Williston State College (WSC), located in Williston, North Dakota, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the Peace Garden State. As a two-year public community college within the North Dakota University System, it provides accessible education to a diverse student body, particularly those in the booming Bakken oil region. Jobs at Williston State College encompass a range of opportunities from teaching faculty positions to administrative and support staff roles, all centered on student success and community impact.
Community colleges like WSC play a vital role in higher education by offering affordable associate degrees and vocational training. These institutions bridge the gap between high school and four-year universities or direct workforce entry. Careers here appeal to educators passionate about foundational teaching, where class sizes are smaller, and student interaction is high. Whether you're eyeing instructor roles in liberal arts or technical fields like welding and nursing, WSC offers stable employment in a growing region.
The college's motto, 'Where the People Make the Difference,' underscores its people-focused culture, making it an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful work in community college jobs.
Established in 1961, Williston State College has evolved alongside Williston's transformation from a quiet agricultural town to an energy hub during the 2010s oil boom. Initially focused on vocational training, it expanded to include transfer programs, reflecting North Dakota's higher education needs. This growth spurred demand for faculty and staff, with positions adapting to industry demands like petroleum technology.
Over the decades, WSC has navigated economic cycles, maintaining a commitment to accessible education. Recent developments, as of 2026, include enhanced online offerings and partnerships within the ND University System, creating new hybrid teaching roles. Understanding this history helps job seekers appreciate how positions at WSC contribute to regional economic vitality, blending tradition with innovation.
The college's steady enrollment, around 1,000 students, ensures consistent career opportunities without the intensity of larger universities.
WSC offers Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees for transfer to four-year institutions, alongside career-technical programs in areas like automotive technology, nursing, and wind energy. These programs necessitate specialized faculty, such as instructors with industry certifications for hands-on trades.
Key departments include Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business, and Health Sciences, each requiring dedicated professionals. For instance, nursing faculty must hold current RN licenses, while liberal arts instructors focus on general education core courses. This diversity means jobs at Williston State College span humanities to STEM, appealing to varied expertise.
Explore university job types to see how these align with broader academic roles.
Faculty positions form the core, including full-time instructors, adjunct professors, and department chairs. Full-time roles involve teaching 15-18 credits per semester, curriculum development, and advising. Adjuncts offer flexibility for those balancing multiple gigs.
Administrative jobs cover admissions, financial aid, and career services, while support staff handles IT, maintenance, and library operations. Recent listings on platforms like Indeed highlight openings in resident assistants and operations, reflecting student life needs.
In a community college setting, teaching loads emphasize practical skills over research, ideal for educators prioritizing mentorship. Salaries are competitive for North Dakota, with faculty earning around $50,000-$70,000 annually, per regional data.
For faculty jobs at Williston State College, a master's degree minimum is standard, with PhDs preferred for transfer programs. Required academic qualifications include 18 graduate credits in the teaching discipline, per Higher Learning Commission standards.
Research focus is minimal but valued in applied areas like energy tech. Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years of teaching, publications in teaching journals, or grants for program development. Skills include student engagement, online teaching proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS), and cultural competency for diverse learners.
Core competencies: adaptability to rural contexts, teamwork, and data-driven instruction. For staff, bachelor's degrees suffice, with relevant certifications boosting chances.
| Role Type | Key Qualifications | Preferred Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty Instructor | Master's degree | Teaching experience, curriculum design |
| Administrator | Bachelor's + experience | Leadership, software proficiency |
| Support Staff | Associate's or equivalent | Customer service, technical skills |
Community College: A two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates, emphasizing affordable access and workforce preparation. Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without full benefits. North Dakota University System (NDUS): Governing body for public higher ed in ND, including WSC. Transfer Degree: AA or AS designed for seamless credit transfer to bachelor's programs. Affirmative Action: Policy promoting equal opportunity for underrepresented groups in employment.
The process starts at WSC's employment page, submitting resumes, cover letters, transcripts, and references online. Applications are confidential per NDCC 44-04-18.27 until top three finalists. Veterans submit DD-214 for preference.
Tips: Highlight Bakken region ties, quantify achievements (e.g., 'Improved retention by 15%'), and prepare for teaching demos. Network via career services events. Use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com. Follow up post-submission; searches move quickly.
WSC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, actively recruiting women, minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals. Initiatives include bias training, inclusive hiring committees, and employee resource groups. The college hosts cultural events celebrating Native American heritage, given proximity to Fort Berthold Reservation.
Recent efforts feature mentorship for underrepresented faculty and accessibility improvements, fostering belonging. This commitment enhances innovation in teaching diverse students from oil workers' families to first-gen learners.
Campus life at WSC buzzes with small-town charm: modern facilities, sports teams, and events like Tetons basketball. Faculty enjoy flexible schedules, summers for professional development, and proximity to outdoor pursuits—hiking Badlands, fishing Missouri River.
Work-life balance shines via generous leave, wellness programs, and low commute times in Williston. The energy economy supports high quality of life, with family-friendly perks. Staff praise collaborative atmosphere, minimal bureaucracy compared to research universities.
Challenges like harsh winters are offset by tight-knit community support, making long-term careers rewarding.
As of 2026, WSC expands remote-hybrid roles amid tech integration. Partnerships with ND universities boost transfer advising jobs. Oil sector stability sustains technical instructor demand. Check higher ed jobs for updates.
Jobs at Williston State College offer impactful roles in a dynamic North Dakota setting. From faculty teaching future leaders to staff supporting operations, opportunities abound. Prepare with advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or explore higher ed jobs. Institutions like WSC post openings—consider post a job if recruiting.
With its student-first ethos and regional growth, WSC is primed for dedicated professionals. Start your journey today.
