Portland Community College (PCC), located in Portland, Oregon, stands as the largest community college in the state, serving more than 50,000 students each year across its four main campuses—Sylvania, Rock Creek, Southeast, and Cascade—and several centers. Established in 1961, PCC has evolved into a cornerstone of higher education in the Pacific Northwest, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities. Its commitment to accessible education drives a diverse job market that attracts educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about community impact.
Jobs at Portland Community College encompass teaching, administrative, and operational roles tailored to support workforce development and student success. Whether you're seeking faculty positions to instruct in fields like nursing, welding, or computer science, or staff roles in student services and facilities, PCC provides stable careers in a vibrant urban setting. The college's emphasis on practical, career-oriented programs means positions often blend academic rigor with real-world application, making it ideal for professionals transitioning from industry to education.
In recent years, PCC has navigated challenges like enrollment fluctuations amid the demographic cliff in higher education, yet it remains a top employer with competitive salaries averaging around $60,000-$90,000 for full-time faculty depending on experience and field. The institution's location in Portland offers proximity to tech hubs, healthcare centers, and cultural amenities, enhancing appeal for job seekers.
PCC offers a variety of positions suited to different career stages and expertise levels. Full-time faculty roles involve developing curricula, teaching classes, advising students, and contributing to department initiatives. Adjunct instructors provide flexible, part-time teaching opportunities, often leading to full-time advancement. Classified staff handle essential support functions such as counseling, library services, maintenance, and IT support, while confidential and management positions oversee operations and policy.
Common openings include instructors in high-demand areas like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology, reflecting Oregon's economy. For more on types of positions available, including tenure-track faculty and administrative roles, explore broader higher ed categories. PCC also lists community college jobs that emphasize teaching diverse adult learners, many first-generation college students.
With campuses spread throughout the Portland metro area, jobs often allow location preferences, supporting work near home or urban vibrancy.
To understand jobs at Portland Community College fully, key terms include:
📊 For faculty jobs at Portland Community College, a minimum master's degree in the relevant field is standard, such as a Master of Science in Nursing for health instructors or Master of Arts in English for humanities. PhD holders gain preference, particularly for transfer-level courses aligning with university prerequisites. Research focus varies by discipline; vocational programs prioritize industry experience over publications, while liberal arts roles value scholarly contributions.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching at community colleges or K-12, demonstrated student engagement, and curriculum development. Publications, grants, or conference presentations strengthen applications, especially amid funding pressures like those in community college funding challenges.
Essential skills encompass strong communication, cultural competency for diverse classrooms (over 40% students of color at PCC), technology integration like Canvas LMS, and data-driven assessment. Competencies include adaptability to hybrid learning, collaboration with industry partners, and commitment to equity. Staff roles require bachelor's degrees for many, plus skills in Microsoft Office, customer service, and compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
| Role Type | Min Qualification | Preferred Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | Master's degree | Teaching, industry certs |
| Staff | Bachelor's/Assoc | 2+ years admin |
| Admin | Master's/MBA | Leadership, grants |
📋 Applying for jobs at Portland Community College starts with monitoring their careers page at pcc.edu/hr. Submit via NeoGov portal: resume, cover letter addressing job specifics, unofficial transcripts, and three references. Full-time faculty searches involve multi-stage interviews, teaching demos, and diversity statements.
Actionable tips:
Use free resources like free resume templates and cover letter templates from AcademicJobs.com to stand out.
🌟 PCC champions diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) framework, including mandatory training, employee resource groups for Latinx, Black/African American, and LGBTQ+ staff, and targeted hiring. The college's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan prioritizes anti-racism, with scholarships and pathways for underrepresented faculty. Examples: TRiO programs support first-gen students, and partnerships with Portland's diverse communities enhance inclusive hiring. EDI roles actively recruit bilingual candidates, reflecting the area's multiculturalism.
⚖️ PCC fosters work-life balance with 37.5-hour weeks, 22 vacation days annually, 12 sick days, and sabbaticals for faculty. Benefits cover family health insurance, Oregon PERS retirement (8% contribution match), and tuition waivers for employees/dependents. Flexible hybrid options post-pandemic aid balance.
Campus life thrives in Portland's dynamic scene: Sylvania's wooded setting, Rock Creek's tech focus, Southeast's urban vibe, Cascade's community hub. Employees enjoy events, wellness centers, bike-friendly policies, and proximity to food carts, trails, and arts. Professional development via conferences and mentorship builds careers amid supportive colleagues.
PCC began in 1961 with 2,600 students, expanding amid Oregon's post-war boom. By the 1970s, multiple campuses solidified its role, employing hundreds in innovative programs. The 1990s saw workforce training surge, creating specialized jobs. Today, amid enrollment challenges and demographic shifts, PCC adapts with online growth and equity focus, maintaining stable employment for over 5,000 staff/faculty.
Jobs at Portland Community College offer rewarding paths in Oregon's premier community college. From faculty inspiring diverse learners to staff enabling success, opportunities abound. Leverage higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, and university jobs resources. Institutions like PCC post openings regularly—post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today in Portland's thriving education sector.
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