Biology Instructor (Non-Majors)

Description

Under the direction of an educational administrator, duties include lecture and laboratory instruction, evaluation of student performance, and curriculum development in General Biology. Additional teaching responsibilities may include lecture and laboratory courses in non-majors general biology and related disciplines. Additional responsibilities include participation in District governance and related professional activities. Assignment may include day, evening, and/or online teaching responsibilities within the District.

Need Help With Your Online Account?

• Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need assistance with your online applicant account.
• Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu .

Examples Of Functions and Tasks

Lecture/ Laboratory/Field Preparation - ESSENTIAL: Prepare lesson plans to be used in a lecture/lab and/or coordinate lectures with laboratory learning assignments; complete book order forms and provide the District printshop with master copies of syllabi for printing; place appropriate reference items on reserve in the library; review and select and/or prepare multi-media materials for enhancement of classroom/laboratory instructional delivery; attend conferences to increase knowledge of subject matter and teaching methods and techniques; review and select learning resources such as textbooks, internet sites, periodicals determined to be the most appropriate; PERIPHERAL: Review and evaluate new textbooks for content, readability, and cost effectiveness; select textbooks and/or laboratory manuals determined to be the most useful and appropriate; read current literature (normally several sources- books, newspapers, periodicals, and other printed or non-printed materials) to stay current in the field of Biological Sciences; prepare handouts and other materials (including preserved or live specimens) for classroom/ laboratory use; familiarize self with operation of all equipment currently available for use and which is appropriate for the subject area.

Lecture/ Laboratory/ Field Presentation - ESSENTIAL: Introduce and present lecture/laboratory information and concepts in a clear and logical manner; use analogies, examples, and/or other techniques to convey important concepts; provide clear instructional objectives and outlines to direct student learning; enhance presentations with visual aids and/or demonstrations and/or examples, as available; answer student questions; encourage student participation and involvement in classroom discussions; monitor student activity and take steps to prevent and/or control unacceptable behavior; design and develop new laboratory exercises to demonstrate major concepts; promote use of the scientific method in all laboratory protocols; help students to set up, operate, and troubleshoot equipment problems; provide equal opportunity for student participation; remain present in laboratory to supervise activities; demonstrate safe laboratory techniques and operation of equipment; handle fragile equipment, as necessary.

Student Performance Evaluation - ESSENTIAL: Collaboratively develop lecture/laboratory quizzes and exams which fairly evaluate student progress in acquiring knowledge of subject material; monitor student activity during examinations/quizzes; read and evaluate student responses on examinations/quizzes and mark and grade papers accordingly; assign, read, and evaluate homework assignments/projects/research papers to promote learning; tabulate scores and assign official grades; advise students on academic matters regarding their performance; refer students to appropriate student services (e.g., Disabled Student Services, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, etc.) for specialized testing and/or tutoring; input student scores and make data available to students.

Curriculum Development - ESSENTIAL: Review and evaluate curriculum to include student learning outcomes and program outcomes to meet student and state interests and needs within the parameters of Divisional/Departmental budget constraints and availability of equipment and materials; coordinate with full-time and part-time instructors to enhance consistency of lecture/laboratory content; evaluate and/or revise course descriptions to fit curriculum designs; present proposals for curriculum changes to the Curriculum Committee and/or other appropriate shared governance bodies; research, evaluate, and incorporate current technology into curriculum; design degree and certificate programs. PERIPHERAL: Review curriculum for concordance with changes in laws, regulations, and standards.

Shared Governance Participation - ESSENTIAL: Attend and participate in departmental meetings and activities; respond in writing to requests for information (e.g., employment process position questionnaires, unit planning guides, etc.); participate in articulation/curriculum development, investigation and costing of departmental equipment needs, and selection of textbooks; represent department by serving on campus-wide committees. PERIPHERAL: Attend and participate in divisional and/or building meetings and activities, as well as those organized by the Faculty Senate and the Staff Development Committee; serve on employee selection committees, as requested; serve as a functional member of one or more committees and/or task forces; attend Board of Trustees and/or Strategic Council meetings, as necessary; read and respond to information polls distributed by the Faculty Senate.

Ancillary Student Services - ESSENTIAL: Hold regular office hours; provide advice to students regarding academic performance; provide students and peers with a positive role model in terms of character and citizenship; participate in graduation and outstanding student award ceremonies. PERIPHERAL: Provide students with letters of recommendation, as requested; hold review sessions of classroom/laboratory material, as necessary; advise and encourage students; participate in museum program series and/or other activities and provide opportunities for participation in field trips and/or club activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
CCC Minimum Qualifications Handbook

Master’s in any biological science

OR

Bachelor’s in any biological science

AND

Master’s in biochemistry, biophysics, or marine science

OR

the equivalent .

