Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), located in The Dalles, Oregon, serves as a vital educational hub in the scenic Columbia Gorge region of the United States. Established in 1965, CGCC has grown into a comprehensive community college offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs to over 3,000 students annually across campuses in The Dalles and Hood River. The college emphasizes accessible education, preparing students for transfer to four-year universities or direct entry into the local job market. Jobs at Columbia Gorge Community College attract educators and professionals passionate about community-focused higher education, particularly in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business.
The institution's commitment to student success is reflected in its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, making it an appealing workplace for those seeking meaningful impact. With a student body diverse in age, background, and goals, CGCC fosters an inclusive environment where employees contribute to regional economic development. For those exploring community college jobs, CGCC exemplifies the blend of teaching excellence and practical training.
Founded as a response to the educational needs of rural Oregon communities, Columbia Gorge Community College began operations in temporary facilities before establishing its permanent campus in The Dalles. Over the decades, it expanded to Hood River to better serve the bi-state region bordering Washington. The college's mission centers on providing affordable, high-quality education that promotes equity and lifelong learning, aligning with Oregon's community college system goals.
Key milestones include the launch of its nursing program in the 1980s, which remains a flagship offering, and recent investments in online learning and STEM facilities. This evolution has created steady demand for faculty and staff jobs, supporting initiatives like dual enrollment for high school students and customized industry training. Understanding this history helps prospective employees appreciate CGCC's role in bridging education and local employment opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and technology sectors of the Columbia Gorge.
CGCC's curriculum spans transfer degrees in arts, sciences, and business, alongside career-technical programs in allied health, welding technology, early childhood education, and computer information systems. The College of Business and Computer Science, Health Professions, and Trades and Technical Skills departments frequently post openings for instructors with hands-on expertise.
For instance, the Practical Nursing program requires faculty versed in clinical practices, while the Manufacturing and Welding Technology center seeks experts in fabrication processes. These programs influence job availability, with adjunct positions filling seasonal needs and full-time roles supporting ongoing curriculum development. Explore university job types to see how these align with broader academic roles.
Jobs at Columbia Gorge Community College encompass faculty, administrative, and support positions. Full-time faculty teach core courses and advise students, adjunct instructors handle part-time loads, and staff roles include counselors, librarians, and IT specialists. Administrative jobs like dean of instruction or HR coordinator oversee operations.
Remote higher ed jobs are emerging, particularly in online instruction. Salaries are competitive for Oregon community colleges, with benefits including retirement plans and professional development funds. Positions emphasize teaching over research, ideal for educators prioritizing pedagogy.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities, focusing on accessible education for diverse learners. Adjunct Instructor: Part-time faculty member hired per course or term, without full-time benefits. Workforce Training: Short-term programs designed to equip students with skills for immediate employment in local industries.
Required academic qualifications for faculty jobs at CGCC typically include a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) in the relevant field for academic transfers, or a bachelor's degree plus five years of professional experience for vocational roles. PhD holders are preferred for leadership positions but not mandatory given the teaching focus.
Research focus is minimal; instead, expertise in applied projects like grant-funded workforce initiatives is valued. Preferred experience encompasses prior community college teaching, curriculum development, and industry certifications (e.g., RN license for nursing faculty). Publications or grants enhance applications but are secondary to classroom success.
Essential skills and competencies include strong communication, cultural competency for diverse students, proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas, and adaptability to hybrid teaching. Competencies in student engagement, assessment design, and collaboration with local employers set candidates apart.
The application process for jobs at Columbia Gorge Community College begins with monitoring the college's careers page or higher ed jobs listings on platforms like AcademicJobs.com. Submit via the online portal: cover letter, resume/CV, transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations.
Tip: Use our free resume template and free cover letter template to stand out. Networking at Oregon Community College Association events can provide edges.
CGCC actively advances diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan, including mandatory bias training for hires, Latinx achievement programs, and partnerships with tribal nations like the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. The college tracks hiring demographics and offers scholarships for underrepresented groups. Employee resource groups support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC staff, fostering a welcoming environment reflective of the Gorge's multicultural population.
Work-life balance at CGCC benefits from a rural setting with campuses overlooking the Columbia River, offering outdoor activities like hiking and windsurfing. Flexible schedules, summer breaks for faculty, and wellness programs including gym access promote well-being. Campus life includes cultural events, wine tastings tied to local vineyards, and community barbecues. Professional development via sabbaticals and conferences supports growth without burnout. Proximity to Portland provides urban access while maintaining a small-town feel.
Pursuing jobs at Columbia Gorge Community College means joining a tight-knit team dedicated to transformative education in one of Oregon's most beautiful regions. With steady growth in enrollment and programs, opportunities abound for career advancement. For more career advice, visit higher ed career advice, explore university jobs, or check higher ed jobs. Employers can post a job to attract talent.
Recent expansions in healthcare training signal more openings ahead. Relevant reads: employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer.
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