Mesalands Community College (MCC), located in Tucumcari, New Mexico, is a public two-year institution serving approximately 800 students. Established in 1979, it focuses on workforce development in rural eastern New Mexico, emphasizing practical programs that align with local industries like renewable energy and agriculture. Jobs at Mesalands Community College span faculty, staff, and administrative positions, offering opportunities to contribute to hands-on education in a supportive small-town environment. The college's commitment to accessible higher education makes it an attractive employer for those passionate about community impact.
Mesalands Community College began as a branch of the New Mexico Junior College system before becoming independent. Its growth accelerated with the launch of the nationally recognized Wind Energy Technology program in 2005, positioning it as a leader in green energy training. Today, jobs at Mesalands Community College reflect this evolution, from equine science rooted in ranching heritage to advanced welding and nursing programs. The college's location in Tucumcari, a historic Route 66 town with under 5,500 residents, fosters a tight-knit community where employees often engage directly with students and locals.
MCC offers associate degrees and certificates in fields like Wind Energy Technology (AAS), Equine Science, Agriculture Business, Welding Technology, Nursing, and General Studies. 🎓 The Wind Test Center, one of the few in the U.S. for community colleges, provides real-world training on turbines, making faculty roles in this department highly specialized. Jobs at Mesalands Community College often involve teaching these applied programs, where instructors blend classroom theory with lab and field experience. Other departments include Business, Humanities, and Math/Science, supporting transfer to four-year universities.
Career opportunities include full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, department chairs, administrative staff (e.g., registrars, HR), technical specialists, and support roles like librarians or counselors. Faculty positions dominate, particularly in high-demand areas like wind energy and nursing. For a full breakdown of <a href='/university-job-types'>university job types</a>, visit our guide. Community college jobs emphasize teaching over research, with adjunct professor jobs offering flexibility for part-time work.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs, focusing on affordable access and workforce preparation (unlike four-year universities emphasizing bachelor's degrees). Wind Energy Technology: Training in turbine installation, maintenance, and safety, certified by programs like those at MCC's Wind Test Center. Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without full benefits, common in higher ed for flexibility.
For faculty jobs at Mesalands Community College, a master's degree is typically required, with PhD preferred for leadership roles. In vocational programs like welding or wind energy, industry certifications (e.g., NABCEP for solar/wind) substitute for advanced degrees. Research focus centers on applied projects, such as turbine efficiency studies or equine health research tied to New Mexico's ranching economy. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years in industry or teaching, publications in trade journals, or grant funding for program development. Key skills and competencies encompass strong communication for diverse student populations, hands-on technical expertise, curriculum design, student advising, and cultural competency for rural Hispanic communities (MCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution). Administrative jobs require bachelor's degrees plus experience in higher ed operations.
To apply for jobs at Mesalands Community College, monitor the official HR site and platforms like <a href='/higher-ed-jobs'>higher ed jobs</a> on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and philosophy of teaching statement. Interviews often include demos or panel discussions. Tips:
Mesalands Community College actively promotes diversity as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (over 50% Hispanic students). 🌍 Initiatives include TRIO programs for first-generation students, scholarships for underrepresented groups, and faculty training on inclusive pedagogy. Hiring prioritizes diverse candidates, with partnerships like the New Mexico Hispanic College Fund. Examples: Annual cultural festivals celebrating Route 66 heritage and Native American influences, and equitable access policies ensuring jobs at Mesalands Community College reflect the region's demographics (40% Hispanic in Quay County).
🏞️ In Tucumcari, jobs at Mesalands Community College offer excellent work-life balance with a 4-day workweek option, low commute times, and affordable living (median home $120K). Campus life features modern facilities like the Equine Center with 100+ horses and the Wind Test Center. Employees enjoy staff events, professional development via NM Council of Community Colleges, and outdoor pursuits in nearby Mescalero Sands or Conchas Lake. The small size fosters mentorship, with low student-faculty ratios (15:1). Challenges include rural isolation, but perks like tuition waivers for dependents enhance satisfaction.
MCC supports growth through conferences, online training (e.g., Quality Matters certification), and leadership pathways to dean roles. Faculty can pursue sabbaticals for industry updates. Salaries competitive for NM: $50K-$70K for instructors, per <a href='/professor-salaries'>professor salaries</a> data.
Ready to pursue jobs at Mesalands Community College? Explore <a href='/higher-ed-jobs'>higher ed jobs</a>, <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice'>higher ed career advice</a>, <a href='/university-jobs'>university jobs</a>, or <a href='/post-a-job'>post a job</a> on AcademicJobs.com. Check <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/employer-branding-secrets-attracting-the-best-talent-in-higher-education'>employer branding secrets</a> and <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/how-to-write-a-winning-academic-cv'>how to write a winning academic CV</a> for success. With programs like wind energy leading nationally, MCC offers meaningful roles in United States higher education.
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