may suit academics, researchers, and experienced forestry and environmental professionals with expertise in forest conservation, forest economics, tropical ecology, resource management, environmental studies, and socio-ecological policy. One position focuses on the human dimensions of global forests, while the other examines the conservation of tropical and subtropical forests. Both positions are co-instructor roles and involve teaching six weeks of lectures, developing or updating course materials, managing the University of Toronto’s Quercus learning platform, evaluating student work, and providing academic guidance through office hours.
1. Sessional Lecturer – FOR303HF: Human Dimensions of Global Forests
Req ID: 49859
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design
Department: Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design
Campus: St. George, Downtown Toronto
Appointment: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Class Schedule: Thursday, 1:00–3:00 PM
Estimated Enrollment: 80 students
TA Support: None
Position Type: Sessional Lecturer, co-instructor
Course Focus
The FOR303HF – Human Dimensions of Global Forests course examines the relationships between societies and forest resources. Topics include global forest resources and forest economics, consumption and trade, valuation of timber and non-timber forest products, ecosystem services, climate change and forestry, tropical deforestation, and the softwood lumber dispute.
The successful lecturer will therefore need a strong understanding of the economic, social, environmental, and policy dimensions of forest resources. The course provides an opportunity to connect forestry research with major questions involving sustainable resource management, international trade, climate policy, and societal values.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a relevant graduate degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in forestry, forest conservation, environmental studies, resource economics, or a related field, together with demonstrated academic expertise in global forest resources, forest economics, and socio-ecological policy.
Knowledge of societal values associated with forest resources is also important. Relevant expertise may include policy issues involving tropical deforestation, timber trade disputes, forest conservation, and resource management.
Previous university-level teaching or lecturing experience is preferred. Experience designing, teaching, or supporting senior-level courses in forestry, forest economics, resource management, or conservation would be particularly relevant.
Applicants should also be comfortable using digital learning technologies. Familiarity with Quercus, the University of Toronto’s learning management system, is required for managing course materials and readings.
Teaching Responsibilities
The instructor will teach 12 lecture hours over six weeks, covering major forest biomes, drivers of deforestation, and approaches to sustainable forest management.
Responsibilities include developing or updating the course syllabus, preparing assignments and examination criteria, managing Quercus, and coordinating guest lecturers where applicable. The lecturer will also grade and provide guidance on assignments, group projects, midterms, and final examinations.
Regular office hours are expected so that students can receive support with research, writing, and course assignments. The role therefore combines teaching, academic mentoring, course administration, and assessment.
Salary
The posted salary rates are:
| Sessional Lecturer Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sessional Lecturer I | $9,997.47 |
| Sessional Lecturer I Long Term | $10,699.21 |
| Sessional Lecturer II | $10,699.21 |
| Sessional Lecturer II Long Term | $10,953.96 |
| Sessional Lecturer III | $10,953.96 |
| Sessional Lecturer III Long Term | $11,228.90 |
The stated salary includes 4% or 6% vacation pay, where applicable. The collective agreement will prevail if its stipulated rates differ from those stated in the vacancy announcement.
Apply now for this position
Application link: https://jobs.utoronto.ca/job/Toronto-Sessional-Lecturer-FOR303HF-Human-Dimensions-of-Global-Forests-ON/605277317/
2. Sessional Lecturer – FOR201HS: Conservation of Tropical and Subtropical Forests
Req ID: 49860
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design
Department: Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design
Campus: St. George, Downtown Toronto
Appointment: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027
Class Schedule: Thursday, 1:00–3:00 PM
Estimated Enrollment: 250 students
TA Support: None
Position Type: Sessional Lecturer, co-instructor
Course Focus
The FOR201HS – Conservation of Tropical and Subtropical Forests course explores the world’s major tropical and subtropical forest biomes and the challenges involved in their conservation and sustainable management.
Topics include tropical deforestation, selective logging, agroforestry, biodiversity, non-timber forest products, the fuelwood crisis, large carnivore conservation, and the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of forest management.
This position is particularly relevant to applicants with expertise in tropical ecology, forest conservation, environmental science, geography, forestry, and sustainable resource management.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. is preferred in forest conservation, tropical ecology, geography, environmental sciences, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
Applicants should understand tropical and subtropical forest biomes, the drivers of deforestation, agroforestry, and biodiversity conservation. An interdisciplinary understanding of the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of global forest management is also expected.
Previous experience designing, teaching, or supporting university-level courses in ecology or conservation is recommended. Familiarity with Quercus is essential, particularly for managing course notes and readings and supporting student learning.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful lecturer will teach 12 lecture hours over six weeks, addressing ecological, economic, and social concepts associated with tropical forests.
