Working at Douglas College, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Douglas College

Douglas College, located in New Westminster and Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, is one of the largest public colleges in the province. Founded in 1970, it serves over 25,000 students annually through credit and non-credit programs. The college emphasizes accessible higher education, offering university-transfer pathways, diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees in fields like arts and sciences, business, health sciences, child and family studies, and applied community studies. Jobs at Douglas College span teaching, administrative, and support roles, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about community college education.

As a teaching-intensive institution, Douglas College prioritizes student success and practical skills development. Its campuses feature modern facilities, including labs, libraries, and community hubs, fostering a collaborative environment. Careers here appeal to educators seeking impactful roles without the heavy research demands of universities.

History of Douglas College

Douglas College traces its roots to the 1960s demand for post-secondary education in British Columbia. Established in 1970 as part of the province's college system, it was named after Sir James Douglas, a key figure in BC's history. Initially located in New Westminster, it expanded to Coquitlam in 1993 with the opening of the Coquitlam campus. Over the decades, the college has grown from a small institution to a leader in vocational and transfer programs, adapting to regional needs like health care training and Indigenous education.

Key milestones include the launch of its first university-transfer program in 1978, expansion of health sciences in the 1990s, and commitment to sustainability initiatives in recent years. Today, Douglas College employs over 1,000 staff and faculty, contributing to BC's economy and serving diverse communities in the Lower Mainland.

Types of Jobs at Douglas College

Douglas College offers diverse employment opportunities tailored to its community college model. Common positions include:

• Instructor roles in academic departments like nursing, computing, and psychology.
• Administrative positions in student services, HR, and finance.
• Support staff in counseling, library, and facilities management.
• Leadership roles such as department chairs and deans.

For more on types of positions available, visit our guide to university job types. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for listings.

Definitions

To understand jobs at Douglas College, here are key terms defined:

• Instructor: A faculty member responsible for teaching courses, developing curriculum, and assessing student learning, typically holding a master's degree.
• University Transfer (UT) Program: Courses designed for seamless credit transfer to BC universities, a core offering at teaching colleges like Douglas.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Policies ensuring fair representation and support for underrepresented groups in hiring and campus culture.
• Sessional Instructor: Part-time or contract faculty teaching specific courses on a term basis.
• Collective Agreement: Union-negotiated contract outlining terms for faculty and staff, including salaries and benefits at Douglas College.

Required Academic Qualifications

Jobs at Douglas College require specific credentials based on the role. Faculty instructors generally need a master's degree in the relevant field, with PhDs preferred for senior positions or those involving advanced topics. For vocational programs like trades or health sciences, professional certifications (e.g., RN for nursing instructors) or industry experience substitute for advanced degrees. Administrative roles often demand bachelor's degrees plus specialized training, such as in human resources or IT. All positions emphasize qualifications aligned with BC's post-secondary standards.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Unlike research universities, Douglas College focuses on applied teaching and scholarship of teaching and learning. Expertise in pedagogical innovation, curriculum development, and community-engaged research is valued. Faculty may contribute to applied research centers like the Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies, emphasizing practical outcomes over high-impact publications. Roles in health or business require industry-specific knowledge, such as current practices in nursing or digital marketing.

Preferred Experience

Preferred candidates bring 3-5 years of post-secondary teaching, publications in teaching journals, grant experience from provincial bodies, and involvement in professional associations. For example, prior work at BC colleges or community engagement projects strengthens applications. Leadership in program accreditation or student success initiatives is highly regarded. Read our advice on how to write a winning academic CV.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills for Douglas College jobs include:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for diverse classrooms.
• Proficiency in learning management systems like D2L Brightspace.
• Cultural safety training for working with Indigenous and international students.
• Data-driven decision-making for program improvement.
• Adaptability to hybrid teaching models post-pandemic.

Competencies like teamwork and innovation support the college's student-centered mission.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process starts on Douglas College's careers website, where postings detail requirements. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, and references. Tips include:

• Customize documents to the job description, using keywords like 'student success'.
• Highlight BC-specific experience.
• Prepare for interviews with teaching demonstrations.
• Follow up post-submission.

Use our free cover letter template. Network via higher ed career advice.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Douglas College champions diversity through its Equity Action Plan, targeting Indigenous hiring, gender equity, and support for racialized faculty. Initiatives include the Indigenous Education and Community Engagement department, accessibility services, and anti-racism training. In 2022, they launched scholarships for underrepresented students and bias-free hiring practices, fostering an inclusive environment reflective of Metro Vancouver's demographics.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Douglas College supports work-life balance with 35-hour workweeks for staff, generous vacation, parental leave, and employee assistance programs. Campuses offer gyms, cafes, and green spaces. Faculty enjoy professional development funds and sabbaticals every seven years. The vibrant community includes events, clubs, and proximity to Vancouver, blending professional growth with personal well-being.

Why Choose Jobs at Douglas College?

Joining Douglas College means contributing to accessible education in Canada. With competitive salaries (instructors ~$70,000-$110,000 CAD), benefits, and growth opportunities, it's ideal for career-focused professionals. Check higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice for more. Post your opening at post a job or explore postdoc roles and community college jobs.