Job Details

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time

Salary: $77.44 - $98.98 per hour

Posted: October 23, 2025

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Location: Rocklin, California

Division: Instruction Office

Job Number: 13

Position Overview

Sierra College invites applications for part-time Astronomy faculty positions to join our pool of qualified instructors. Applications are accepted year-round and remain active for two years. The number of openings varies each semester based on departmental needs. The Division Dean or Department Chair will reach out when a suitable position becomes available.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development:
  Review, design, and update Astronomy curriculum to meet student and institutional needs. Coordinate with part-time instructors to maintain consistency in course delivery.

• Instruction:
  Deliver engaging lectures and laboratory sessions. Utilize star projection systems, telescopes, and other astronomical instruments. Incorporate multimedia tools and technology-based teaching aids.

• Student Evaluation:
  Create, administer, and grade tests, quizzes, and assignments. Offer constructive feedback and support student learning outcomes.

• Shared Governance:
  Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and college initiatives. Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in academic programs.

• Student Support:
  Hold regular office hours and provide academic advising. Support students from diverse backgrounds to achieve success in their academic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education Requirements (per CCC Minimum Qualifications Handbook):

  • Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics OR

  • Bachelor’s degree in physics or astronomy AND Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics OR

  • The equivalent (determined through the equivalency process).

Copies of transcripts must be attached to your application (unofficial transcripts are accepted).

Applicants with international education must include a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved service such as:

• World Education Services (WES)

• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Compensation

• Lecture Rate: $77.44 – $98.98 per hour

• Lab/Counselor Rate: $58.08 – $74.24 per hour

• Maximum Salary after Employment: $127.21 (Lecture) / $95.41 (Lab) per hour

• Includes membership in the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS).

• Additional benefits include sick leave and other leaves as per the collective bargaining agreement.

Teaching Philosophy Statement

Applicants must submit a written statement addressing the following:

1. Strategies for supporting historically underrepresented and underserved students.

2. The role of faculty in promoting student success.

3. How your teaching methods have evolved and what inspired these changes.

4. How your teaching philosophy ensures equitable outcomes for all students.

A strong candidate will demonstrate experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students from historically marginalized communities and those with disabilities.

About Sierra College

Founded in 1936, Sierra College is a leading community college serving over 17,000 students in Northern California across campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, Roseville, and Truckee.
Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation’s Top 150 Community Colleges, Sierra College emphasizes academic excellence, inclusivity, and equity in education.

The college offers professional development programs focusing on culturally responsive teaching, student equity, and inclusion. Faculty are encouraged to participate in ongoing training and initiatives to close achievement gaps among diverse student populations.

EEO and Accessibility

Sierra College is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Title IX employer.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion among our faculty, staff, and students.

• EEO & Title IX Coordinator: (916) 660-7006 | EEOT9@sierracollege.edu

• Human Resources Department: (916) 660-7105 | hr@sierracollege.edu

For individuals with hearing or speech limitations, dial 711 for the California Relay Service.

Application Process

To apply, please visit:
👉 https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sierracollege/jobs/2897986/astronomy-adjunct-part-time

Required Documents:

1. Employment Application

2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

3. Applicable Transcripts

4. Teaching Philosophy Statement

Job ID: ceae496709ad694e98e7102bff83fce3
Closing Date: Continuous
Contact: hr@sierracollege.edu | (855) 524-5627