Centralia College, located in Centralia, Washington, is a public community college serving over 3,000 students annually with affordable education and workforce training. Established in 1925, it has grown into a vital institution in Lewis County, offering associate degrees, certificates, and select bachelor's programs through partnerships. Jobs at Centralia College span teaching, administration, and support roles, attracting professionals passionate about student success in a close-knit community setting. Whether you're seeking faculty positions or staff opportunities, the college emphasizes practical skills and regional needs like healthcare and manufacturing.
The institution's commitment to open-access education means roles often involve diverse student populations, from recent high school graduates to adult learners returning for career advancement. Current openings frequently include instructors in high-demand fields, reflecting Washington's economy. For a broader look at positions across institutions, explore university job types.
Founded as Centralia Junior College in 1925 amid the growth of Washington's public education system, Centralia College transitioned to a full community college in the 1940s. Today, its mission centers on student-centered learning, equity, and community partnerships, shaping job responsibilities. Faculty and staff contribute to initiatives like dual enrollment with local high schools and applied bachelor's in fields like cybersecurity.
This history fosters a collaborative culture where employees engage in program development, such as expanding Allied Health offerings post-COVID. Long-term staff often highlight the stability and impact on local economic development, with the college anchoring Centralia's revitalization efforts.
Centralia College's programs drive job opportunities. Core divisions include Arts and Humanities, Business and Computer Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), and Professional-Technical fields. Nursing and welding programs are standouts, with state-of-the-art facilities demanding skilled instructors.
Jobs here focus on hands-on teaching, with faculty loads around 15 credits per quarter. Administrative roles support enrollment management and grant-funded projects, like those from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).
Common jobs at Centralia College include full-time tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, counselors, librarians, and administrators. Faculty roles dominate, teaching 5-class loads with advising duties. Adjuncts provide flexibility, often leading to full-time offers. Staff positions in IT, HR, and facilities ensure smooth operations on the 120-acre campus.
Remote higher ed jobs are limited but growing in online instruction. Community college jobs emphasize accessibility, differing from research universities. Learn more about community college jobs or adjunct professor jobs.
For instructor roles at Centralia College, a master's degree in the teaching field is standard per SBCTC guidelines; PhDs are preferred for transfer programs like sciences. Vocational positions require industry credentials, such as Registered Nurse (RN) licensure for nursing faculty.
Though teaching-focused, expertise in applied research supports grants, e.g., in environmental science aligning with Washington's green initiatives. STEM roles value hands-on lab experience.
Prior community college teaching, publications in trade journals, and grant management are assets. Five years industry experience is common for technical roles.
Key skills include curriculum development, student engagement via active learning, cultural competency, and tech proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS). Soft skills like adaptability suit diverse classrooms.
| Role Type | Key Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Faculty Instructor | Master's+, teaching exp. |
| Adjunct | Bachelor's+, subject expertise |
| Admin | Bachelor's, higher ed exp. |
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer paths, emphasizing affordability and workforce training, unlike four-year universities focused on research.
Tenure-Track Faculty: Positions leading to permanent employment after probation, with academic freedom and job security based on performance reviews.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructors hired per course, providing flexibility but often without benefits.
SBCTC: Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, overseeing standards and funding.
Applications for jobs at Centralia College go through their online portal at centralia.edu/hr. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and teaching philosophy. The process includes screening, interviews, and demo lessons.
For advice, see how to write a winning academic CV or employer branding secrets.
Centralia College prioritizes equity through the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council, offering Latinx faculty fellowships and Black Student Union support. TRIO programs aid first-generation students, while staff training addresses implicit bias. Recent hires reflect commitment to underrepresented groups, with goals for 20% diverse faculty by 2025.
In Centralia, a town of 17,000 near Olympic National Park, employees enjoy low cost-of-living and outdoor access. Faculty benefit from quarter systems with summers off, sabbaticals, and wellness centers. Professional development includes SBCTC conferences. Campus features modern labs, a gym, and events like Trailblazers Day, fostering community. Flexible hours and remote options post-pandemic enhance balance.
With competitive salaries ($65K+ starting for faculty), state benefits, and impact on rural Washington, Centralia College offers rewarding careers. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.
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