Job Details

Initial Review Date: 1/17/17*
*Any complete applications received after the review date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the faculty position of Instructor, Astronomy, Foothill College.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:
Teach community college astronomy courses to a diverse student population. Foothill offers two separate intro courses: 1) solar system and astrobiology and 2) stars, galaxies, and cosmology, together with associated labs. Support student success through effective use of culturally relevant pedagogy. Participate in astronomy outreach to the local community. Participate in interviewing, evaluating and mentoring part-time faculty. Serve as liaison with the Peninsula Astronomical Society, which operates the Foothill College Observatory.

Standard duties expected of all faculty include development and evaluation of curricula, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, pursuing professional growth activities, service on district and/or college committees, and performing other duties consistent with the role of an instructor. Instructors also have the opportunity to participate in campus extra-curricular activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
2. Master's degree in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR

Bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy AND Master's degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics OR

The equivalent.

NOTE: Official Transcripts verifying qualifications will be REQUIRED prior to an offer of employment. Applicants who have international transcripts must obtain transcripts that are evaluated by an independent educational-equivalency evaluation company and obtain an English translation (if necessary). These services are to be done at the applicant's expense. Both Foothill De Anza CCD employees and external candidates must submit transcripts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate degree in astronomy or astrophysics
2. Recent independent college teaching experience in introductory astronomy
3. Knowledge of and ability to utilize a range of effective pedagogical practices
4. Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing with students, colleagues, and the public
5. Ability to teach and manage large classes of up to 130 students
6. Familiarity with current astronomy education research and how to apply such results to classroom practice
7. Experience teaching introductory astronomy laboratory courses
8. Interest in working with community organizations and local schools to promote science education
9. Ability to mentor and evaluate peers within the discipline.

In addition, successful candidates will demonstrate:

1. Enthusiasm for astronomy and for teaching
2. The ability to engage and support students taking astronomy for GE requirements
3. The ability to motivate and develop students' critical thinking.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

1. Indoor, office environment.

Physical Abilities:
(Applicants should perform these physical abilities with or without reasonable accommodations)

1. Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
2. Vision sufficient to read various materials.
3. Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform the tasks required of the position.
4. Regularly stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
5. Bending at waist, kneeling, or crouching.
6. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
7. Lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PACKET:

1. A District on-line application to be completed at http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/ *In the application, you will provide information, which demonstrates your understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
2. A cover letter, not to exceed two (2) pages, detailing your qualifications, skills, and abilities as they relate to the above list of qualifications. As Foothill College is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment, applicants are requested to specifically include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal.
3. A current resume of all work experience, formal education and training.
4. A required supplemental document listing all astronomy courses taught, with a brief description of each course, name of the institution, dates, numbers of students, and your role (instructor, TA, etc.)

If you wish to request equivalency for this position (if you believe you do not otherwise meet minimum qualifications via educational degree attainment as specified), you may submit the Request for Equivalency form. This form will need to be submitted with your application packet. You may either scan a hard copy of this form with your application packet or submit it as a Word document with your application packet. http://hr.fhda.edu/_downloads/Equivalency.pdf

If any required application materials are omitted, the committee will not review your application packet. Application materials not required (including reference letters) for this position will not be accepted. For full-consideration, all application packets must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date.

Please allow yourself ample time to complete your application and resolve any technical difficulties that may arise with your submission. We do not guarantee a response to application questions within 48 hours of the closing date. You may also visit our Applicant Information webpage to assist with technical difficulties at: http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/a-applicant-instructions.html

HIRING RANGE: $57,066.00 - $93,722.00 annually plus benefits; actual placement is based on applicant's verified education and experience.

For the complete Faculty Salary Schedule, go to:
http://hr.fhda.edu/_downloads/All%20Faculty%20Schedules_16-17.pdf

Excellent benefits package which includes medical coverage for employee and eligible dependents, dental, vision care, employee assistance program, long term disability, retirement benefits and basic life insurance. Other voluntary benefits are also available such as legal assistance, pet insurance, and long-term care. Faculty are also eligible for paid professional development leaves and stipends for educational and professional development.

For information on our benefits package that includes medical for employees and dependents, visit our web site: http://hr.fhda.edu/benefits/index.html

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Tenure-track, 10-months per year

STARTING DATE: Fall 2017

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Employment Services no later than the closing date of the announcement.

The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews. All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant.

For more information about our application process contact:
Employment Services
Foothill-De Anza Community College District
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, California 94022
(650) 949-6217
Email: employment@fhda.edu
http://hr.fhda.edu/

To apply, visit: http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/

jeid-5bfd28c626a83c458dca2fc799b08052