APPOINTMENTS FROM THE PART-TIME POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM. APPLICANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE ON VERY SHORT NOTICE.
NATURAL RESOURCES MGMT & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES PART-TIME LECTURER POOL - SOIL SCIENCE. The Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, is seeking applications for a pool of part-time lecturer positions for the 2026-2027 academic year as determined by need. Duties include teaching undergraduate Introductory Soil Science, and other Soil Science lectures, activities and labs as assigned. Positions are contingent upon funding.
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 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $5,507-$6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,211
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 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 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 is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, 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, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or closely related field required.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
M.S. or Ph.D. in Soil Science preferred. Previous soil science teaching experience desired.
Preference will be given to those with experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment. Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.
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.
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will not sponsor an H-1B for this position.
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 Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department consists of three B.S. degrees in Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences, Environmental Management and Protection (ENVM major is endorsed by the California Association of Environmental Professionals), Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR is accredited by the Society of American Foresters). Students may also pursue an M.S. degree in Environmental Sciences and Management.
Students and faculty have access to several thousand acres of agricultural, forest and rangelands managed by the college. The NRES Department has greenhouse research space, analytical equipment, access to Swanton Pacific Ranch, a 3800 acre FSC-Certified Demonstration Coastal forest property located in Santa Cruz Co.
Department website: http://nres.calpoly.edu/
Swanton Pacific Ranch: http://www.spranch.org/
Cal Poly's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), the largest non-land grant agricultural program in the west awards nearly half of all baccalaureate agriculture degrees granted in California. The college is a leader in providing students with critical skills based on Learn by Doing laboratory and field intensive curriculum, contemporary instructional technology, and uncommon access to senior faculty in small class settings. The college spans more than 6,000 acres of land adjacent to the campus core, as well as 4,000 acres throughout the state. It is comprised of nine academic departments and approximately 170 faculty, 80 staff, and 4,000 students in 15 majors. In addition, the college is home to a number of unique enterprise projects, centers and institutes.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) copy of unofficial transcripts, (4) teaching philosophy statement, and (5) list of CSU courses previously taught and courses requesting consideration to teach (if applicable). Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Selected applicants will be required to submit sealed official transcripts of highest degree awarded prior to appointment. Review Begin Date: May 1, 2026.
For additional information, please contact Department Head Dr. Jeremy James at [email protected]