Teaching will include critical examination of tropical and subtropical forest dynamics, selective logging, agroforestry, conservation challenges, and sustainable management strategies. The instructor will also build or update the course syllabus, manage Quercus, and coordinate guest lecturers where appropriate.
Additional responsibilities include grading assignments, group projects, midterms, and final examinations. Regular office hours will allow the instructor to mentor students on research and academic writing.
Salary
The salary structure is the same as for the FOR303HF position:
| Sessional Lecturer Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sessional Lecturer I | $9,997.47 |
| Sessional Lecturer I Long Term | $10,699.21 |
| Sessional Lecturer II | $10,699.21 |
| Sessional Lecturer II Long Term | $10,953.96 |
| Sessional Lecturer III | $10,953.96 |
| Sessional Lecturer III Long Term | $11,228.90 |
The stated amounts include 4% or 6% vacation pay, where applicable, and the applicable collective agreement takes precedence if rates differ.
Application:
Application link: https://jobs.utoronto.ca/job/Toronto-Sessional-Lecturer-FOR201HS-Conservation-of-Tropical-and-Subtropical-Forests-ON/605277817/
The application deadline for FOR201HS – Conservation of Tropical and Subtropical Forests is September 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Applicants will be asked to upload a cover letter and CV. Candidates should select the appropriate course or courses when completing the application. For questions about the positions, applicants can contact the Daniels Faculty at sessionals@daniels.utoronto.ca.
Important CUPE 3902 Information
These vacancies are posted under the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. The university notes that some vacancy announcements may remain tentative until final course determinations and enrollment are confirmed. Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals who have advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III, in accordance with Article 14:12 of the collective agreement. University of Toronto undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Collective Agreement, rather than Unit 3, and therefore should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 agreement.
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Toronto states that it is committed to building an inclusive academic community and encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. The university also recognizes the value of diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise in strengthening its academic mission. Applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary diversity survey. Information directly related to individual applicants is confidential and is not accessible to search committees or human resources staff.
Accessibility and Accommodation
The university is committed to accessible recruitment and selection processes under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants who require accommodations at any stage of the application or hiring process can contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.
Key Details
| Detail | FOR303HF – Human Dimensions of Global Forests | FOR201HS – Conservation of Tropical and Subtropical Forests |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Sessional Lecturer | Sessional Lecturer |
| Req ID | 49859 | 49860 |
| Campus | St. George, Toronto | St. George, Toronto |
| Faculty | Daniels Faculty | Daniels Faculty |
| Course | FOR303HF | FOR201HS |
| Course Focus | Human dimensions of global forests | Tropical & subtropical forest conservation |
| Appointment | Sep. 1–Dec. 31, 2026 | Jan. 1–Apr. 30, 2027 |
| Schedule | Thursday, 1–3 PM | Thursday, 1–3 PM |
| Estimated Enrollment | 80 | 250 |
| TA Support | None | None |
| Role | Co-instructor | Co-instructor |
| Salary Range | $9,997.47–$11,228.90 | $9,997.47–$11,228.90 |
| Agreement | CUPE 3902 Unit 3 | CUPE 3902 Unit 3 |
| Application | Cover letter + CV | Cover letter + CV |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two University of Toronto forestry lecturer positions?
The University of Toronto is recruiting sessional lecturers for FOR303HF – Human Dimensions of Global Forests and FOR201HS – Conservation of Tropical and Subtropical Forests.
Where are these positions located?
Both positions are based at the St. George campus in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What is the salary for the sessional lecturer positions?
The posted salary ranges from $9,997.47 to $11,228.90, depending on the Sessional Lecturer classification and long-term status. The stated amounts include applicable vacation pay.
What qualifications are required for FOR303HF?
Applicants should have a relevant graduate degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in forestry, forest conservation, environmental studies, resource economics, or a related field, along with expertise in global forest resources, forest economics, and socio-ecological policy.
What qualifications are required for FOR201HS?
A Ph.D. is preferred in forest conservation, tropical ecology, geography, environmental sciences, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
Is teaching experience required?
Previous university-level teaching, lecturing, or teaching-assistant experience is preferred or recommended for both positions.
Is knowledge of Quercus required?
Yes. Familiarity with the University of Toronto’s Quercus learning system is identified as necessary or essential for these roles.
Can University of Toronto graduate students apply?
No. The posting specifically states that University of Toronto undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are covered by CUPE 3902 Unit 1, rather than Unit 3, and should not apply to these Unit 3 positions.
What documents are required?
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and CV through the centralized application system.
When is the deadline?
The application closes on September 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
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