Assistant/Associate Professor, Marine Transportation

The Department of Marine Transportation at the California Polytechnic State University Maritime Academy (Cal Poly Maritime), a specialized campus of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank starting August 17, 2026.

Located on a compact, scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California, Cal Poly Maritime serves approximately 1,000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students and is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States-and the only one on the West Coast. We seek dynamic educators committed to Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” ethos to teach cadets in the B.S. in Marine Transportation degree program. We are particularly interested in experienced mariners who can teach and assess basic and advanced maritime courses and STCW competencies on campus, aboard our fleet of small vessels, and on the Training Ship Golden Bear . In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to engage in scholarship and service to the University and the maritime industry.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Teach, develop, and assess basic and advanced maritime courses.
• Deliver lectures and conduct applied demonstrations in laboratory settings.
• Teach, assess, and document completion of STCW competencies.
• Provide instruction aboard the Academy’s fleet of small vessels.
• Advise students as assigned and maintain regular office hours during the academic year.
• Engage in scholarship that advances the mission of the Department and University.
• Participate in departmental and campus-wide service activities.
• Fulfill instructional and/or operational assignments aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear during the 65-day Summer Sea Term (Note: Subject to terms set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and related Memorandum of Understanding).
• Maintain a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $106,000 - $117,000

Associate Professor: $114,000 - $126,000

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Maritime provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Maritime complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly Maritime is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Maritime, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• USCG MMC as Second Mate, Unlimited, with all currently required STCW endorsements or Master of Towing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of seagoing experience on commercial vessels or comparable shoreside experience in the maritime industry.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public is essential.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required.
• Excellent leadership skills are required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• USCG Chief Mate or Master, Unlimited license or experience as a tugboat master
• Additional maritime endorsements (e.g., Dynamic Positioning, Tankerman-PIC, LNG, Designated Examiner).
• Command-level seagoing experience.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Teaching experience (maritime training courses preferred).
• Shoreside experience in the maritime industry.
• 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 who can build connections with industry and foster new relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A pre-employment physical is required as are subsequent USCG fitness physicals prior to each training cruise on the Training Ship Golden Bear .
• The incumbent must participate in a random drug-screening program as required by federal law.
• Wearing a uniform is required and a uniform allowance is provided.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS - Training Ship Golden Bear

• Work aboard ship requires climbing ladders and gangways; lifting and carrying materials between the pier and vessel; and occasional work in hot, cold, damp, or very dry conditions.
• Mariners must be able to live and work in confined spaces on a moving vessel; maintain balance on a rolling deck; rapidly don an exposure suit; step over 24-inch door sills; open and close watertight doors (up to 56 pounds); pull heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) for distances up to 400 feet; climb steep stairs or vertical ladders without assistance; and participate in firefighting and lifesaving efforts, including wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and handling fully charged fire hoses. Extended workdays are common.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK

• Applicants must submit, upon hire, official documentation of proof of degree, MMC, all certificates and endorsements.
• Applicants must provide proof of US citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three days from the date of hire.
• A valid TWIC card will be required for work aboard all academy vessels. Additionally , A valid US passport is required for work on the Training Ship Golden Bear.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Mandated Reporter: 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.
• Background Check: Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check and drug screening) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly Maritime. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly Maritime 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 Maritime 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 Maritime or individuals in the university community.
• Notification: Based upon a review of applications and accompanying documents, only those persons whose qualifications best match job requirements will be interviewed. Applicants not selected for an interview will be notified only after the position closes and the successful candidate has been selected.
• For health and well-being, Cal Poly Maritime 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. It is also expected that tenure-line faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

HOW TO APPLY

Review begin date December 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by December 1, 2025 for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach the following:
Cover letter expressing your interest in the position Copy of MMC and all endorsements Resume/CV Unofficial transcripts of the highest degree Universal Student Success Statement (*see prompt below) At least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application
*Universal Student Success Prompt - Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.

Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth McNie, Chair of the Department of Marine Transportation, at emcnie@csum.edu

Advertised: Oct 31 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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