Rio Hondo College (RHC), located in Whittier, California, is a public community college founded in 1963. Serving over 19,000 students annually from eastern Los Angeles County, it provides affordable education through associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities. Known for its strong emphasis on career technical education (CTE), RHC excels in fields like public safety, aviation, automotive technology, business administration, and health sciences. The college's 72-acre campus includes unique facilities such as the on-campus airport for aviation training and one of the nation's premier police academies. Jobs at Rio Hondo College attract educators and professionals passionate about student success in a diverse, suburban setting near Los Angeles.
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), RHC enrolls over 60% Latinx students, fostering an inclusive environment. This demographic drives demand for bilingual faculty and staff who can connect with the community. Careers here offer stability in California's robust higher education system, with opportunities in teaching, counseling, and administration.
Rio Hondo College began as a response to post-World War II population growth in the region, opening its doors in 1963 with a focus on vocational training. Named after the Rio Hondo River, it has evolved into a leader in community college education, earning accolades for its police academy (one of the largest in California) and aviation program partnered with local industries. The college's mission centers on student-centered learning, equity, and workforce preparation, aligning with California's community college system goals.
Key milestones include accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges since 1967, expansion of CTE programs in the 1980s, and designation as an HSI in 2006. Today, RHC's strategic plan emphasizes innovation in online learning and sustainability, creating jobs in emerging areas like cybersecurity and renewable energy technology.
RHC offers over 100 programs, with high-demand areas influencing hiring. Public safety jobs at Rio Hondo College are prominent due to the Basic Police Academy, training over 1,000 cadets yearly. Aviation maintenance and flight training require certified instructors with FAA credentials. Automotive technology, one of the oldest programs, seeks ASE-certified faculty.
These programs mean jobs at Rio Hondo College often prioritize practical experience over pure research, ideal for industry professionals transitioning to teaching. For details on university job types, explore our resource.
Jobs at Rio Hondo College span faculty (full-time tenure-track, adjunct), classified staff (technicians, clerks), and management (deans, directors). Full-time faculty teach 15 units per semester, advise students, and serve on committees. Adjuncts (part-time) cover overloads or new courses, earning $80-$100 per unit. Administrative roles in student services or HR support operations.
High-demand positions include police academy instructors (POST-certified), aviation mechanics, and counselors for underserved populations. Community college jobs like these emphasize teaching excellence over research publications. Link to community college jobs for more.
CTE (Career Technical Education): Programs designed for immediate workforce entry, like RHC's automotive or aviation training, distinct from transfer degrees.
Adjunct Faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, common in community colleges for flexibility.
Tenure-Track: Permanent positions leading to job security after probationary period, requiring demonstrated teaching effectiveness.
HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution): Colleges with 25%+ Latinx enrollment, qualifying for federal grants supporting equity.
For faculty jobs at Rio Hondo College, minimum qualifications follow California's Minimum Qualifications for Faculty (MQF): master's degree in the discipline or bachelor's plus professional experience for vocational fields. PhD preferred for humanities/social sciences.
Admin roles require bachelor's and 5+ years experience. Bilingual (Spanish) is advantageous given the student body.
To apply for jobs at Rio Hondo College, visit the HR website or higher ed jobs listings. Submit online application with CV, cover letter, transcripts, and teaching philosophy (3-5 pages). Sensitivity training statement required for equity roles.
Timeline: Postings close after 2 weeks; hiring 3-6 months. Tips: Quantify achievements (e.g., 'Improved pass rates 20%'). Use free resume template.
RHC champions diversity through its Equity Office, Basic Skills Initiative, and Student Equity Plan. As an HSI and AANAPISI, it offers Puente Project for Latinx success and Umoja for Black students. Employee resource groups support LGBTQ+ and veterans. Recent hires prioritize diverse candidates; 70% faculty are people of color. Training includes anti-bias workshops, aligning with employer branding secrets.
RHC promotes balance with 10 sick days, vacation accrual, and flexible adjunct scheduling. Faculty load caps at 21 units/year with release time for committees. Campus perks: Free parking, gym, cafeteria, events like cultural fairs. Whittier location offers LA access, mild climate, family-friendly vibe. Professional development via Faculty Flex program (up to $3,000/year). Remote/hybrid options growing post-COVID.
Full-time faculty: $68,000-$120,000 (step/column). Adjuncts: $95/unit. Benefits: Medical/dental/vision, CalPERS retirement, life insurance. Compare via university salaries. Union protections (AFT) ensure fair negotiations.
In summary, jobs at Rio Hondo College offer rewarding paths in a dynamic community college setting. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for your next step in Whittier, California.
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