Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), located in Gresham, Oregon, is a vital educational institution serving the Portland metropolitan area. As a community college, it provides accessible higher education through associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. Jobs at Mt. Hood Community College attract educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about student success and community impact. The college employs over 500 full-time staff and numerous adjunct faculty, offering roles in teaching, administration, student services, and technical support.
Working at MHCC means contributing to an institution founded in 1965 that has educated more than a million students. With campuses in Gresham and Maywood Park, it emphasizes practical skills for local industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Positions range from full-time instructors to part-time adjuncts, with opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.
Mt. Hood Community College began as a vision to bring affordable education to East Multnomah County. Established in 1965, it opened its doors in 1970 with a focus on open access. Over the decades, MHCC has expanded its offerings, responding to regional needs such as semiconductor training during the 1980s tech boom and health sciences amid Oregon's growing medical sector. Today, it partners with four-year universities for transfer degrees, making jobs here integral to seamless student pathways.
The college's growth reflects Oregon's commitment to community colleges, with employment opportunities evolving from basic instruction to specialized roles in sustainability and digital media. Historical milestones include the 1995 opening of the state-of-the-art Health Professions Building, creating specialized faculty positions.
MHCC offers over 170 programs across seven divisions: Business Technologies, Health Sciences, Language, Literature & Performing Arts, Math, Science & Engineering, Social Sciences, and Visual & Media Arts. Jobs at Mt. Hood Community College often align with high-demand areas like nursing, welding, and computer information systems.
These departments frequently post openings for full-time tenure-track positions and adjunct roles, supporting both credit and non-credit courses.
Job opportunities at MHCC span faculty, staff, and executive roles. Faculty positions include full-time instructors and adjunct professors teaching in classrooms or online. Staff jobs cover counseling, IT support, and facilities management. For a full list of position types, visit university job types.
Community college jobs like those at MHCC emphasize teaching over research, with adjunct professor jobs being entry points for many. Explore community college jobs for similar opportunities across Oregon.
To secure jobs at Mt. Hood Community College, candidates need specific qualifications tailored to community college standards.
Required Academic Qualifications: Full-time faculty typically hold a master's degree in the discipline or a bachelor's plus professional experience equivalent to a master's. For example, nursing instructors require an MSN, while liberal arts roles accept M.A. degrees. PhD holders gain preference for leadership tracks.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Though teaching-focused, roles in science or grants require expertise in applied research, like lab-based experiments or industry partnerships. MHCC values practical research aligning with workforce needs, such as renewable energy studies.
Preferred Experience: Prior teaching at community colleges, publications in trade journals, or grant management. For instance, 3-5 years of industry experience is preferred for vocational instructors.
Skills and Competencies:
These ensure effective support for MHCC's 30,000+ annual students, 40% first-generation.
Adjunct Professor: A part-time instructor hired per course or term, without full-time benefits, common in community colleges for flexibility.
Tenure-Track Faculty: Full-time positions leading to permanent employment after probation, involving teaching, service, and scholarship.
Community College: Two-year public institutions offering affordable associate degrees and vocational training, like MHCC in Oregon.
Learning Management System (LMS): Online platforms such as Canvas used for course delivery and student interaction.
The application process starts at the MHCC Human Resources website. Steps include:
Actionable Tips:
Download a free cover letter template to strengthen your submission.
MHCC prioritizes diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan. Initiatives include:
These efforts create an inclusive workplace, with annual reports showing progress in hiring diverse staff.
MHCC fosters work-life balance with 22 vacation days, 12 sick days, and sabbaticals for faculty. Wellness programs include gym access, counseling, and flexible scheduling for adjuncts. Campus life in Gresham features beautiful views of Mt. Hood, events like cultural festivals, and proximity to Portland for urban amenities. Employees enjoy professional development via conferences and tuition waivers. The supportive culture, with low turnover, emphasizes collaboration and community engagement.
Jobs at Mt. Hood Community College offer rewarding opportunities in a dynamic Oregon setting. From faculty roles to administration, MHCC supports career growth amid diverse programs and inclusive culture. Explore more higher ed jobs, get career advice at higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with about us for further insights.
Reference employer branding secrets for attracting talent.
