Pima Community College (PCC), located in Tucson, Arizona, stands as a cornerstone of accessible higher education in the United States. Serving over 35,000 students annually across its five campuses and two learning centers, PCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs tailored to the needs of Pima County residents. Jobs at Pima Community College attract educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about community-focused teaching and student success. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, administrative roles, or specialized staff jobs, PCC emphasizes practical skills development in fields like healthcare, business, manufacturing, and the arts.
The college's commitment to open-access education means its workforce plays a vital role in bridging gaps for first-generation college students, veterans, and adult learners. With Tucson's vibrant culture, mild climate, and proximity to natural wonders like Saguaro National Park, working at PCC combines professional fulfillment with an enviable lifestyle. Positions here often involve innovative teaching methods, such as hands-on labs and online delivery, preparing students for transfer to four-year universities like the nearby University of Arizona or direct entry into the job market.
Established in 1968 through voter approval, Pima Community College emerged to meet the growing demand for affordable education in southern Arizona. Starting with a single campus, it expanded rapidly to address the region's economic shifts, particularly in aerospace, optics, and tourism. Today, PCC's evolution reflects broader trends in American community colleges, prioritizing equity and vocational training amid declining state funding.
Historically, jobs at Pima Community College have grown alongside enrollment booms, especially during the 1970s oil crisis and recent tech surges. The college's strategic plans, like the 2023-2028 vision, highlight hiring for digital literacy instructors and sustainability experts, aligning with Arizona's green economy push. This history underscores PCC's adaptability, making it a stable employer with union representation for faculty through the Pima Federation of Teachers.
Careers at PCC span teaching, support, and leadership roles. Full-time faculty instructors lead core programs in nursing, welding, and culinary arts, while adjunct professors offer flexibility for those balancing multiple commitments. Administrative jobs include deans, directors of student services, and HR specialists. Support positions cover librarians, IT technicians, and maintenance staff.
For a deeper dive into university job types, explore our comprehensive guide. PCC also lists openings in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and early childhood education, reflecting Tucson's job market. Many roles qualify under community college jobs, ideal for those seeking impactful, student-centered work without the research intensity of research universities.
To secure faculty jobs at Pima Community College, candidates typically need a master's degree in the discipline (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing for health instructors), with 18 graduate credits in the teaching field per accreditation standards from the Higher Learning Commission. A PhD or terminal degree enhances competitiveness for tenure-track positions. Research focus at PCC leans toward applied projects, such as grant-funded studies on workforce readiness or community health disparities, rather than pure theory.
Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of college-level teaching, industry expertise (e.g., 5 years in manufacturing for industrial tech roles), and publications in practitioner journals. Skills and competencies emphasize cultural competency, online teaching proficiency via platforms like Canvas, data-driven curriculum design, and student advising. Soft skills like empathy and collaboration are crucial, given PCC's diverse student body—over 40% Hispanic and 20% first-generation.
Admin roles may require bachelor's degrees plus certifications like SHRM-CP for HR. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for aligned opportunities.
Key terms for jobs at Pima Community College include:
The application process starts at PCC's online portal (pima.edu/jobs). Submit a cover letter addressing job specifics, resume, transcripts, three references, and a diversity statement. Screening involves resume review, then interviews with teaching demos for faculty.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Postings close after 2-4 weeks; hires within 1-3 months. For broader advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
PCC proudly holds Hispanic-Serving Institution status since 2015, with initiatives like the Adelante Center for Latinx students and TRiO programs for underserved groups. Employee efforts include mandatory equity training, the Diversity Leadership Council, and recruitment drives targeting veterans and LGBTQ+ professionals. In 2022, 45% of new hires were from underrepresented groups, surpassing state averages. These efforts foster an inclusive environment where ideas from varied backgrounds shape curriculum and policy.
PCC prioritizes employee wellness with 22 vacation days, 12 sick days, and flexible scheduling. Faculty loads cap at 15 credits/semester, leaving time for committees or side pursuits. Benefits encompass AZ state retirement, comprehensive health plans, and tuition waivers—employees save thousands on degrees.
Campus life thrives in Tucson's 300+ sunny days: employee wellness centers offer yoga, hiking clubs tap Sabino Canyon, and cultural events at the Tucson Museum of Art. Hybrid options post-COVID enhance balance, while family-friendly policies include on-site childcare pilots. Staff rave about collaborative culture, low turnover (under 10%), and proximity to amenities like golf courses and Mexican cuisine hotspots.
In summary, jobs at Pima Community College offer meaningful impact in a supportive setting. From shaping future nurses to innovating tech training, roles here drive Arizona's economy. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if recruiting. For branding tips, read employer branding secrets. Tucson awaits your contributions.
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