Riverland Community College, located in Austin, Minnesota, is a public two-year institution serving Mower County and surrounding areas. Established in 1940 as Austin Junior College, it has grown into a vital part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, with campuses in Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna. The college enrolls over 4,000 students annually, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like nursing, business administration, liberal arts, information technology, and manufacturing. Known for its affordable tuition—around $5,500 for in-state students—and strong workforce development focus, Riverland prepares students for local industries such as Mayo Clinic healthcare and John Deere manufacturing.
The college's commitment to open access education means jobs here often involve supporting diverse learners, from recent high school graduates to adult career changers. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, positions emphasize hands-on teaching and student success. Riverland's rural Minnesota setting offers a welcoming community atmosphere, with Austin's population of 26,000 providing a balance of small-town charm and proximity to Rochester's medical hub.
Riverland Community College traces its roots to 1940, when Austin Junior College began offering courses at Austin High School. In 1965, it became part of the Minnesota state system and expanded with new campuses. Today, its mission centers on 'transforming lives through education,' emphasizing equity, affordability, and community partnerships. This history shapes job opportunities, prioritizing faculty who align with practical, student-centered teaching.
Key milestones include launching its registered nursing program in 1971 and becoming a leader in agribusiness and wind energy training, reflecting southern Minnesota's economy. Jobs at Riverland Community College often support these initiatives, with roles in program development and industry collaborations.
Riverland offers over 70 programs across health sciences, business, arts, sciences, and technical trades. Popular ones include Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Automotive Technology, and Liberal Arts transfer degrees. These drive demand for specialized faculty, such as RN instructors or welders with AWS certification.
Faculty jobs at Riverland Community College typically require expertise in these areas. For example, nursing positions need Minnesota Board of Nursing approval, while IT roles seek Cisco or CompTIA certified professionals. University job types here blend teaching, advising, and curriculum design.
Careers span full-time faculty, adjuncts, administrators, and support staff. Current openings often include instructors in high-demand fields like practical nursing (LPN) and diesel mechanics. Admin roles cover student services, HR, and facilities. Check higher ed jobs for listings.
Salaries for full-time faculty start at $52,000, with benefits including retirement and tuition reimbursement. Union representation via MSCF ensures fair contracts.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer paths to four-year universities, focusing on accessible education for local workforce needs.
Adjunct Instructor: Part-time faculty hired per course, without full benefits, common for flexible teaching roles.
Minnesota State System: The largest higher ed system in Minnesota, overseeing 37 colleges and universities, standardizing hiring and benefits.
Tenure Track: Path to permanent employment after probationary period, based on teaching, service, and professional development.
For faculty jobs at Riverland Community College, a master's degree is minimum for most positions, with PhD preferred for transfer programs like liberal arts. Vocational roles (e.g., welding) require industry credentials like AWS Certified Welder plus associate degree. Nursing instructors need BSN and RN license; LPN roles require ADN.
Admin positions seek bachelor's in relevant field, e.g., HR (business admin). All roles align with Higher Learning Commission standards.
Though teaching-focused, faculty engage in applied research like grant-funded projects in renewable energy or healthcare simulation. Expertise in student-centered pedagogy, online teaching (D2L Brightspace), and industry partnerships (Mayo Clinic) is valued. Publications in community college journals or presentations at MnSCU conferences enhance applications.
5+ years teaching or industry experience preferred. Publications, grants (e.g., Title III), or leadership in professional organizations like League for Innovation boost candidacy. For adjuncts, recent classroom experience suffices.
Apply via Minnesota State Careers portal. Submit cover letter, CV, transcripts, references. Tips: Customize to job description, quantify achievements (e.g., 'Improved retention 15%'), prepare for teaching demo. Deadlines vary; full-time searches take 3-6 months. Use our free cover letter template.
Riverland's Equity 2030 plan promotes inclusive hiring via targeted recruitment for underrepresented groups. They offer TRiO programs for first-gen students and MLK scholarships. Faculty development includes bias training; 25% staff are people of color.
Flexible schedules, 35-hour weeks, generous PTO (22 days/year). Campuses feature modern facilities, gyms, cafes. Austin's Jaycee Park trails and SPAM Museum add charm. Events like Blue Heron Coffeehouse foster community. Proximity to Mayo Clinic offers professional growth.
Jobs at Riverland Community College offer rewarding careers in education amid Minnesota's vibrant community college landscape. Explore more higher ed jobs, career advice at higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment. With strong programs and supportive culture, it's ideal for educators passionate about student success.
Recent blog: Employer Branding Secrets Attracting the Best Talent in Higher Education and community college jobs insights.
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