Licenses: ESSENTIAL: Incumbent must possess or be able to obtain prior to employment in this position a valid California Class C or higher Driver's License in order to accomplish official travel in District and/or privately owned vehicles.

Offer and acceptance of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, LiveScan, and tuberculosis examination as required.

Verification of prior employment (teaching or work experience) may be needed to determine minimum qualifications met.

Copies of transcripts MUST be attached to the application (photocopies & unofficial transcripts are accepted).

EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION
Did you know that you can also determine if you meet the minimum qualifications by going through an equivalency process? The equivalency process helps determine if coursework taken and/or professional experience meets the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

If claiming equivalency, please attach the Request for Equivalency Hearing form. The equivalency form may be found at: Sierra College Human Resources .

Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees and other relevant documents.

FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION
Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees and other relevant documents. A foreign transcript evaluation is required any time foreign course work is used to meet minimum qualifications and/or salary placement even if the foreign transcript has been accepted by a college or university in the United States.
Companies that provide transcript evaluation services:

• World Education Services
• Educational Credential Evaluators

Knowledge of:

ESSENTIAL: Major concepts related to Biological Sciences; laboratory preparation procedures; operation of laboratory equipment utilized to conduct appropriate laboratory activities, use of computer technological enhancements; scientific methodology; teaching practices, methods, and techniques; laboratory equipment calibration procedures; laboratory hazards and appropriate safety protocol. PERIPHERAL: Procedures utilized to working in sensitive environments and familiarity with appropriate environmental regulations.

Ability to:

ESSENTIAL: Lecture in front of large groups of students; explain appropriate details and their relationships in a logical, sequential fashion; prepare laboratory equipment, materials, and charts; provide students with a "hands on" learning experience in a laboratory setting and in field studies programs; form and maintain effective working relationships with peers, staff, and students; work independently to solve problems; PERIPHERAL: Effectively use computer technology for classroom enhancement; recognize variation in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles; be patient with students; maintain integrity, honesty, reliability, and cooperation.

Physical Suitability Requirements:

ESSENTIAL: Incumbent must be able to function indoors in a classroom/laboratory environment and outdoors in a field environment engaged in work of primarily a moderately active to active nature and to do the following, with or without reasonable accommodation: Almost Constantly: Stand, sit, walk and turn to deliver lectures, other instruction, or instructional materials; utilize speech and hearing for ordinary and telephonic conversation with students and others and to respond to questions; speak in an understandable voice; utilize vision (near) to read written materials and computer screens and operate equipment; maintain cardiovascular fitness in order to engage in field activities involving physical effort such as hiking, climbing, wading, digging, etc. Frequently: Reach (from overhead, level, and low) to operate equipment and prepare laboratory materials; lift (from overhead, waist, and floor levels, 50 lbs. max.), carry (50 lbs. max.), push, pull, stoop, squat, and bend to move and operate equipment and prepare laboratory materials; utilize manual and finger dexterity to operate microcomputers other office and laboratory equipment, and to prepare laboratory materials; wear appropriate personal protective equipment to work in areas subject to exposure to risk of shock from electrical equipment, exposure to dark conditions, and exposure to dust, mists, fumes, noise, chemicals, caustics, extremes of heat or cold, allergenic plants/materials, and insect stings. Occasionally: Utilize vision (far) and manual and finger dexterity to operate a motor vehicle while engaged in official travel and field activities; hike and climb to heights above ground level while engaged in field activities.

Supplemental Information

WHY SIERRA?

• One of Aspen Institute’s Top 150 Community Colleges in the nation
• The Accrediting Commission recognized Sierra “for its exemplary practice of providing personnel with opportunities for continued professional development in order to meet its mission.” This includes providing students and employees with a robust set of programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our students, etc.
• Sierra has a commitment to culturally-responsive strategies and methods, and therefore all newly hired faculty participate in a Faculty Equity and Inclusion Certificate
• State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
• Competitive benefits package
• 175 day per year contract
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (in most cases)

Sierra College is a Community College located near Sacramento, California where a heavy emphasis is placed on academic excellence and student success. Since its founding in 1936, Sierra College has focused on quality instruction and meeting the evolving needs of the students and communities that it serves. The Sierra Community College District covers more than 3,200 square miles and serves the Northern California foothill counties of Placer and Nevada, as well as parts of El Dorado and Sacramento. We serve over 17,000 students throughout the region in both on-ground and online courses, including students at our main Rocklin Campus as well as at three centers located in Grass Valley, Tahoe/Truckee, and Roseville. Our District prides itself on academic excellence.

Sierra College has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students and values the rich, diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. A strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds. This includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented communities and other groups. Our District is committed to providing strategies for success and proactive student-centered practices and policies focused on eliminating equity gaps to ensure the District provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.

