Assistant​/Associate Professor, Agricultural Education

Assistant/Associate Professor, Agricultural Education

Apply now Job no: 552875
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Agriculture

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full‑time, academic‑year, tenure‑track Assistant/Associate Professor with an emphasis in Agricultural Education, starting August 17, 2026. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The primary responsibility of this appointment is to prepare future agricultural educators. This includes supervising teacher candidates during fieldwork and student teaching, and mentoring students in credential and graduate programs in agricultural education. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the next generation of agriculture teachers through direct instruction, supervision, advising, and support of senior projects and field‑based learning experiences.

In addition to teacher preparation, the candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in agricultural communication, education, and leadership. Teaching responsibilities may include courses in areas such as digital and presentation skills, leadership development, current trends in California agriculture, and advanced graduate seminars in agricultural education. The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (e.g., research, grant writing, publications, presentations) as part of their professional development and contribute to the goals of the department.

The role also involves advising students, supporting co‑curricular activities, and engaging with student organizations, while collaborating with colleagues and industry partners to ensure that academic programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of California’s agricultural industry.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:
Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

The successful candidate will hold an earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. in agricultural education, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership, or a closely related field, with at least three years of demonstrated success as a secondary teacher of agricultural education. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.

Candidates must demonstrate excellence in teaching, have experience in leadership development, and have a strong record of effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

The ability to work productively as a team member…