Lecturer, Landscape Horticulture​/Arboretum Manager

Overview

The Plant Sciences Department (PLSC) Within The College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences (CAFES) At Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA invites applications for a full time, 12-month Lecturer position for the 2026-27 year. Under the general supervision of the PLSC Department Head, the position involves teaching, curriculum development, arboretum management, and service activities related to the Leaning Pine Arboretum and related instructional and research activities.

• Teaching: courses related to design, propagation, installation, and maintenance of plantscapes outdoors and indoors. Other courses deemed appropriate to the expertise of the individual and the needs of the department.
• Curriculum development: as the campus converts from the quarter to semester system there will be an opportunity for the position to develop courses relevant to sustainable landscaping and arboretum activities.
• Leaning Pine Arboretum management: in consultation with the Department Head of Plant Sciences and the CAFES Dean, work independently and assume responsibility for the wide diversity of tasks and daily operation of the Leaning Pine Arboretum, including ensuring operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely; coordinate and oversee support technicians and students; and work with faculty to facilitate instructional and pertinent research activities.
• Faculty advisor: serve as an advisor to the FFA State Finals Nursery and Landscape competition, the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) team, or other student extracurricular landscape activities as needed.
• Establish an active relationship with other university faculty and researchers, leaders in the landscape industry, students, and the general public to provide information and leadership related to landscape horticulture.
• Provide practical experience and individualized student-learning opportunities such as experiential classes, undergraduate and graduate research projects.

The successful candidate will also serve as the liaison for Leaning Pine Arboretum with the on-campus and off-campus community. This position will serve as a public educator and ambassador for the Leaning Pine Arboretum in a wide variety of public settings, and will support and represent the Arboretum’s advocacy and community engagement work as needed in public forums, committees, and related settings.

Additionally, the position will create and implement an annual fundraising plan and tracking system to diversify, renew, and increase contributions. In coordination with faculty, support labs and activities for instructional needs of PLSC and other departments such as Biological Sciences and Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences associated with the Leaning Pine Arboretum.

Initial rank and salary for 12-month lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:

• Lecturer A: $6,288-7,658
• Lecturer B: $7,127–$15,211
• Lecturer C: $7,830–$16,697
• Lecturer D: $9,883–$17,490

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

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 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and…