"Assistant Professor, Geology and Earth Sciences"

Job Details

Assistant Professor, Geology and Earth Sciences
Rancho Santiago Community College District

Salary Range: $81,468.92 - $134,034.79/10-month academic year, depending upon education and experience

Job Number: AC25-01327

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Division: SAC Science Math & Health Sciences

Closing: 2/11/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

POSITION DETAILS

About Rancho Santiago Community College District

Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is one of the most established districts in the state and has been in operation for nearly 50 years. Located in the heart of Orange County, it is one of the largest of California's 72 community college districts, based on the number of credit and non-credit students. RSCCD encompasses 25 percent of Orange County's total area and serves a population of more than 700,000 residents in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Tustin, and Yorba Linda. The district includes Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College, as well as the Centennial and Orange Continuing Education Centers, the Digital Media Center, the Joint Powers Fire Training Center, the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, the College and Workforce Preparation Center, and the District Operations Center. RSCCD's three (3) auxiliary Foundations are actively involved in supporting both community and campus programs.

RSCCD's student population is a direct reflection of the diverse communities in the surrounding neighborhoods. The district has the honor of serving approximately 55,537 students: 51% Hispanic/Latinx, 20% White, 9% Asian & Filipino, and 2% are African American. RSCCD is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and serves predominately historically underrepresented students. There is a commitment to foster student-centered values among our employees to provide equitable student learning, academic excellence, and workforce development. By delivering high-quality educational programs and student support services, the district ensures that students have the appropriate resources to achieve their goals.

At RSCCD, our mission is to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice into all aspects of student academics and employee relations. Thus, creating transformational experiences that prepares students and employees to engage in the world with a renewed sense-of-self. Through this commitment, Rancho Santiago Community College District strives to cultivate a learning environment that prioritizes respect, to ensure that RSCCD stakeholders feel valued and supported throughout their academic and professional careers.

About the Position

The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural competency in serving diverse community college student populations, including those with differing abilities, AB 540 students, DACA recipients, Foreign Residents, VACA participants, Dual Enrollment, and Continuing Education students. They will support RSCCD's mission to promote self-awareness, knowledge, and communication skills, enabling students to participate creatively and confidently in an ever-changing world.

Candidates will cultivate an inclusive classroom culture that engages and supports a diverse student population. They should effectively teach students from varied ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with disabilities or differing academic preparation levels. Candidates should show sensitivity to diverse learning needs and a commitment to equity and anti-racism. They will help empower students to achieve their educational and career goals while fostering creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning.

About the Department

The Geology and Earth Science program is part of the Department of Physical Sciences, which also includes Astronomy and Physics. The program's mission is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the physical processes of the Earth through an educational experience that promotes critical thinking and intellectual development. The department offers engaging lecture, laboratory, and field-based learning opportunities, to support both general education students and those pursuing degrees in Geology and Earth Science. Recent curriculum updates in climate science, environmental geology, and interdisciplinary environmental studies reflect the program's commitment to relevance, equity, and transfer preparation. Supported by dedicated full-time and adjunct faculty, along with strong laboratory support, the program is well positioned for continued growth with the addition of a new full-time faculty member.

About the College

Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 70,000 students yearly. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree. As part of Santa Ana College, the School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center offers free classes throughout the community for adults of all ages and academic backgrounds. Santa Ana College is an award-winning college and was recently ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students and named one of the best community colleges in California by Intelligent.com. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel. Santa Ana College is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

General Responsibilities

Full-time tenure track faculty teaching for RSCCCD will teach all assigned classes in range of modalities, including face-to-face, online, and hybrid, and may include evening or off-campus assignments unless excused according to Board Policy provisions. Will teach a variety of courses/levels within the discipline/area of study. Faculty shall assist in maintaining the course outline for each assigned course. Faculty shall maintain accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and academic progress. Candidates should have experience with curriculum and program development. Candidates should have experience with student learning outcomes and assessment, as well as program review. Be familiar with and observe the administrative regulations (flex calendar obligations, course overviews, etc.). Faculty shall participate in department meetings and activities and will serve on shared governance committee(s).

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

(Applicants must meet one of the following):

• Possess from an accredited institution: A master's degree in Master's in geology, geophysics, earth sciences, meteorology, oceanography or paleontology OR Bachelor's in geology AND Master's in geography, physics, or geochemistry OR
• Possess a valid California Community College credential authorizing service in the discipline, OR
• The equivalent (applicants who do not meet the above minimum qualifications must complete the Equivalencies Section in the application form).
• Equivalencies that the Department accepts as valid: Bachelor's in Geology OR Bachelor's in earth science, environmental science or earth systems science with at a minimum 15 units of coursework in geology to include mineralogy, petrology and/or structural geology AND Master's in environmental science, earth and atmospheric sciences, hydrology or hydrogeology, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, climate science, earth system science, natural resources management, or natural resources environment.

AND

• Candidate must demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and the community. Experience in teaching student from diverse ethnic socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds who have diverse identities and varying levels of proficiency.

Desirable Qualifications

• Working knowledge of student learning outcomes, assessment, and curriculum design, with experience developing and implementing curriculum that promotes student engagement and success.
• Two or more years of successful community college teaching experience across diverse modalities, including face-to-face, hybrid, synchronous online, and asynchronous online, with a commitment to equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Experience with interdisciplinary and community engagement, including service activities, committee work, outreach, and participation in shared governance to support departmental and institutional missions.
• Experience in or ability to teach Environmental Geology, Earth Systems Science, or related courses, including linking geologic processes to environmental and sustainability issues, leading field courses, and mentoring undergraduate research students.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with faculty and staff in the spirit of collegiality and innovation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To ensure full consideration, all applicants must submit a complete online Rancho Santiago Community College District application that includes the items listed below by the position's closing date. The application process will align with RSCCD Administrative Regulations 7120.1 Full-Time Faculty Recruitment and Selection (Download PDF reader).

A Complete Application Packet Must Include the Following:

1. RSCCD Online Application
2. Cover Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume - details all relevant education, training, teaching experience (including courses taught) and other work experience.
4. Academic Transcripts (Unofficial copies of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate transcripts).