The Kern Community College District (KCCD) serves as the governing body for three prominent community colleges in California's Central Valley: Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College, and Porterville College. Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, KCCD plays a vital role in higher education by providing accessible, affordable education to over 40,000 students annually across Kern, Inyo, and Tulare counties. Established to meet the growing demand for workforce training and transfer programs, KCCD emphasizes student success, equity, and community partnership.
Jobs at Kern Community College District attract educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about community college missions. These positions contribute to associate degrees, certificates, and pathways to four-year universities. With a focus on vocational programs like nursing, welding, and aviation at Cerro Coso, alongside liberal arts at Bakersfield College, KCCD offers diverse career paths in higher education.
KCCD traces its roots to 1913 with the founding of Bakersfield Junior College, now Bakersfield College, amid Kern County's oil boom. Porterville College joined in 1927, and Cerro Coso Community College in 1973 to serve rural Eastern Sierra regions. The district formed officially in 1981 to coordinate operations. Over decades, KCCD has navigated funding challenges, expanded online learning, and achieved Hispanic-Serving Institution status, reflecting demographic shifts in its service area.
This evolution shapes jobs at KCCD, prioritizing leaders experienced in enrollment management amid California's demographic cliff. Historical commitment to open access influences hiring for roles supporting first-generation students.
KCCD's colleges offer over 100 degree and certificate programs, from Allied Health to Business Administration. Bakersfield College excels in athletics and performing arts, while Cerro Coso specializes in wildland fire technology and renewable energy. These programs drive demand for specialized faculty and staff.
Career opportunities span instruction in STEM, humanities, and career technical education (CTE). Administrative jobs support accreditation, grant management, and student equity plans. Understanding these programs is key for applicants, as positions often require alignment with guided pathways initiatives.
Jobs at Kern Community College District include full-time tenure-track faculty, part-time adjuncts, classified staff, confidential roles, and management positions. Faculty teach 15 units per semester, advise students, and participate in curriculum development. Administrative jobs cover deans, directors, and HR specialists. Support roles like counselors and technicians are essential for campus operations.
For more on types of positions available, explore our detailed guide. Community college jobs emphasize teaching over research, distinguishing them from universities.
To aid understanding of jobs at Kern Community College District, here are key terms:
For faculty jobs at KCCD, minimum qualifications follow California's Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges handbook. Most require a master's degree in the teaching field; vocational roles accept bachelor's plus professional experience. PhDs are preferred for transfer-level courses but not mandatory.
Research focus is applied, supporting grants in workforce development or student equity. Preferred experience includes publications in teaching journals, grant writing, or industry expertise. Key skills encompass curriculum design, student engagement techniques, data-driven assessment, and cultural competency. Competencies like online teaching proficiency (using Canvas) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) training are highly valued.
| Role Type | Qualifications | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | Master's degree | Pedagogy, advising |
| Admin | Advanced degree + experience | Leadership, budgeting |
| Staff | AA/AS or equivalent | Technical, service-oriented |
The application process for jobs at KCCD begins on their Human Resources website, where postings list required documents: cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and diversity statement. Submit via NeoGov platform. Screening involves committee review, interviews, and teaching demonstrations.
Given competitive pools, highlight community college experience. Use free resume templates tailored for higher ed.
KCCD champions diversity through its Student Equity and Achievement Program, targeting gaps for Latinx, Black, and low-income students. Initiatives include bias training, employee resource groups, and inclusive hiring. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, over 60% of students are Hispanic. Recent efforts feature mentorship for underrepresented faculty and partnerships with local tribes for Native American outreach.
Work-life balance at KCCD is supported by 36-hour workweeks for classified staff, flexible faculty schedules, and sabbaticals. Benefits include 22 vacation days, 13 holidays, and CalSTRS retirement. Campuses foster community via events like cultural fairs at Bakersfield College and outdoor activities at Cerro Coso's Eastern Sierra locations. Employee wellness programs address mental health, with access to gyms and counseling. Bakersfield's sunny climate and proximity to Sequoia National Park enhance lifestyle.
Facing enrollment challenges like the demographic cliff, KCCD prioritizes marketing and dual enrollment. Funding issues, as in community college funding crises, influence hiring freezes but create needs for efficient administrators. Opportunities arise in growing CTE sectors like healthcare.
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