PT Faculty - Astronomy - Payson Campus

Job Description

Job Description

The ability to pass a background screening process and obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card is necessary to be employed by Gila Community College.

Essential Functions

• Ability to perform generally expected instructional/teaching activities through various mediums including, but not limited to, in-person, web-based, or hybrid.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate the subject matter using a variety of methods to accommodate different learning styles that enhances the opportunity of students to achieve the learning outcomes expected.
• Effective record-keeping strategies that comply with College directives and provide timely and correct information to students.
• Ability to provide effective assistance in ancillary educational programs and services as may be needed by the College to enhance the educational opportunities and experiences for students.
• Faculty teaching dual enrollment classes at the high school(s), through CVIT, or NAVIT are expected to follow that entity’s instructional duty calendar.
• Additional position specific essential functions are listed below.

Level of Supervision or Independent Judgement

• Performs duties under moderate supervision from full-time instructor and/or higher-level academic administrators to ensure cohesive and consistent academic rigor and quality of programs, courses, and educational opportunities provided.
• Exercise independent decision making concerning the class environment and instructional methods/delivery within the umbrella of academic freedom and the College’s quality education guidance and directives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Adjunct faculty are expected to perform any or all duties listed below in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

• Instructors are expected to effectively teach a variety of classes relative to the astronomy program, introductory physics, and/or high-level mathematics. Classes may be taught both in-person and online. Classes may be scheduled at various times throughout the day, evening, night and various days of the week. 
• Current Astronomy courses include Introduction to Astronomy, Life in the Universe, Introduction to Astronomy Research, Advanced Astronomy Research, and Astronomy Research Dissemination. These courses are a part of a STEM certificate. Research classes may lead to students being co-authors of published papers. GCC has had many student papers published in introductory journals and several papers are out for review to be published in refereed journals.
• Operate the Richard F. Caris Observatory for student use in classes.
• Teach at least one (1) but not more than nine (9) classroom contact hours per week as required by the official course outline(s) and/or College catalog, during any given semester. Assignments of more than nine (9) classroom contact hours per semester must be approved by the College President or appropriate personnel designated by the College President.
• Verify attendance and participation as directed by academic administration. Submit complete and accurate rolls and grades by specified deadlines.
• Adjunct faculty shall attend certain Fall and Spring convocation and planning activities, certain staff meetings, and/or continuing education, in-service training, continuous improvement and/or accreditation activities as directed by the College administrator responsible for their supervision.
• Provide one-on-one student tutoring as needed for student success, provide advice or counsel if necessary to students in their classes, and foster student engagement and success.
• With approval of the appropriate College administrator, adjunct faculty may voluntarily serve on College committees and sponsor a club or organization, either with or without remuneration.
• Perform similar duties not specifically listed as directed. 

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• A combination of education, training and experience that meets the appropriate credentialing guidelines for the instructional area.
• Ability to pass a background screening process and/or obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card, as necessary.
• A Master’s degree in Astronomy, Math, or Physics.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to effectively use various technologies, programs, and instructional methods to produce quality instructional and student success opportunities.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills.
• Familiarity with and understanding of safe work practices particularly when performing general physical activities.

Work EnvironmentDuties are performed in an office environment using standard and specialized technologies and equipment. Operation of technologies and equipment involves the ability to manipulate objects from light to moderate weight using repetitive motion fine motor skills. Chemicals and fumes may be present in the instructional environment.