Clark College, located in Vancouver, Washington, stands as one of the premier community colleges in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1933, it has grown into the largest community college in the state by enrollment, serving over 11,000 students annually across its main campus and satellite locations. Nestled near the Columbia River and just minutes from Portland, Oregon, Clark College offers associate degrees, certificates, and select bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields like nursing, computer science, welding, and culinary arts. Jobs at Clark College attract educators and professionals passionate about accessible higher education, workforce development, and student success.
The institution's penguin mascot, the Clark Penguin, symbolizes its approachable and resilient spirit. With a focus on transfer pathways to universities and vocational training, Clark bridges the gap between high school and careers or further study. For those eyeing faculty or administrative roles, understanding this mission is key—positions emphasize practical teaching, equity, and community engagement over traditional research output found in four-year universities.
Explore broader community college jobs to see how Clark fits into the landscape of accessible higher education opportunities.
Jobs at Clark College span teaching, administration, and support roles tailored to a teaching-focused environment. Full-time faculty positions, often called instructors, lead departments in areas like health sciences, business technology, and visual arts. These roles involve developing curricula, advising students, and participating in shared governance.
Adjunct professors—part-time instructors—form the backbone of flexible scheduling, teaching everything from introductory English to advanced cybersecurity. Administrative jobs include deans, directors of student services, and HR specialists, while staff positions cover IT support, library services, and facilities management. For a deeper dive into university job types, including those common at community colleges like Clark, visit our resource page.
Current openings frequently feature nursing instructors requiring RN licensure, welding faculty with industry certifications, and counselors supporting diverse student populations. Salaries for full-time faculty start around $65,000, rising with experience to over $95,000, per public records.
Securing jobs at Clark College demands credentials aligned with community college standards. Most faculty positions require a master's degree in the teaching field (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing for health instructors). PhD holders gain preference for leadership tracks, though not mandatory given the teaching emphasis.
Research focus leans applied: grants for workforce projects, like those in sustainable manufacturing or STEM equity. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching or industry work, publications in trade journals, or grant management. For instance, IT faculty often need Cisco certifications alongside degrees.
Key skills and competencies encompass:
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To clarify key terms for jobs at Clark College:
Applying for jobs at Clark College starts on their official careers site, listing openings with detailed postings. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references electronically. The process includes screening, interviews (often with teaching demos), and background checks, spanning 4-8 weeks.
Actionable tips:
Leverage resources like free resume templates and cover letter templates for higher ed applications. Review employer branding secrets to understand institutional culture.
Clark College champions diversity through its Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), established to foster belonging. Initiatives include mandatory bias training, recruitment pipelines for underrepresented faculty (e.g., BIPOC in STEM), and the Penguin Promise program aiding low-income students—mirroring hiring equity.
Specific examples: Latinx Faculty Fellowship, partnerships with tribal colleges, and annual DEI summits. In 2023, 40% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding state averages. Employees engage in affinity groups and inclusive pedagogy workshops, aligning with Washington's affirmative action policies.
Clark College prioritizes employee wellness with flexible schedules, especially for adjuncts teaching 1-3 classes per quarter. Full-time faculty enjoy 10-month contracts, sabbaticals after six years, and generous leave (20+ vacation days). Benefits encompass medical/dental, WA State retirement, and tuition remission for staff/dependents.
Campus life buzzes with events: Penguin Palooza, cultural festivals, and hiking trails nearby. Proximity to Vancouver Lake and Mt. Hood offers outdoor escapes. Professional development includes conference funding ($2,000/year) and wellness stipends. Remote-hybrid options post-pandemic support balance, with low turnover reflecting satisfaction.
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Jobs at Clark College offer meaningful impact in a supportive environment. Whether faculty, admin, or staff, opportunities abound for growth. Browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect. Start your journey today.
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