Job Description

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking applications for a two-year, full-time academic year lecturer with an emphasis in Agricultural Education starting September 16, 2024, ending June 13, 2026. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Appointment will include teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural communication, education, and leadership; advising students; assisting in co-curricular activities. Duties may also include, but are not limited to, supervision of teacher candidates, undergraduate senior projects, teaching graduate level courses, and active involvement/oversight of student clubs, teams, and organizations.

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2022, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $4,530-$6,056
Lecturer B: $5,405-$11,994
Lecturer C: $6,190-$13,172
Lecturer D: $7,794-$13,797

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe cultivating an environment embracing and promoting diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly\'s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly\'s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications

Earned Master of Science degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Communication, or Agricultural Education and at least three years of outstanding success as a high school teacher of agricultural education. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively with teams and interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate teaching.

Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, and who have international experience or the desire to cultivate international links, are of particular interest.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. or Ed.D. Experience teaching in a university setting or community college. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated excellent teaching and significant communication experience. The ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University is desirable. Preference will be given to those with experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment. Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience who bring professional capabilities and those with the ability to build connections with industry and foster new relationships.

Special Conditions

The person holding this position is considered a \'mandated reporter\' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

About the Department

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Cal Poly has approximately 150 undergraduate students in Agricultural Communication and 150 undergraduate students in Agricultural Science, 35 Master\'s Degree candidates, and six full-time faculty who teach in the areas of agricultural teacher education and agricultural communications.

The Brock Center for Agricultural Communication is housed within the Agricultural Education and Communication Department and serves as the laboratory for students to develop their writing, social media, and verbal communication skills. Agricultural Education and Communication faculty and students work closely with the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication. The Brock Center was established in 1986 and is managed by the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (C.A.F.E.S.) with input from the College of Liberal Arts (C.L.A.). The mission of the Brock Center is to create a bridge of communication between the agricultural industry, the media, and the public.

Ag Communication students are active nationally by attending the Ag Media Summit each year, and have earned numerous awards in national competition, including the "Outstanding Publication" for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow organization. Additionally, Cal Poly produces many newly credentialed agriculture teachers for the state of California each year. Graduates of the department have proven to be effective leaders in secondary, post-secondary, and higher education, not only in California, but throughout the United States. Cal Poly is viewed as the home for agricultural education in California. The State FFA Judging Finals and the Summer Conference for the California Agricultural Teachers\' Association have been held on the Cal Poly campus for over 100 years.

How To Apply

Review begin date January 16, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by January 16, 2024, for full consideration; however applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) statement of teaching philosophy, (5) a statement describing the candidate\'s experience(s) with diversity, equity, and inclusion and how their experiences have prepared them to advance Cal Poly\'s commitment to inclusive excellence ( ), and (6) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. If applicable, please attach a list of CSU courses previously taught with your resume/cv. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration. Inquiries can be directed to the Agricultural Education and Communication Department via aged@calpoly.edu.

Advertised: December 15, 2023 (9:00 AM) Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

California State Polytechnic University