Ohlone College, located in Fremont, California, is a public community college founded in 1965. It serves the Tri-City area, including Fremont, Newark, and Union City, with two main campuses: the Fremont Campus and the Newark Campus. Named after the Ohlone people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, the college has grown into a vital educational hub in the San Francisco Bay Area. With approximately 10,000 students, it offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities like the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. Ohlone is known for its strong emphasis on student success, boasting high transfer rates and completion statistics.
The college's mission centers on providing affordable, accessible education that prepares students for transfer, careers, and lifelong learning. Programs span liberal arts, business, health sciences, science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and more specialized fields like biotechnology, nursing, and early childhood education. As part of the California Community Colleges system, Ohlone College plays a key role in workforce development for Silicon Valley's tech-driven economy.
Jobs at Ohlone College attract educators and professionals passionate about community college teaching. The institution values innovative instruction, equity-minded practices, and community engagement, making it an appealing destination for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education.
Careers at Ohlone College encompass a wide range of positions tailored to support its educational mission. Faculty roles dominate, with full-time tenured positions, tenure-track openings, and part-time adjunct instructor jobs. Administrative positions include deans, directors, and coordinators in areas like student services, facilities, and academic affairs. Classified staff jobs cover support roles such as counselors, technicians, librarians, and administrative assistants. Explore community college jobs for similar opportunities across California.
Current openings often include instructors in high-demand fields like computer science, nursing, and business administration. The college also hires for specialized roles in its renowned Biotechnology Center and Health Sciences division. For a full list of position types, visit university job types.
Ohlone College's location in Fremont positions it near tech giants like Tesla and numerous startups, offering employees networking opportunities in a vibrant economic region. Salaries are competitive within the community college sector, with full-time faculty earning based on educational step and column placement under the faculty salary schedule.
Ohlone College offers diverse employment categories suited to different career stages. Full-time faculty positions provide tenure-track paths with opportunities for leadership and program development. Adjunct faculty teach specific courses on a per-semester basis, ideal for those balancing multiple roles. Administrative jobs involve managing departments, while classified positions support daily operations.
Many roles emphasize teaching excellence in a student-centered environment. For insights into various higher ed faculty jobs, see related resources.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer courses, designed for accessible higher education. Ohlone College exemplifies this model, focusing on affordability and equity.
Tenure-Track: A faculty position leading to tenure after a probationary period, granting job security and academic freedom.
CalSTRS: California State Teachers' Retirement System, the pension plan for public school educators including community college faculty.
Equity-Minded: An approach prioritizing the success of historically underserved students through inclusive practices.
To secure jobs at Ohlone College, candidates must meet minimum qualifications set by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. For faculty positions, a master's degree in the discipline or a bachelor's degree in the field with a master's in a related subject is standard. For vocational fields like nursing or biotechnology, equivalent industry experience substitutes.
Research focus at a teaching-focused institution like Ohlone emphasizes applied projects rather than pure research. Faculty often secure grants for student research in STEM labs or collaborate on industry partnerships in Silicon Valley.
Preferred experience includes prior community college teaching, curriculum development, and online instruction proficiency. Publications, conference presentations, and grant funding strengthen applications, though teaching excellence is paramount.
Key skills and competencies:
Candidates should demonstrate these through their application materials. Learn more about writing a winning academic CV.
The application process begins on the Ohlone College Human Resources website, where jobs are posted. Submit an online application with required documents: cover letter addressing qualifications, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, statement on diversity, and references or letters.
Steps:
Tips for success:
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plans guide hiring, ensuring diverse candidate pools. For advice, see employer branding secrets.
Ohlone College is committed to diversity through its EEO Plan and Basic Skills Initiative. The college hires a diverse faculty and staff reflective of its student body, which is majority-minority with significant Asian, Hispanic, and Black student populations. Initiatives include:
Job postings emphasize equity-mindedness, and candidates are evaluated on contributions to inclusive excellence. This aligns with broader higher ed jobs trends.
Ohlone College fosters a supportive environment with robust benefits: comprehensive health coverage, dental/vision, life insurance, and retirement via CalSTRS/CalPERS. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every six years, professional growth funding, and flexible scheduling. Staff receive generous vacation (22 days/year), sick leave, and holidays.
Campus life in Fremont offers a suburban setting with access to Bay Area amenities. The Fremont Campus features modern facilities, including a performing arts center, library, and athletic fields. Newark Campus specializes in health sciences. Employees benefit from wellness programs, childcare centers, and employee assistance. The collegial culture emphasizes collaboration via shared governance, with committees on curriculum and planning.
Proximity to tech hubs provides work-life perks like innovation exposure, while the area's mild climate and parks enhance quality of life. Reviews highlight supportive colleagues and student enthusiasm.
Jobs at Ohlone College offer rewarding opportunities in a dynamic community college setting. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or administration, the college provides growth and impact. Explore higher ed career advice for preparation, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
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