Part-Time Lecturer Pool - Plant Sciences (AY 26/27)

APPOINTMENTS FROM THE PART-TIME POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM, AND APPLICANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE ON VERY SHORT NOTICE. 

PLANT SCIENCES DEPARTMENT PART-TIME LECTURER POOL. The Plant Sciences Department within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is seeking applications for a pool of part-time lecturers with positions available as determined by need during the 2026-2027 academic year. Lecturers in the Plant Sciences Department may teach undergraduate lecture and/or laboratory sections in one or more of the following areas: crop science, environmental horticultural science, fruit science, plant protection science, and vegetable science. Other assignments could include program support, senior project management and advising.  

Initial rank and salary for 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: $5,507-$6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,211

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 federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. 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.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science degree in appropriate discipline is required.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree preferred. Industry experience in related fields highly desirable. Teaching experience highly desirable.  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will not sponsor an H-1B for this position.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Plant Science's curriculum allows students to enter the agricultural industry in production and related fields, or a graduate program upon completion of the Agricultural & Environmental Plant Sciences major. Students choose 1 of 3 concentrations: Environmental Horticultural Science, Fruit & Crop Science, or Plant Protection Science or may pursue a Master of Science in Agriculture with a specialization in in these three areas. The Plant Sciences Department manages 135 acres of cropland and facilities include a 15-acre Horticulture Unit that consists of 1-1/2 acres of greenhouses and outdoor nursery growing areas, a 5-acre arboretum and extensive planted areas, and Crops Unit consisting of 70 acres of productive citrus, avocados, grapes, deciduous fruit trees, and berries and approximately 35 acres of annual vegetable and forage crops, of which nine acres are certified for organic production. 

HOW TO APPLY

All applicants are expected to attach (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned, and (4) a statement of teaching philosophy. If applicable, please also attach a list of CSU courses previously taught and courses requesting consideration to teach. Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing your application.

Selected applicants will be required to submit sealed official transcripts of highest degree earned prior to appointment. Review of applications will begin May 1, 2026.

For questions, please email plantsciences@calpoly.edu.