Cascadia College, located in Bothell, Washington, stands as a beacon of innovative higher education in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1999, this public community college has grown into a hub for applied bachelor's degrees and associate programs, particularly in high-demand fields like computing, engineering, and climate science. Nestled adjacent to the University of Washington Bothell campus, Cascadia benefits from collaborative opportunities while maintaining its unique focus on sustainability—being the first community college in Washington to achieve LEED Gold certification for its buildings. For job seekers interested in community college jobs, Cascadia offers a supportive environment where educators and staff contribute to student success in a close-knit community of around 3,000 students.
Jobs at Cascadia College span faculty, administrative, and support roles, emphasizing hands-on teaching and real-world application over traditional research. Whether you're eyeing instructor positions in applied computing or administrative roles in student services, the college prioritizes candidates passionate about equity and innovation. This overview delves into the opportunities, requirements, and culture that make Cascadia a compelling choice for higher education careers.
Cascadia College opened its doors in 2000 after voters approved its formation in 1999 as part of Washington's community college system. From its inception, the institution committed to environmental stewardship, designing its campus with green technologies like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. Over the years, it expanded from associate degrees to bachelor's programs in areas such as Energy Systems Science and Sustainable Building Science Technology, responding to regional workforce needs in tech and green industries. Key milestones include launching its first Bachelor of Applied Science in 2015 and ongoing partnerships with local tech giants like Microsoft, which influence job opportunities in computing and data science.
This history shapes jobs at Cascadia College, fostering roles that blend education with practical innovation. Faculty often engage in grant-funded projects, like those supported by the National Science Foundation, highlighting the college's evolution into a leader in applied learning.
Cascadia College employs professionals across various categories, from tenure-track faculty to part-time adjuncts and administrative staff. Common positions include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, including how they differ at community colleges like Cascadia, explore available resources. Adjunct professor jobs are plentiful due to the college's flexible staffing model, ideal for those balancing multiple roles. Full-time faculty enjoy pathways to tenure, with emphasis on teaching excellence.
Securing jobs at Cascadia College demands specific credentials tailored to its teaching-oriented mission.
Required Academic Qualifications: Most faculty positions require at least a Master's degree in the relevant field (e.g., Master's in Computer Science for IT instructors). PhD holders are preferred for bachelor's-level programs like Climate Science, where advanced research aligns with curriculum development.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Unlike research universities, Cascadia prioritizes applied research. Expertise in sustainability, data analytics, or renewable energy is key, often demonstrated through industry projects rather than peer-reviewed publications.
Preferred Experience: Candidates with 3-5 years of community college teaching, publications in practitioner journals, or grants from bodies like the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges stand out. Industry experience, such as software development for tech roles, is highly valued.
Skills and Competencies:
These align with Cascadia's competency-based education model, preparing candidates for impactful contributions.
To ensure clarity for those new to higher education terminology:
The application process begins on Cascadia's careers portal, part of the Washington State community college system. Steps include:
Actionable tips: Customize your materials using a free resume template from AcademicJobs.com, quantifying achievements (e.g., 'Mentored 50+ students to 90% job placement'). Network at events like the Washington Community College Faculty Association conferences. Follow up post-submission, and review how to write a winning academic CV for edge. Applications are screened holistically, valuing alignment with Cascadia's mission.
Cascadia College champions diversity through structured programs. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council drives policies like bias training for hires and scholarships for underrepresented students. Specific examples include the Latinx Faculty/Staff Affinity Group and partnerships with organizations like the Asian Pacific American Community Center. In hiring, they use guided pathways ensuring diverse candidate pools, with goals for increasing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) representation in STEM faculty. These initiatives create an inclusive workplace, reflected in student demographics where over 40% identify as students of color.
Cascadia fosters work-life balance with state employee perks: comprehensive health coverage, 22 vacation days annually, and sabbaticals for faculty. Flexible scheduling accommodates teaching loads, and professional development funds support conferences. Campus life thrives on its 142-acre wooded site with trails, organic gardens, and wellness centers. Employees enjoy events like Earth Week celebrations and proximity to Bothell's vibrant downtown. The collegial atmosphere, small class sizes (average 25 students), and collaborative culture with UW Bothell reduce burnout, making it ideal for long-term careers. Remote options exist for some admin roles, aligning with modern remote higher ed jobs.
In summary, jobs at Cascadia College offer meaningful impact in a sustainable, innovative setting. From faculty roles shaping future tech leaders to admin positions driving operations, opportunities abound. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider post a job if recruiting. With Bothell's tech ecosystem, Cascadia positions you for growth. Check employer branding secrets for insights, or professor salaries for compensation details. Ready to join? Start your journey today.
