Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC), located in the coastal city of Coos Bay, Oregon, serves as a vital hub for higher education in the region. Established to provide accessible associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training, SWOCC attracts professionals passionate about teaching and supporting community college students. Jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, offering opportunities to contribute to student success in a supportive environment. With campuses in Coos Bay, Brookings, and Gold Beach, the college emphasizes practical education in fields like healthcare, trades, and liberal arts.
The institution enrolls over 5,000 students annually, many first-generation or from rural backgrounds. Careers here focus on hands-on teaching rather than research-intensive roles typical of four-year universities. Whether you're an experienced instructor or seeking entry into higher ed jobs, SWOCC provides a welcoming entry point into community college employment in the United States.
Founded in 1961 as Southwestern Oregon Regional Community College, SWOCC has grown from a small extension center to a comprehensive community college. It was renamed in 1987 to reflect its expanded role. Over the decades, it has adapted to local needs, adding programs in aquaculture, nursing, and renewable energy to support Oregon's coastal economy. Key milestones include the 1991 opening of the main Coos Bay campus and partnerships with Oregon State University for transfer pathways. Today, jobs at the college reflect this evolution, with roles in innovative programs like marine science and emergency medical services.
The college's commitment to affordability and accessibility makes it a leader in open-access education, influencing hiring practices that prioritize diverse educators who understand rural and coastal challenges.
SWOCC offers over 100 programs, driving demand for specialized faculty. Popular departments include Allied Health (nursing, EMT), Trades (welding, automotive), Business, and Liberal Arts. For example, the nursing program requires instructors with RN licensure and teaching experience. Workforce training in fisheries technology seeks experts in aquaculture.
These programs align with Oregon's job market, making positions at SWOCC rewarding for those passionate about community college jobs.
Job categories at Southwestern Oregon Community College include full-time tenured faculty, adjunct instructors, executive administration, and classified staff. Faculty teach 15-20 credits per term, advise students, and develop curriculum. Admin roles like dean of instruction or HR director oversee operations. Support positions cover maintenance, IT, and library services. For more on types of positions available, explore common higher ed roles tailored to community colleges.
Current openings often feature part-time adjuncts in high-enrollment classes, transitioning to full-time with performance.
To understand jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College, minimum qualifications follow community college standards. Full-time instructors need a master's degree in the discipline or 24 upper-division credits in the field. Vocational roles accept bachelor's plus three years industry experience or equivalent certifications. Examples:
PhD holders gain preference for leadership roles. Oregon requires background checks and cultural competency training.
While SWOCC prioritizes teaching, expertise in applied research supports grants. Faculty in science programs contribute to coastal ecology studies or workforce assessments. Preferred: Experience with SBIR grants or partnerships with NOAA for marine research. For broader options, see research assistant jobs.
Employers seek candidates with 3-5 years teaching, publications in community college journals, or grant funding. Local knowledge of Coos Bay's economy (fishing, timber) is advantageous. Examples: Prior adjunct work, curriculum development, or advising diverse students.
Essential skills include student-centered teaching, online instruction proficiency (Canvas LMS), cultural humility, and data-driven assessment. Competencies: Collaboration, adaptability to hybrid models, grant writing. Soft skills like empathy aid in supporting non-traditional students.
To apply for jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College, visit their careers page at swocc.edu/hr. Submit via NeoGov portal with:
Tips: Use action verbs, quantify achievements (e.g., "Taught 200 students/year"), network at Oregon community college conferences. Proofread, follow up in 2 weeks. Read how to write a winning academic CV for edge. Customize for coastal focus.
SWOCC champions equity through the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Council, mandatory bias training, and Latinx Success Coach. They recruit via HERC and partner with Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw Indians. 40% students are first-gen; initiatives include pronouns policy and accessibility audits. Hiring emphasizes diverse candidates.
SWOCC promotes balance with flexible schedules, 12-week terms, generous PTO (20+ days/year), and wellness programs. Campus life in Coos Bay offers ocean trails, farmer's markets, low cost of living ($1,200/month rent). Events: Faculty mixers, cultural festivals. Remote work hybrid for some admin. Family-friendly with childcare discounts.
Jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College offer meaningful impact in Oregon's coastal community. From faculty to admin, roles suit passionate educators. Explore higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Employer branding helps attract talent; see employer branding secrets. Start your journey today.
