Wharton County Junior College (WCJC), located in Wharton, Texas, is a public community college founded in 1946. Serving over 6,000 students annually across its campuses in Wharton, Richmond, Bay City, and Sugar Land, WCJC plays a vital role in higher education in the Texas Gulf Coast region. As a community college, it emphasizes affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in fields like nursing, welding, process technology, and liberal arts. Jobs at Wharton County Junior College attract educators and professionals passionate about student success in a supportive, student-centered environment.
The institution's commitment to open-access education means faculty and staff focus on teaching diverse student populations, including first-generation college attendees and adult learners. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 17:1, positions offer direct impact on learning outcomes. Explore community college jobs to see how WCJC fits into broader opportunities.
Established post-World War II to meet local workforce needs, WCJC has grown from a single campus to a multi-location network. Its mission centers on providing quality, accessible education for transfer to four-year universities or direct workforce entry. This history shapes jobs at the college, prioritizing practical skills and community engagement over research-intensive roles typical at universities.
Over 75 years, WCJC has adapted to regional demands, such as energy sector training due to proximity to oil and gas industries. Recent expansions include online programs and partnerships with four-year universities for seamless transfers, creating diverse job openings.
WCJC offers varied positions suited to different career stages. Full-time faculty instructors teach core courses in divisions like Arts & Sciences, Health Sciences, and Workforce & Technical Education. Adjunct professors provide flexible part-time teaching, ideal for those balancing multiple roles. Administrative jobs include deans, directors, counselors, and librarians, while support roles cover IT specialists, maintenance, and financial aid advisors.
For academic roles, expect emphasis on teaching rather than publishing. See university job types for comprehensive breakdowns, including how community college positions differ from research universities.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees and certificates, focusing on transfer programs and vocational training. Unlike four-year universities, community colleges prioritize teaching and accessibility.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits, common in higher ed for flexibility.
Tenure-Track: A faculty path leading to permanent employment after probation, involving teaching, service, and sometimes scholarship.
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI): Colleges with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment, qualifying for federal grants to support underrepresented students.
For faculty jobs at WCJC, the minimum is a Master's degree in the discipline or a related field with 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching subject, per Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standards. PhDs are advantageous for leadership roles but not required for most instructors, distinguishing community colleges from research universities.
Research focus is minimal; instead, emphasis is on applied projects or curriculum development. Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching at college level or industry expertise, e.g., RN license for nursing instructors. Publications or grants are bonuses but secondary to pedagogy.
Admin roles require Bachelor's or Master's in relevant fields, with certifications like HR for personnel positions. Learn more via how to write a winning academic CV.
To apply for jobs at Wharton County Junior College, visit the official careers page at wcjc.edu/about/employment. Submit an online application with resume, cover letter, transcripts, and three references. Screening involves credential review, then interviews with teaching demos.
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Applications are accepted year-round, with priority for fall/spring semesters.
WCJC, designated as an HSI since 2005, actively recruits diverse faculty and staff. Initiatives include Title V grants for Latino student success, equity training, and partnerships with organizations like Achieving the Dream. The college hosts cultural events and has employee resource groups promoting inclusivity. Hiring emphasizes equal opportunity, with recent efforts to increase STEM diversity among women and minorities.
Working at WCJC offers excellent balance in Wharton, a quiet town of 8,800 with low cost of living. Faculty teach 15-18 hours/week, with office hours and committee work. Benefits include health insurance, retirement via Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and tuition waivers. Campuses feature modern facilities, like the Victoria Campus nursing sim labs. Community events, sports, and proximity to Houston (60 miles) enhance life. Employees praise collaborative culture and student impact.
Professional development includes sabbaticals and conferences, supporting long-term careers.
WCJC combines rewarding teaching with community ties. Average faculty salary ~$55,000, competitive for Texas community colleges. Growth opportunities via leadership tracks. Contribute to regional economy in agriculture, energy. For career advice, see become a university lecturer.
Jobs at Wharton County Junior College offer meaningful roles in Texas higher education. From faculty to admin, opportunities abound. Explore more at higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post openings via post a job. Ready to apply?
