Kwantlen University College, located in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, is a prominent polytechnic institution known for its hands-on, career-focused education. Originally established in 1981 as a college serving the Fraser Valley region, it transitioned to polytechnic university status in 2008, emphasizing applied learning that bridges theory and practice. This unique approach makes it an attractive employer for professionals who thrive in teaching practical skills alongside academic rigor. Jobs at Kwantlen University College span faculty, research, administrative, and support roles, contributing to its mission of preparing students for the workforce through innovative programs in business, design, health, science, and trades.
The Surrey campus, the largest, hosts most programs and offers a vibrant environment with state-of-the-art labs, studios, and co-op opportunities. As part of British Columbia's higher education landscape, KPU attracts talent interested in Surrey academic jobs, where the growing tech and health sectors align with university initiatives. Whether you're a lecturer passionate about student success or an administrator streamlining operations, opportunities here support Canada's diverse academic ecosystem.
Kwantlen University College traces its roots to the 1980s when it split from Langara College to serve the rapidly expanding Lower Mainland. Named after the Kwantlen First Nation, it honors Indigenous heritage central to the region. By the 1990s, it had grown into a multi-campus college offering diplomas and associate degrees. The pivotal 2008 upgrade to polytechnic status allowed bachelor's degrees, positioning it as one of Canada's leading applied universities. Today, with over 20,000 students across five campuses, KPU drives economic development through partnerships with industry leaders like BC Hydro and local tech firms.
This evolution has shaped its job market, prioritizing instructors with real-world experience over traditional PhDs alone. Historical milestones include launching Canada's first Bachelor of Horticulture in 2003 and expanding health sciences amid BC's aging population. For job seekers, understanding this history reveals a commitment to practical innovation, making roles here ideal for those eyeing long-term careers in higher ed jobs.
KPU's schools—Arts and Sciences, Business, Health, Science and Horticulture, Design and Technology, and Trades—drive hiring needs. The School of Business seeks faculty for accounting and marketing, while Health hires nursing instructors amid BC's healthcare demands. Design roles emphasize portfolio-based teaching in graphic and fashion design, and Trades needs skilled tradespeople for apprenticeship programs.
Science and Horticulture, unique for its sustainable agriculture focus, recruits for labs researching urban farming. These departments reflect KPU's polytechnic model, blending classroom and workplace training. Current openings often include sessional instructors for high-enrollment courses and tenure-track positions in emerging fields like cybersecurity.
Jobs at Kwantlen University College include tenure-track professors, limited-term lecturers, research assistants, lab coordinators, and administrative positions like program managers. Faculty roles focus on teaching loads of 8-10 courses yearly, with service and scholarship expectations lighter than research universities. Support staff handle student services, IT, and facilities.
For an overview of university job types, positions here suit career changers from industry. Postdocs are rare but available in grant-funded projects, while adjunct professor jobs offer flexibility. Explore lecturer jobs or professor jobs tailored to applied education.
To understand jobs at Kwantlen University College, key terms include:
Faculty jobs typically require a master's degree minimum; PhD preferred for tenure-track in sciences. Research focus aligns with applied areas like sustainable agriculture (e.g., urban beekeeping projects) or health tech. Preferred experience includes industry tenure (5+ years), publications in trade journals, and grants from Mitacs or BC Knowledge Development Fund.
Skills and competencies emphasize pedagogy: curriculum design, student mentoring, and inclusive teaching. Tech proficiency (e.g., D2L Brightspace LMS) is essential. Admin roles need HR expertise or financial management. For research assistants, stats software like R or SPSS and lab safety certifications are key. KPU values competencies like intercultural competence for its diverse student body (40% international).
Apply via KPU's online portal at kwantlen.ca/hr. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter addressing teaching philosophy, three references, and teaching dossier. Interviews include demo lessons; unionized faculty (KFA) negotiate collectively.
Pro tip: Highlight co-op coordination experience, as KPU leads in experiential learning.
KPU champions EDI through its Equity Action Plan, targeting underrepresented groups. Initiatives include the Indigenous Education Department with cultural safety training, Women in Trades programs, and PRIDE network for LGBTQ+ staff. Hiring prioritizes qualified diverse candidates per BC Human Rights Code. Accessibility services support disabled employees, and anti-racism workshops are mandatory. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from equity-deserving groups, exceeding provincial averages.
KPU fosters balance with 35-hour weeks, summer teaching options for extra pay, and wellness programs like free gym access and EAP counseling. Surrey campus features green roofs, art installations, and Tim Hortons hubs. Faculty sabbaticals every 5 years allow recharging. Proximity to Vancouver (45 min SkyTrain) aids commuting, while Cloverdale campus offers rural tranquility. Events like International Education Week build community. Unions ensure fair pay (avg. instructor salary CAD 90k-120k) and parental leave.
Ready for jobs at Kwantlen University College? Browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice. Institutions post openings on AcademicJobs.com—post a job if recruiting. For BC focus, check British Columbia university jobs. Related reads: employer branding secrets and strategic tree planting in Canada, tying to KPU's sustainability.
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