Instructor, Ag/Bioscience - FT

About the job

General Description of Position

Under the general direction and supervision of the Division Dean and Associate Dean, the Instructor will provide engaging, innovative instruction in a dynamic dual-credit environment at The Career Academy (TCA), a partnership between Southeast Community College and Lincoln Public Schools.

The Instructor will work closely with students in a high school setting while delivering college-level coursework that connects classroom learning to current trends, technologies, and career opportunities in agriculture and bioscience. The successful candidate will adapt instruction and learning activities to meet the needs of a diverse student population and will create meaningful connections between academic concepts and real-world applications.

Course delivery may include:

• Classroom instruction

• Laboratory and hands-on learning

• Online instruction

• Synchronous web-based instruction

Courses will focus primarily on horticulture, animal science, and agricultural careers, with opportunities to incorporate emerging trends and practices within the agriculture and bioscience industries.

This is a full-time, regular position.

Essential Functions

Provide Instruction in Assigned Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agribusiness Courses

• Provide engaging, student-centered instruction within the TCA agriculture/horticulture program.

• Teach assigned courses in areas that may include Introduction to Livestock Production, Crop & Food Science, Agricultural Technology, Enterprise Analysis, Agricultural Leadership, Agricultural Marketing, Agribusiness Management, Farm and Ranch Management, Agricultural Commodity Marketing, Agribusiness Sales, and Cooperative Education Experience.

• Demonstrate current agriculture, horticulture, bioscience, and agribusiness practices and connect classroom learning to real-world applications and career opportunities.

• Operate and demonstrate appropriate tools, equipment, technology, and software used in agriculture and agribusiness settings.

Demonstrate Effective Teaching and Communication Skills

• Develop and deliver engaging lessons aligned with course outcomes and student learning needs.

• Demonstrate the processes, practices, and professional expectations of the agribusiness industry within assigned courses.

• Utilize a variety of teaching strategies and techniques in classroom, laboratory, online, and synchronous learning environments.

• Develop and utilize appropriate assessment and evaluation methods to measure student learning.

• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, administrators, LPS partners, industry partners, and community members.

Maintain Professional and Industry Knowledge

• Maintain current knowledge and experience in agriculture management, production, agribusiness, horticulture, and related bioscience areas.

• Maintain working knowledge of industry-recognized standards, ethics, procedures, laws, regulations, and best practices related to assigned teaching areas.

• Stay current with emerging technologies, workforce trends, industry practices, and developments within agriculture, horticulture, bioscience, and agribusiness.

• Participate in seminars, professional association meetings, conferences, workshops, industry activities, and other professional development opportunities to maintain technical competency.

• Participate in College activities related to professional development, safety, access, equity, and inclusion.

Support the TCA Classroom, Laboratory, and Greenhouse Environment

• Utilize both SCC and LPS learning management systems and other instructional technologies.

• Operate appropriate audio-visual, multimedia, and instructional equipment.

• Maintain classroom, laboratory, greenhouse, and online learning environments that support safe and engaging instruction.

• May be assigned responsibility for maintaining and utilizing the TCA greenhouse as an instructional resource.

• Ensure instructional equipment and technology are maintained in safe, appropriate working condition.

Develop and Maintain Current Curriculum

• Collaborate with colleagues, industry partners, and other stakeholders to develop, evaluate, and update courses and curriculum.

• Incorporate current agriculture, horticulture, bioscience, technology, and agribusiness trends into course content.

• Develop course materials, including objectives, syllabi, handouts, assessments, instructional activities, online resources, and other learning materials.

• Research and evaluate textbooks, technology, data, and other resources to support effective instruction.

• Participate in curriculum review, program improvement, and assessment activities.

Maintain Program Equipment and Resources

• Identify equipment, technology, instructional supplies, and resources necessary to support effective student learning.

• Provide recommendations for capital equipment purchases and instructional supplies.

• Assist in maintaining classrooms, laboratory spaces, greenhouse areas, and instructional equipment.

• Promote safe and appropriate use of equipment and facilities by students.

Complete and Maintain Student and Program Records

• Maintain accurate student records in accordance with SCC, LPS, state, and federal requirements.

• Maintain grade books, attendance records, student achievement information, and other required records according to established deadlines.

• Utilize and promote SCC and TCA instructional and student information systems, including learning management systems, Self-Service, Office 365, and the HUB.

• Complete required documentation related to articulation, program operation, student progress, and other academic processes.

Advise, Mentor, and Support Students

• Serve as a program advisor and provide academic guidance and support to students.

• Mentor students regarding academic standing, progress, course selection, and the academic map toward graduation.

• Explain College policies, procedures, program requirements, and available student resources.

• Complete required advising, articulation, and program documentation.

• Support students as they explore agriculture, horticulture, bioscience, agribusiness, and related career pathways.

• Build positive relationships with students and provide encouragement and support throughout their academic experience.

Participate in Program, College, and Community Activities

• Actively participate in program activities, including advisory team meetings, open houses, recruitment activities, division meetings, and other events.

• Participate in College activities, committees, teams, and initiatives as requested.

• Develop and maintain community and industry partnerships that support program growth, student learning, and career opportunities.

• Advise and support Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO), FFA, and SkillsUSA activities through LPS and SCC.

• Participate in strategic planning and annual program assessment activities.

• Support activities that promote program awareness, enrollment, student success, and community engagement.

Maintain an Individual Development Plan

• Develop and maintain an Individual Development Plan in collaboration with the Associate Dean.

• Participate in professional development activities identified through the Individual Development Plan and other College initiatives.

Promote a Positive, Inclusive, and Engaging Organizational Climate

• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, safe, and productive work and learning environment.

• Encourage input, collaboration, reflective communication, and continuous improvement.

