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Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), located in Lakewood, Colorado, is a vibrant two-year institution serving over 7,000 students annually through its main campus and the nearby aviation campus at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Established in 1969 as part of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), RRCC specializes in career and technical education alongside transfer programs, making it a hub for practical, hands-on jobs in higher education. Jobs at Red Rocks Community College span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, catering to professionals passionate about community college missions like affordable access and workforce preparation.
Faculty openings often focus on vocational fields such as aviation maintenance technology, automotive service, culinary arts, nursing, welding, and fire science technology. These roles emphasize teaching applied skills to prepare students for Colorado's booming industries, including aerospace and renewable energy. Administrative jobs include student services coordinators, program directors, and HR specialists, while support positions cover IT, facilities, and library staff. With Lakewood's proximity to Denver, employees enjoy urban access with a suburban campus feel, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.
The college's commitment to student success drives its hiring, prioritizing candidates who can bridge classroom learning with real-world application. Salaries are competitive within community colleges, with full-time faculty earning approximately $55,000 to $75,000 annually, influenced by experience and credentials. Adjunct instructors, a common entry point, receive around $700 to $900 per credit hour, allowing flexibility for those balancing multiple roles. Explore community college jobs for broader opportunities.
RRCC's history shapes its job landscape. Founded amid Colorado's post-war growth, it began offering classes in temporary facilities before moving to its current 243-acre Lakewood campus in 1970. The college gained fame for its iconic rock climbing wall, one of the first indoor facilities in the U.S., symbolizing its innovative approach. Today, with a mission centered on open access, equity, and applied learning, jobs emphasize inclusive teaching and industry partnerships.
This legacy means employment opportunities often involve contributing to initiatives like the Aviation Maintenance program, launched in the 1980s and now FAA-certified, or the Nursing program, which boasts high NCLEX pass rates. Understanding this context helps candidates tailor applications, highlighting alignment with RRCC's values of student-centered education and community engagement.
RRCC's 100+ programs drive diverse job openings. High-enrollment areas like Health Sciences (nursing, EMT) seek instructors with clinical experience. The School of Trades and Technology offers roles in welding (American Welding Society accredited) and automotive, requiring industry certifications like ASE.
Aviation Technology stands out, with jobs for pilots, mechanics, and drone specialists at the airport campus. Energy and Sustainability programs hire for renewable tech roles amid Colorado's green push. Transfer faculty in English, math, and sciences support AA/AS degrees. For position details, see university job types.
Administrative jobs support these, like enrollment specialists or career services advisors, often needing bachelor's degrees and customer service experience.
For faculty jobs at Red Rocks Community College, qualifications vary by discipline. Vocational instructors typically need a bachelor's degree plus five years of industry experience or an associate's with equivalent expertise. Transfer faculty require a master's in the teaching field. Examples include:
Staff roles like advisors need bachelor's in counseling or education; directors often hold master's. PhD holders excel in leadership or grant-funded projects, though not always required in community colleges.
Research at RRCC is applied, focusing on workforce needs like sustainable energy or aviation safety. Expertise in grant writing (e.g., Perkins funding) is valued. Preferred experience includes community college teaching, industry leadership, and publications in trade journals.
Essential skills:
Competencies like data-driven instruction and collaboration with local employers (e.g., Lockheed Martin for aviation) set candidates apart. Check how to write a winning academic CV for tips.
Key terms for jobs at Red Rocks Community College:
To apply for jobs at Red Rocks Community College, visit the CCCS careers portal at ccsdjobs.com. Create a profile, upload resume, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Screening involves minimum qualifications review; top candidates interview with committees.
Actionable tips:
Use our free cover letter template. Internal transfers prioritized for current employees.
RRCC champions diversity via its Equity Plan, aiming for inclusive hiring. Initiatives include:
In 2023, 45% of faculty were from diverse backgrounds, above state averages. Affirmative action complies with federal laws.
RRCC fosters balance with 35-hour weeks for faculty, generous PTO (20+ days), and sabbaticals. Wellness perks include gym access, EAP counseling, and tuition waivers for dependents. Remote/hybrid options for admin roles post-COVID.
Campus life buzzes: Indoor climbing wall, aviation hangar tours, culinary events. Lakewood's trails offer hiking; Denver's culture is 15 minutes away. Employee events like picnics build community. For career advice, see employer branding secrets.
RRCC jobs offer impact: Transforming lives through accessible education in Colorado's dynamic economy. With growth in enrollment (up 10% recently), opportunities abound. Salaries include benefits like PERA retirement, health insurance.
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