Ocean County College (OCC), located in Toms River, New Jersey, stands as a cornerstone of community higher education in the United States. Established to provide accessible education to residents of Ocean County and beyond, OCC serves over 8,000 students annually through its associate degree programs, certificate offerings, and workforce development initiatives. As a public community college, it emphasizes practical skills, transfer pathways to four-year universities, and career-oriented training in fields like healthcare, business, and technology.
Jobs at Ocean County College attract educators and professionals passionate about student success in a supportive environment. The college employs hundreds in roles ranging from instructors to administrators, contributing to its reputation for quality education. Nestled near the Jersey Shore, OCC offers a vibrant campus just minutes from beaches, combining professional growth with an appealing lifestyle. For those eyeing community college jobs, OCC represents an entry point into meaningful higher education careers.
Founded in 1964, Ocean County College began as a response to the growing need for affordable higher education in post-World War II New Jersey. Initially operating from borrowed spaces, it moved to its current 137-acre campus in Toms River by 1966. Over the decades, OCC has expanded significantly, adding facilities like the Sister Mary Grace Burns Architecture & Engineering Innovation Center in 2012 and growing its online offerings. Key milestones include achieving accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and launching partnerships with institutions like Rutgers University for seamless transfers.
This evolution has shaped jobs at Ocean County College, with steady demand for faculty as enrollment grew from 1,400 students in its early years to today's diverse body. The college's commitment to innovation continues, recently investing in STEM labs and health sciences programs amid regional workforce needs.
OCC offers over 100 programs across liberal arts, sciences, business, culinary arts, nursing, and engineering technology. Popular departments include Nursing & Health Professions, which trains allied health workers; Business & Entrepreneurship; and STEM fields like Computer Science and Engineering. These areas fuel job openings, particularly for adjunct instructors during peak semesters.
Faculty jobs often align with transfer-oriented programs, such as Associate of Arts in Psychology or Science, preparing students for bachelor's degrees. Workforce training in trades like HVAC and welding creates specialized roles. Explore university job types to understand how these fit into broader academic positions.
Careers at OCC span teaching, administration, and support. Full-time faculty positions involve course development, advising, and committee work. Adjunct professors teach part-time, offering flexibility. Administrative roles include deans, coordinators, and HR staff. Support positions cover librarians, counselors, and IT specialists.
Recent hires include nursing instructors amid healthcare demands and business faculty for expanded online courses. For similar opportunities, see higher ed faculty jobs.
To clarify key terms in jobs at Ocean County College:
For faculty jobs at Ocean County College, a master's degree is typically required, with PhDs preferred for full-time roles in academic subjects. Nursing instructors need RN licensure and a BSN minimum.
Research focus emphasizes applied projects, such as grant-funded workforce studies or community health initiatives, rather than pure academia. Preferred experience includes 2-5 years teaching at community colleges, publications in trade journals, or industry expertise.
Key skills and competencies:
Administrative roles seek bachelor's degrees plus 5+ years experience. Check higher ed admin jobs for parallels.
To apply for jobs at Ocean County College, visit the Human Resources page on occ.edu/careers. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and teaching philosophy via their online portal. Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires.
Actionable tips:
Follow up politely after two weeks.
OCC prioritizes diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council, established in 2019. Initiatives include bias training, scholarships for underrepresented students, and faculty hiring goals for minorities. Partnerships with the Ocean County NAACP and Latin American Cultural Center support recruitment. In 2023, 40% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding regional averages. The college celebrates events like Hispanic Heritage Month and offers ally training.
OCC fosters work-life balance with 35-hour weeks for faculty, generous PTO, and hybrid options. Adjuncts appreciate flexible scheduling around other commitments. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition waivers for dependents.
Campus life thrives with the Grunin Center's performances, athletic fields, and proximity to Seaside Heights beaches. Faculty events, wellness challenges, and professional development sabbaticals enhance satisfaction. Toms River's family-friendly vibe, with parks and diners, complements the role.
Ready to pursue jobs at Ocean County College or similar? Browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider post a job if recruiting. For employer branding tips, read employer branding secrets. OCC's focus on community makes it ideal for impactful careers in New Jersey higher education.
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