Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC), located in Kalispell, Montana, serves as a vital educational hub in the Flathead Valley region. Established in 1967, FVCC provides affordable associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to over 7,000 students annually. As part of the Montana University System, it emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like nursing, culinary arts, welding, and liberal arts. Jobs at Flathead Valley Community College attract educators passionate about community-focused teaching, where faculty and staff contribute to student success in a stunning natural setting near Glacier National Park.
The college's commitment to open-access education means positions often prioritize practical experience over advanced research credentials, making it ideal for early-career professionals. With a student body reflecting Montana's rural demographics, roles involve supporting diverse learners, including first-generation college students and adult learners returning to education.
Founded as Flathead Valley Junior College in 1967 through local voter approval, FVCC has grown from a small institution with a few programs to a comprehensive community college. Key milestones include the 1980s expansion of vocational training amid regional economic shifts toward tourism and healthcare, and the 2010s addition of bachelor's degrees in collaboration with Montana State University-Northern. This evolution has created steady demand for jobs at Flathead Valley Community College, particularly in high-demand areas like allied health and trades.
Today, FVCC's 135-acre campus features modern facilities like the Trades and Technology Center and the Health Science Building, fostering environments where employees thrive in collaborative, student-centered roles. The college's history underscores its role in workforce development, with jobs evolving to meet local needs such as ski industry support and healthcare shortages in northwest Montana.
FVCC offers over 60 programs, driving diverse job openings. Popular areas include Associate of Arts (AA) for transfer to four-year universities, Associate of Science (AS) in sciences, and career-technical programs like Automotive Technology and Medical Coding. Nursing jobs at Flathead Valley Community College are prominent, with the Practical Nursing certificate and ADN program requiring instructors skilled in simulation labs.
Faculty positions span full-time tenure-track roles teaching 15-18 credits per semester, adjunct part-time gigs for flexibility, and specialized roles in cybersecurity or precision machining. Administrative jobs include counselors and program coordinators, while staff positions cover library services and IT support. Explore community college jobs for similar opportunities nationwide.
To understand jobs at Flathead Valley Community College, key terms include: Adjunct Professor – a part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits but with scheduling flexibility. Tenure-Track Faculty – full-time positions leading to permanent employment after review, emphasizing teaching excellence. Community College – a two-year public institution offering affordable education, transfer degrees, and vocational training, like FVCC's model. Transfer Degree – an associate degree designed for seamless credit transfer to bachelor's programs.
For teaching roles at Flathead Valley Community College, a master's degree is standard for faculty, per regional accreditation standards from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). PhD holders gain preference in competitive fields like biology or psychology. Vocational instructors may qualify with a bachelor's plus industry certification, such as Registered Nurse (RN) licensure for nursing jobs.
Administrative positions require bachelor's or master's in education administration or related fields. Support staff roles, like lab technicians, need associate degrees or equivalent experience. Montana's Board of Regents sets guidelines ensuring qualifications align with student outcomes.
While FVCC prioritizes teaching over research, applied projects in sustainability or health outcomes are encouraged. Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching community college students, publications in trade journals, or grant management. Key skills: curriculum development, online teaching via Canvas LMS, cultural competency for Native American students (10% of enrollment).
Competencies: Strong communication, adaptability to hybrid learning, data-driven assessment. For example, welding instructors need American Welding Society certification. See how to write a winning academic CV for tailoring applications.
To apply for jobs at Flathead Valley Community College, visit the college's HR website or AcademicJobs.com university jobs listings. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references online. The process involves screening, interviews (often with teaching demo), and background checks.
Applications peak in spring for fall hires. Persistence pays off, as 20% of adjuncts transition to full-time.
FVCC actively promotes equity through its Diversity Council, TRIO programs for underrepresented students, and partnerships with Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Hiring practices include bias training and targeted recruitment for women in STEM and BIPOC faculty. In 2022, 15% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding local averages. Annual cultural events like Native American Heritage Month foster inclusive workplaces.
Kalispell's location offers unbeatable work-life balance: skiing at Whitefish Mountain, hiking in Glacier National Park, and Flathead Lake boating. FVCC supports this with 4-day weeks for some staff, generous leave (20 PTO days/year), and wellness stipends. Campus life includes Eagles athletics, art galleries, and coffee shops. Employees enjoy tuition remission for dependents and retirement matching up to 9%. Low crime and cost of living (housing ~$300K median) make it family-friendly.
Faculty report high satisfaction from small classes (20:1 ratio) and collaborative culture, with low burnout rates per 2023 surveys.
FVCC combines meaningful impact with Montana's lifestyle. Contribute to regional growth while enjoying nature. Positions offer stability in a growing enrollment (up 5% yearly) and professional development funds ($2,000/year). For adjuncts, flexible hours fit multiple colleges.
Link to university job types for broader context.
Jobs at Flathead Valley Community College provide rewarding careers in education amid Montana's beauty. From faculty to admin, opportunities abound. Explore more at higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment. Check employer branding secrets for insights.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
