Astronomy Instructor Part-time Temporary Pool

Description

See "Essential Functions" section for description.

Note: College of Marin's faculty pools are open to applications on a continuous basis. Although there may not be any current openings, applications will remain on file until the hiring department has a need to add candidates to their pool OR for up to one year from the date of application, whichever occurs first. If your application becomes inactive after one year, you may re-apply to the pool at that time. Screenings and interviews can be conducted at any point in time as the hiring department necessitates. Once a screening has occurred, applicants will be notified of their status.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

College of Marin is committed to cultivating a proactively supportive, inclusive, and accountable environment where equity, equity-mindedness, anti-racism, and social justice is valued, centered, and practiced. Our mission is to employ qualified administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success and committed to an inclusive, anti-racist campus culture that demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population.

We serve a county population of approximately 250,000 residents. Based on Fall 2025 credit enrollment data, the diversity of students at the college includes greater representation than the county with regards to enrollment by Hispanic/Latinx (36% of enrollment), Asian (7%), Black/African American (3%), White (44%), and Multi-racial (7%) students. Our high-quality education and training at the College are made possible by its faculty and staff who are committed to excellence. As of Fall 2025, COM's workforce includes Hispanic/Latinx (20%), Asian (7%), Black/African American (6%), White (52%), and Multi-racial (4%) employees.

College of Marin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, or perception of, race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, genetic condition, status as a veteran, and is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Civil Rights Act of 1991, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In accordance with Executive Order 11246 (as amended), COM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ONLINE INSTRUCTION

All faculty members must be available to provide instruction in the classroom (in person). Please note that the College does not offer online-only teaching assignments.

FOREIGN DEGREE HOLDERS: Please see the Required Application Documents section below for important information regarding the evaluation of your foreign degrees.

Essential Functions

Instructors appointed to the part-time temporary pool may be used to cover part-time, temporary and/or substitute openings in the department. Assignments can vary in duration and are not guaranteed. Duties may include assignment in any Astronomy course, including, but not limited to: Introduction to Astronomy and Introduction to Astronomy Lab. Assignments for Astronomy pool instructors also include:

• Providing effective classroom or laboratory instruction using methods and materials appropriate to the subject matter
• Preparing and grading all class assignments and examinations
• Advising, assisting and evaluating students, evaluating learning outcomes and maintaining regular office hours
• Participating in program activities including curriculum and program planning, development, evaluation, and decision making as well as the development of new teaching-learning methods and materials
• Contributing to development of program policies and procedures
• Participation in departmental and college professional activities and/or committees is welcomed, but not required
• Maintaining accurate and timely student records as required
• Maintaining currency and depth of knowledge in assigned area of responsibility
• Maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics
• Communicating with excellent written and oral skills in English

Requirements & Desirables

REQUIREMENTS

1. A Master's in Physics, Astronomy, or Astrophysics; OR
2. A Bachelor's in Physics or Astronomy AND a Master's in Engineering, Mathematics, Meteorology, or Geophysics; OR
3. The equivalent*; AND
4. Demonstrated sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the campus community.

*If your educational degrees do not specifically match those listed above, you must request equivalency. Please review our Equivalency page for important information and instructions for applying under equivalency. If you feel that you qualify under equivalency, please provide the basis for equivalency in the Agency Questions section of the application and submit supporting evidence where applicable (as an attachment). Copies of applicable transcripts must accompany your application and all foreign credentials must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation in order for equivalency to be determined. If you are currently completing the graduate program that would qualify you for this position and do not yet hold the requisite degree, you must request equivalency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (Desirable Attributes & Skills)

• Experience in astrophotography and willingness to develop student activities in astrophotography
• Competencies related to: curriculum & course development; teaching & learning theory; information resources & evaluating student outcomes; and, assisting student to develop critical thinking skills
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing with a diverse campus community
• Currency and depth of knowledge in assigned area of responsibility and subject matter
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with colleagues and members of the campus community
• Commitment to the teaching profession, its goals and ideals, and enthusiasm for the mission of the College of Marin
• Understanding of contemporary equity and diversity concepts and issues in a community college setting
• Familiarity with, willingness and ability to use methods from current astronomy education research (AER), such as peer instruction, personal response systems, lecture-tutorials, and computer simulations
• Ability and enthusiasm to use teaching methods that engage students and encourage them to be motivated self learners
• Knowledge, training and experience with online pedagogy and technology
• Evidence of excellent written and oral skills in English

