California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, commonly known as Cal Poly Pomona or Cal Poly, stands as a premier public polytechnic university in the California State University (CSU) system. Located in Pomona, California, it emphasizes the philosophy of 'Learn by Doing,' integrating hands-on experiences into every aspect of education and research. For job seekers interested in higher education careers, jobs at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona offer unique opportunities to contribute to innovative teaching, applied research, and community engagement on a sprawling 1,438-acre campus that includes working farms, demonstration forests, and state-of-the-art labs.
The university employs thousands across faculty, staff, and administrative roles, serving a diverse student body of over 28,000 undergraduates and graduates. Positions range from tenure-track professors in engineering and agriculture to support staff in student services. Salaries are competitive within the CSU system, with full-time faculty averaging around $100,000 annually, depending on rank and discipline. Pomona's strategic location in the Inland Empire, just 30 miles east of Los Angeles, provides access to urban opportunities while maintaining a suburban, green environment ideal for focused academic work.
Whether you're a PhD holder eyeing faculty jobs or a professional seeking administrative roles, Cal Poly Pomona prioritizes candidates who thrive in practical, collaborative settings. Explore higher ed jobs to see current listings tailored to polytechnic environments.
Established in 1938 as the Voorhis School for Boys under the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the institution evolved into California State Polytechnic College, Kellogg-Voorhis, before becoming California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1966. This growth mirrored California's post-WWII expansion in technical education, focusing on agriculture, engineering, and vocational training. Today, it boasts six colleges: Agriculture, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Design, Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, and Science.
The history of jobs at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona reflects its polytechnic roots. Early faculty were pioneers in experiential learning, developing programs like the nation's largest public university farm. Modern employment emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with roles supporting initiatives in sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and urban planning. The university's evolution has created stable career paths, with many employees advancing through ranks amid consistent state funding and private partnerships.
Understanding this background helps applicants align their experience with Cal Poly Pomona's legacy. Long-term employees often cite the campus's agricultural heritage as a draw, offering rare opportunities like teaching horseback riding or managing livestock operations alongside traditional lectures.
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Jobs at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona demand specific academic and professional credentials tailored to its applied focus. For faculty roles, a PhD (or equivalent terminal degree) in the relevant field is standard—such as a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering for the College of Engineering. Research focus often aligns with university strengths: sustainable agriculture in the College of Agriculture, where expertise in precision farming or food science is prized, or civil engineering with emphasis on seismic design given California's geography.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ for assistant professor level), securing grants (e.g., NSF or USDA funding), and teaching portfolios demonstrating student engagement. Skills and competencies encompass strong communication for large classes (up to 200 students), proficiency in tools like MATLAB or AutoCAD, and commitment to inclusive pedagogy. Administrative jobs may require a master's in higher education administration plus 5 years in student affairs or HR.
Staff positions in research labs seek bachelor's holders with lab safety certifications and data analysis skills. Check research jobs for specialized needs. Overall, Cal Poly Pomona values candidates who bridge theory and practice, often requiring demonstration videos or project portfolios during interviews.
The application process for jobs at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona begins with monitoring the official careers site and platforms like university jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit via PageUp or similar portals: a tailored cover letter (1-2 pages), academic CV, statement of teaching philosophy (emphasizing hands-on methods), research agenda, and diversity statement. References are contacted post-initial review.
Timeline: Postings open year-round, with faculty searches peaking in fall for August starts. Tips for success:
Interviews include campus visits with colloquia. Rejection rates are high (10-20 applicants per slot), so persistence pays off. Review employer branding secrets to understand institutional priorities.
Cal Poly Pomona leads as an HSI and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), with 52% Latinx and 3% Black undergraduates. Hiring initiatives include the President's Commission on Inclusive Excellence, mandating diversity training for search committees, and targeted recruitment via partnerships with HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities).
Specific examples: The Advancing Diversity in Engineering program supports underrepresented faculty; mentorship pairs new hires with senior diverse leaders; and affinity groups like the Black Faculty & Staff Association foster community. In 2023, 40% of new hires were from underrepresented groups, exceeding CSU averages. These efforts ensure equitable opportunities, with resources like bias training and flexible evaluations for caregiving responsibilities.
Working at Cal Poly Pomona balances rigorous academics with vibrant campus life on its expansive grounds featuring 20+ farms, equestrian center, and Bronco Student Center. Flexible schedules allow faculty release time for research, with summers often lighter. CSU benefits include 24 vacation days, sabbaticals every 6 years, and family leave.
Pomona's location offers LA cultural access, beaches, and mountains, plus on-campus perks like free gym, pools, and organic farm produce. Events such as Farm Fest and cultural celebrations enhance community. Employees report high satisfaction (4.2/5 on Glassdoor), citing supportive colleagues and sunny 280+ annual days. Remote options exist for admin roles, though faculty prioritize in-person labs. Proximity to Ontario Airport eases travel for conferences.
For lecturers, see become a university lecturer insights applicable here.
Common roles include assistant/associate professors (professor jobs), lecturers, postdocs (postdoc jobs), research assistants, and admin like deans or HR specialists. Visit university job types for breakdowns. Growth paths: Tenure in 5-7 years, promotions via merit increases (3-5% annually), and leadership tracks to department chairs.
Professional development funds ($2,000/year) support conferences, with unions ensuring fair pay scales.
In summary, jobs at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona blend innovation, impact, and stability. From shaping future engineers on real-world projects to advancing agrotech research, careers here fulfill the polytechnic promise. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider recruitment services. For Pomona-specific searches, check Pomona listings or California opportunities. Ready to apply? Start today.
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