26-27 AY Teaching Associate (TA) - Plant Science

Teaching Associate (TA) for the Department of Plant Science (Dept. Webpage)

Jordan College of Agricultural Science & Technology

Position Overview:

The Department of Plant Science seeks graduate students as Teaching Associate applicants. Teaching Associates typically are responsible for providing classroom instruction. Eligibility is determined by successful TA eligibility, department eligibility and adequate funding.

• The department is seeking TA applicants for sections of General Plant Science. Crop Science, Fruit Science, Ornamental Horticulture, Plant Health, Irrigation, Soils, Crop Nutrition, Plant Propagation, Mechanized Agriculture, or other classes that may be identified as needed to fulfill educational goals of current students.
• The department reserves the right to choose the most qualified candidate for each position and to assign TAs to the courses that are appropriate for the department program and curriculum in any given semester. Due to staff and curriculum changes, courses offered may vary, and no guarantee of employment from semester to semester can be made.

Anticipated Appointment Dates

This position is opened until filled. If you have applied and no other positions are available, you will be notified.

• Fall 2026: August 19, 2026 – December 22, 2026;
• Spring 2027: January 15, 2027 – May 26, 2027

Hours/Units per week

Students can work up to 20-hours per week;

• 1-unit is equivalent to 2.66 hours per week (40hrs x 1-unit/15-unit)
• The typical range for labs is between 1.3-wtus - 5.2-wtus (dependent on courses and number of section(s) assigned)
• The typical range for lectures is between 3-6 units (dependent on courses and number of section(s) assigned)
• No more than 7.5-units

Job Duties

may include the following, but will be dependent upon the specific course to which the teaching associate will be assigned, as well as upon the specific needs of the faculty member in charge of the course:

• Instruct and manage the classroom
• Create or implement course design and assignment sequence
• Prepare course materials and classroom activities
• Respond to and evaluate student writing
• Assess student performance, including give course grades
• Assist students outside of class during office hours and by appointment
• Attend TA orientation at the beginning of the semester
• Participate in programmatic assessment procedures
• Maintain office hours
• Evaluate student work

Qualifications:

A candidate for the position of teaching associate in the Department of Plant Science must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Admission to the Masters of Science Program in the Department of Plant Science, in good academic standing.
• Enrollment in at least 6-units for the semester or in two courses toward the degree.
• Demonstrated, satisfactory progress towards the degree.
• Ability to relate well with others within the academic environment and have the ability or potential to learn how to instruct and evaluate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Application Procedures:

The review of applications will begin in Spring 2026 for a Fall 2026 start date.

*For full consideration, the application and all required materials must be submitted by June 30th; consideration will continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

The following documents are required to upload:

1. Current unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate education. If you have attended more than one institution, please copy and combine these transcripts into one document. How to submit your unofficial transcripts: ... (details omitted for brevity)
2. Curriculum Vita, or résumé. ...
3. List of three references. ...

Inquiries

For application inquiries, please email Jacob Wenger, PhD Chair Department of Plant Science,

Finalists: may be asked for an interview

Teaching Associates additional information regarding assignment: The California State University Teaching Associate Classification and Standards

• Evaluations: For details please view the Academic Policy Manual, Section 311
• Salary: Each department has different salary scales. Please check with your department for your Base Salary. The monthly salary is calculated based on the Weighted Teaching Units assigned.
• Salary Schedule: The CSU Salary Schedule can be found here (Class Code = 2354 for Teaching Associates).
• Assignments: Assignments are made by Department Chair or Program Coordinator after consultation with the teaching associate.
• Duties Form: Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Unit 11, a Duties Form (see Appendix E of the CBA) will be completed between the Department and Academic Student Employee. This form substantiates the jobs included for the department teaching associate position.
• Teaching Associate is a student position for those actively enrolled in a graduate program at Fresno State.
• Students are limited to 20-hours of part-time work on campus.