In Search of a Geology Instructor (Tenure Track) for Community Colleges of Spokane

published Feb 29, 2024 3:50pm

Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) District Equity Statement

CCS believes that access to high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment is the right of all individuals and imperative for the continued advancement of a strong democracy and workforce. CCS also believes higher education institutions have an obligation to work toward and demonstrate progress in ensuring equity among their students, faculty, and staff. Equity is grounded in the principle of fairness. In higher education, equity refers to ensuring that each student receives what they need to be successful through the intentional design of the college experience.

Offering state-of-the-art career technical programs (approximately 50% of total enrollment) as well as liberal arts/transfer programs (about 25%) and basic education for adults (about 25%), SCC's comprehensive opportunities transform lives and enrich our communities. As a college, CCS is collectively committed to the work that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion and global awareness at every level of our college.

The Geology Program at SCC is a robust program that provides instruction in both majors and non-majors level lab and non-lab coursework. The Geology lab contains hundreds of samples and--coupled with regional geology and local university collaborations--is ideal for undergraduate research. Spokane Community College (SCC) is a beautiful campus located in the inland Pacific Northwest, on the ancestral home of the Spokane Tribe, near the Spokane River. Our campus is not far from the urban center of Spokane, a mid-sized city with a high quality of life and quick access to the outdoors. See our website for more information about living and working in Spokane.

SCC is one of two accredited community colleges that comprise the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS). Serving about 15,000 students, SCC endeavors to be an educational leader and a responsive partner with the community and region, offering access to relevant programs of the highest quality. CCS offers state-of-the-art career technical programs (approximately 50% of total enrollment) as well as liberal arts/transfer programs (about 25%) and basic education for adults (about 25%). In addition to serving the urban and suburban population in greater Spokane, CCS provides educational services to rural communities throughout a 12,302 square mile region in Eastern Washington. This region includes all of Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties as well as portions of Lincoln County. 

SCC's mission is to provide all students with an excellent education that transforms lives and expands their opportunities.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepares for and instructs transfer-level classes in the discipline of Geology through in-person and online modalities.
  • Communicates expectations and establishes clear assessment criteria through appropriate instructional means to include, but not be limited to, developing course syllabi, handouts, and materials supporting the instructional process; evaluates student progress and provides clear, timely feedback.
  • Provides availability and accessibility to students for the purpose of academic consulting and support in a manner appropriate to meet student needs through a combination of scheduled office hours, online accessibility and other effective means of responsive and timely communication.
  • Creates a teaching, learning and working environment that supports diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Participates in district, division, department, or general faculty meetings; in-service training; curriculum development; academic consulting; workshops or seminars; service on district or college councils or committees, or other activities within the scope of the position.
  • Complies with state and federal law applicable to professional duties and responsibilities.
  • Supports and advances the CCS strategic plan, and performs other duties as assigned.
  • Collaborates with paraprofessional and support staff in the division.
  • May advise student clubs or associations.

COMPETENCIES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • An earned Master's degree or higher in Geology or related discipline from an accredited institution.
  • Relevant graduate level course work in Geology.
  • Previous in-person teaching experience in lab sciences.
  • Previous experience using technology-based tools including learning management systems (i.e. Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) and effective online communication (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams. etc.).
  • Experience working with diverse individuals, including: historically underrepresented, nontraditional, economically-disadvantaged, first-generation, and/or people with disabilities. Experience collaborating as a member of a team.
  • Acceptance of the responsibility to promote the welfare and best interests of students at all times.
  • Acceptance of and willingness to support the role that community colleges serve in higher education, and specifically the mission, values, goals and objectives of the Community Colleges of Spokane.
  • The ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and goals of the institution and the community/technical college system.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting a teaching, learning and working environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience teaching in person and online courses.
  • Experience in a community college setting.
  • Familiarity with student success initiatives, undergraduate research, and demonstrated commitment to the improvement of student learning and/or retention.
  • Additional academic teaching experience in Geography, Chemistry, or Physics.
  • A Washington State Geologist License.

CONDITIONS/TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a full-time, tenure-track position with an entry level base salary (for a 175-day academic year contract) of $64,303 - $98,735/ year. Future advancement in base salary, up to the current maximum of $98,735, is based upon a combination of years of service accrued at our college and professional development activity.

Annual salary is comprised of base salary plus any combination of academic year overload contracts, summer effort contracts, project stipends, student club advising stipends, and/or department chair program lead faculty stipends consistent with the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement between CCS and the Association for Higher Education (AHE).

TOTAL COMPENSATION WITH BENEFITS: $98,735 - $118,544

Total compensation is an estimate based upon adding the following amounts together:

  • Base compensation, plus 
  • Current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates, plus
  • Median retirement fund contributions

The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

  • CCS online application. *
  • Cover letter addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position. *
  • Resume. *
  • References – the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. *
  • College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable for initial application, official copies must be submitted upon acceptance of the job offer.

NOTE: All of the above are required to ensure your consideration for this position. The item(s) marked with an asterisk are required attachments to your application prior to submission.

The person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Community Colleges of Spokane maintains a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Applicants must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and educational environment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: March 13, 2024

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on March 13, 2024.

Please be aware that this recruitment closes at 4:00 p.m. PST. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

MORE INFORMATION

If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR.

Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with disability, genetic information or any other legally protected category.

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access and Title IX or ADA to:

Amy McCoy | Chief Compliance Officer
Title IX and ADA Coordinator
Community Colleges of Spokane
2917 W. Whistalks Way, MS 3027
Spokane, WA. 99224-5288
ccs.titleix@ccs.spokane.edu
509-279-6012

Direct all inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances to:

Greg Stevens | Chief Strategy and Administration Officer
Community Colleges of Spokane
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
509-434-5040

Native Land Acknowledgment

CCS is honored to acknowledge that the Community Colleges of Spokane, and our main campuses for Spokane Falls and Spokane Community College, are located on the traditional and sacred homelands of the Spokane Tribe. CCS also provides services in a region that includes the traditional and sacred homelands of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe and Nez Perce Tribe.

CCS pays its respect to tribal elders both past and present, as well as to all Indigenous people today. This land holds their cultural DNA, and CCS is honored and grateful to be here on their traditional lands. CCS gives thanks to the legacy of the original people and their descendants and pledges to honor their stewardship and values.