As an institution, Sierra College is committed to eliminating the equity gap in all student populations with dynamic, learner-centered practices and policies that fully engage the college community. The ideal candidate will share the College’s commitment to helping its racially and socioeconomically diverse students succeed in their degree and career objectives. Currently, Sierra College enrolls 17,800 students per term, where approximately: 23% of Sierra College’s students are Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), 3% are African-American/Black, 2% are Filipino, 6% are Asian, 1% are American Indian/Alaskan Native, 8% are Multiethnic and 55% are White.

The successful candidate will join a College dedicated to the use of culturally responsive teaching strategies and methods that meet the varying needs of our students and ensure a successful learning environment. Sierra College demonstrates its commitment to equity by supporting ongoing professional development for students, faculty, and staff. These opportunities include trainings and workshops on equity and inclusion, a Faculty Equity and Inclusion Certificate series, active Academic Senate standing committees concerned with student success and equity, a Presidential Equity Advisory Committee (PEAC), culturally responsive student engagement centers, support for our undocumented and AB540 students, campus-wide equity summits, a robust set of programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our diverse students.

COMPENSATION
Placement on the District’s Faculty Salary Schedule is dependent upon years of experience and level of education. Entry-level is from $66,812.56 to $89,535.23 at the time of employment. The current highest salary attainable after employment is $119,985.75. The District offers a very competitive benefits package, which includes health and welfare as well as income protection. Employees also will be members of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Sick leave, sabbatical, and other leaves are available according to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Need Help With Your Online Account?

• Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need assistance with your online applicant account.
• Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu .

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
There are four (4) required documents to apply for this position:
Employment ApplicationResume or Curriculum VitaeApplicable transcripts with conferred degree and date (unofficial transcripts are accepted) Please respond to the prompt below for your Teaching Philosophy Statement. You will need to write this statement on a separate document and upload the attachment at the end of the application.

• What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting historically underrepresented and underserved students? Specifically, what are the key factors that contribute to their success and the closing of equity gaps in the classroom, particularly for African-American, Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), and Native American students with intersecting identities, such as LGBTQIA+, visible and invisible disabilities, and any other disproportionately impacted populations?
• What role should faculty play in student success?
• Describe how your teaching approach has changed/evolved since you began teaching. Provide examples of what motivated the change(s).
• How does your teaching approach reflect your teaching philosophy in ensuring equitable student success?

Helpful Tip:
Please note that as described above a strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds; and therefore, hiring committees assess candidates for these knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Applicants may want to consider incorporating culturally-inclusive/equity-minded strategies practiced and/or evidence of the responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity of community college student populations throughout their application materials (including application and documents uploaded, if any).

Please see the Sierra College website for additional helpful tips and tools for prospective applicants .

Travel expenses may be partially reimbursed for candidates traveling beyond a 150 mile radius for second round interviews. All other travel expenses will be borne by the candidate (if in person interviews).

Terms and Conditions of Employment:
Other terms and conditions of employment are specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreements on file in the District Human Resources Department. Position description of record on file in the Human Resources Department.

*Sierra Community College District currently operates campuses in Rocklin, Roseville, Truckee and Grass Valley. In its management of a multi-campus environment, the District reserves right of assignment including the right to change assignment locations and shift assignments based on District need. Although this position may currently reside at the Rocklin campus, the assignment location may be subject to change as needed. Additionally, the district reserves the right to cancel, revise or re-announce this position as well as any and all positions at any time.

EEO / TITLE IX EMPLOYER
Sierra College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination and the achievement of diversity and equity among its faculty, staff, and students.

Persons with inquiries about the application of Title IX and/or EEO may contact the Director of Diversity, EEO & Title IX (Title IX Coordinator) at the address below, at (916) 660-7006 or via email at EEOT9@sierracollege.edu .

Persons with questions regarding reasonable accommodation of physical and other disabilities should contact the Sierra College Human Resources Department at (916) 660-7105.

If you have limitations hearing or speaking, the State of California offers a specially-trained Communications Assistant (CA) that can relay telephone conversations for all of your calls. Dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). Dialing 711 is for everyone, not just those who have difficulty hearing on a standard phone. If you prefer having your calls immediately answered in your mode of communication, dial one of the toll-free modality and language-specific numbers below. The call will be routed to the CRS provider.

TTY/VCO/HCO to Voice
English 1-800-735-2929
Spanish 1-800-855-3000

Voice to TTY/VCO/HCO
English 1-800-735-2922
Spanish 1-800-855-3000

From or to Speech-to- Speech
English & Spanish 1-800-854-7784

Sierra Community College offers benefit packages to full-time employees including: family coverage health, dental and vision insurance, Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) OR State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) retirement, income protection, life insurance, sick leave, vacation, and holidays as provided according to District policy.

Closing Date/Time: 1/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Sierra Community College District

• (916) 660-7100

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