Part-Time Astronomy Instructor (Pool)

West Valley-Mission Community College District

Santa Clara (CA)

On-site

USD 38,464 - 55,582

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

West Valley-Mission Community College District in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking a Part-Time Astronomy Instructor to teach courses possibly including lectures, discussions, and online formats. This role involves developing lesson plans, evaluating student work, and consulting with students.

The ideal candidate will possess at least a Master's degree in a relevant field or a valid California Community College Instructor’s Credential. A demonstrable ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds is essential.

Qualifications

Master's or equivalent degree required.
Ability to provide effective instruction.
Experience in teaching astronomy is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide instruction for astronomy courses.
Maintain accurate records and submit reports.
Consult with students regarding academic progress.

Skills

Ability to work with diverse backgrounds

Effective communication

Instructional skills

Education

Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics

Job description

Position Title: Part‑Time Astronomy Instructor (Pool)

Campus

Mission College, Santa Clara, CA

Assignment

Part‑time Associate Instructor. Teaching may include lecture‑discussion courses during day, evening, or Saturday, as well as online/distance‑education formats, during Spring, Summer, and/or Fall semesters.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is based on a percentage of workload, up to 67% of a full‑time load. Initial hiring salary ranges from $38,464 to $55,582 per semester and is adjusted for academic achievement, teaching, and related experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Education – Possess one of the following:
- Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics; or
- Bachelor’s degree in physics or astronomy and a master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics; or
- A valid California Community College Instructor’s Credential in the discipline; or
- The equivalent of the above.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with persons of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Provide instruction for assigned courses, including preparation for in‑class or online/distance activities, evaluation of student work, consultation with students, and maintenance of currency in the subjects taught.
Maintain accurate class and other records required by the college.
Submit attendance rosters and grade reports when due.
Follow course outlines as filed in the instruction offices.
Maintain office hours each week (0.5 hours per week per section).
Observe, support, and enforce the regulations, policies, and programs of the District and college.
Provide each student with a written course syllabus at the beginning of the course, as per instructions in the Faculty Handbook.
Refer students to appropriate college sources for counseling and other student services.
Advise students on requirements for successful achievement in the member’s area of expertise.
Work cooperatively within the college community.
Foster an environment that protects academic freedom and promotes a positive, harassment‑free workplace.
Demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual.

Application Information

Interested applicants must submit the following online:

Completed West Valley‑Mission Community College District application.
Resume.
Unofficial copies of transcripts if a degree is required.
District Equivalency Application, if applicable.
Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.

All sections of the application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly. Supervisor names and telephone numbers must be included. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Unrequested materials will be removed from the application and not used for consideration of employment.

Transcripts and Equivalency

Transcripts are required to verify any degree claimed. Degrees must be from an accredited institution. Candidates with foreign degrees must provide official U.S. equivalency certification and evaluation. Transcripts may not be encrypted, secured, or password‑protected.

Applicants applying under equivalency must submit the District’s Equivalency Application form with detailed evidence of academic preparation or experience equivalent to the required qualifications. The Equivalency Application is optional unless the degree does not match the discipline(s) stated in the Minimum Qualifications.

Selection Process

Applications will be screened by department representatives as needed. Qualified applicants who best meet the division’s needs will be contacted for an interview.
Travel expenses for the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
Applications remain in the online system for one year; part‑time pools are refreshed annually and applicants are notified of the opportunity to resubmit.
Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
The District reserves the right to investigate past employment records of applicants.
Upon hire, the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Visa sponsorship is not provided.

EEO Statement

West Valley‑Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of
ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

For reasonable accommodations and assistance, contact: Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070, Phone: (408) 741‑2174, Fax: (408) 741‑2564, Email: careers@wvm.edu.

Required Documents