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following:

1. In accordance with Federal Law all employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
2. Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance.
3. California Education Code, Section 87408.6 requires persons employed by a community college in an academic or classified position to submit to a TB risk assessment developed by CDPH and CTCA and, if risk factors are present, an examination to determine that he or she is free of infectious TB; initially upon hire and every four years thereafter.
4. Certificated candidates who have not previously been employed in an academic position in California will be required to provide a medical certificate from a licensed physician showing that the candidate is free from any communicable disease unfitting the candidate to instruct or associate with students. The medical exam shall have been conducted not more than six months before submission of the certificate and shall be at the expense of the candidate. (Ed. Code Section 87408.6)
5. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: All Marin Community College District (MCCD) employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the MCCD requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. For more information, please see the MCCD Emergency Operations Plan.
6. Candidates applying for positions with the Marin Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

The following documents must be attached to your application in order to render it complete. Use the Attachment Type indicated in parentheses when making your attachments.

A.) Cover letter (cover letter)
B.) Resume or C.V. (resume)
C.) Complete copy of college transcript conferring Bachelor's degree (bachelor's transcript)
D.) Complete copy of college transcript conferring Master's degree (master's transcript)

(If you hold additional degrees beyond the Bachelor's and Master's level, please attach a copy of your transcript conferring these degrees as well. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, as long as they confer the degree and show the coursework taken and grades achieved. An official transcript would be required upon hire.)

FOREIGN DEGREE HOLDERS:
Where applicable, foreign degree credentials must be evaluated by a third party to determine the equivalent U.S. degree and major. Please review the following points carefully to determine whether you must submit a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) with your application. Evaluations should provide the name of the institution attended, a description of your credentials, the major of study, and the U.S. equivalent for each credential. For a list of evaluating agencies, visit the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

• If you satisfy the minimum educational requirement with a degree that was granted in the U.S., but your previous degree(s) was obtained from a foreign institution, you do not need to attach a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) for your previous degree(s). You must, however, attach a copy of a (translated) transcript for the previous degree. For additional clarification of acceptable transcripts, please contact Human Resources.
• If your degree that satisfies the minimum educational requirement was obtained from a foreign institution, you must submit an FCE for that degree and any other foreign degrees leading up to it.
• If you are asserting equivalence (see Minimum Qualifications for Faculty/Administrators above) because your degree does not specifically match the minimum educational requirements as listed and any of your degrees was obtained outside the U.S., you must attach an FCE for your foreign degree(s).

Supplemental & Salary Information

BARGAINING UNIT & RETIREMENT PLAN

UPM - Part-time Faculty:

Employees in this position classification are considered Temporary Credit Unit Members and are represented by the United Professors of Marin (UPM/AFT 1610). Part-time faculty members are required to comply fully with the United Professors of Marin Collective Bargaining Agreement, including payment of union dues or charitable contributions. General information regarding rights and responsibilities under the Agreement can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreements section of our Human Resources site. Part-time faculty may also participate in the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) through District and employee contributions.

SALARY INFORMATION
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $90,657 - $124,850*

Please refer to the Faculty (UPM/AFT) Salary Schedule on our Human Resources site for detailed information.

*Salaries for Part-time Temporary Pool members are based on the number of units taught and are paid at 95% of the Full-time Faculty Salary Schedule. New part-time instructors will be placed between Step 1, Column 1, and Step 9, Column 5 of the salary schedule, depending on verified background and experience. Salary placement is non-negotiable.

Temporary Part-time Credit Instructor Payment Formulas:

• Monthly: Annual salary (from salary schedule) x # of Units, ÷ 30 units, x 95% = semester payment; divide by five (5) = monthly salary.
• Per Unit: Annual salary (from salary schedule) x 95%, ÷ 30 units = per unit rate.

To apply: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofmarin/jobs/340046/astronomy-instructor-part-time-temporary-pool