• Communicate openly, respectfully, and transparently with students, colleagues, administrators, LPS partners, industry partners, and community members.

• Demonstrate compassion and respect for diverse perspectives, experiences, ideas, and approaches.

• Implement accessible and inclusive instructional practices that support the success of all learners.

• Foster an environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community members are valued and encouraged to contribute to their full potential.

Perform Other Campus and Program Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional instructional, program, student-support, campus, and College duties as assigned by the Division Dean or Associate Dean.

Promote a Culture of Belonging

Support and promote an environment of belonging where all students, faculty members, and college employees feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute. Foster a community where each individual and their varied perspectives enrich the educational experience and create a safe and respectful environment. Support the College’s policies and programming related to access, fair employment, and equal opportunities for all.

Marginal Functions

• Provide substitute instruction as needed to support program and student needs.

• Assist with budget development, course scheduling, reports, and other program-related administrative activities.

• Provide support to Program Co-Chairs and other program leadership as requested.

• Support and promote Southeast Community College, the campus, TCA, and the agriculture/horticulture program.

• Participate in student recruitment, outreach, and enrollment activities.

• Assist in maintaining the security and appropriate use of College and program facilities, tools, equipment, materials, and instructional resources.

• Assist with student supervision and other activities that support a safe and positive learning environment.

• Perform other related instructional, program, campus, student-support, and College duties as assigned.

• May be required to perform associated duties, functions, or assignments in other divisions/programs/areas as required.

• Perform other College functions and duties as assigned.

• Must be able to work varied days, hours, shifts, locations, and campuses as required. Work schedules (hours/days/work location) are scheduled by Southeast Community College based on the needs of the College. Work hours, shifts, days, and work locations may vary depending on the needs of Southeast Community College and are subject to modification. Emergency or scheduled special activities may require hours outside of the regular workweek.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Agriculture Management & Production, with an emphasis on Agribusiness.

• Knowledge of Agriculture, horticulture, bioscience, and related industry practices and emerging trends.

• Experience with the tools, equipment, technology, and software commonly used in agriculture and agribusiness settings.

• Knowledge and experience of professional practices, processes, ethics, and standards applicable to the agribusiness industry.

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, safety practices, and industry standards relevant to assigned areas of instruction.

• Knowledge and experience with current methods, technologies, and practices used within the Agriculture/Horticulture Bioscience field.

• Knowledge of principles and practices applicable to the courses assigned to teach.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, colleagues, administrators, industry partners, LPS partners, and community members.

• Develop and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction in assigned program courses.

• Apply a variety of instructional strategies and techniques in classroom, laboratory, online, and synchronous learning environments.

• Develop and utilize appropriate assessment and evaluation methods to measure student learning.

• Effectively use computers, relevant software, classroom technology, laboratory equipment, multimedia equipment, and learning management systems (LMS).

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, instructional systems, and software as they are introduced.

• Ability to establish positive relationships with high school students and support students in a dual-credit college environment.

• Work collaboratively with SCC and LPS faculty, staff, administrators, industry partners, and community organizations.

• Organize and manage multiple responsibilities while meeting established deadlines

• Ability to encourage input and collaboration.

• Practice open, reflective, and transparent communication.

• Demonstrate compassion and respect for the views, experiences, and ideas of others.

• Build positive and professional relationships with students, colleagues, partners, and community members.

• Contribute to a safe, welcoming, and productive learning and work environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, in person, and on the phone.

• Ability to use basic computer skills.

• Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds for short distances and move tables, chairs, and media equipment when necessary.

• The individual must possess the above skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Education, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a closely related field.

• Two (2) years of recent, verifiable professional experience in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Agribusiness, or a closely related field.

*A competency examination may be administered to demonstrate the applicant’s working knowledge and competency in the required subject area.

Desired Qualifications

• Additional formal education, training, or professional development in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, Education, or a related field.

• Previous teaching, adult education, high school education, dual-credit instruction, technical instruction, or industry training experience.

• Experience working with high school students, particularly in a dual-credit or career and technical education environment.

• Experience developing and delivering hands-on, laboratory, experiential, or industry-based instruction.

• Current Nebraska Department of Education dual-credit certificate or Nebraska Teaching Certificate.

• Experience collaborating with K-12 partners, industry professionals, community organizations, or Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO).

Benefits

SCC BEN Dollars – Eligible Employees: Full-time status. Regular employees with an FTE of 0.75 or greater will be eligible for SCC Ben Dollars. All employees will be required to elect a health insurance option. If the cost of insurance coverage selected by an employee exceeds the SCC Ben Dollars available, all additional costs will be withheld from the employee’s paycheck. Any SCC Ben Dollars that the employee does not elect to use for the purchase of dependent health and dental insurance will be paid to the employee in cash at $0.93 per $1.00 benefit dollar. All amounts paid are subject to withholding for income and employment taxes, but not subject to the College’s contribution toward the Retirement Savings Plan – Group Retirement Account (GRA).

Schedule

This is a full-time regular position with an implied 40-hour work week, based on a 175-day work calendar. Teaching assignments for this position are scheduled and approved by the College between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, based on the instructional work calendar. Assignments may include instruction at The Career Academy (TCA), on an SCC campus, online, or at other College-approved locations, based on program needs and the current faculty calendar. Scheduled special activities, emergencies, or temporary schedule changes may require hours outside of the regular workday or workweek.

Veterans Preference

This position is subject to Nebraska veterans preference. Preference may be available to qualifying veterans, disabled veterans, certain spouses of veterans, and spouses of servicemembers as provided by Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-225 through 48-231. Applicants who wish to claim veterans preference must indicate their claim on the employment application and provide the required documentation to Human Resources.

Special Instructions to Applicants

If accommodation or assistance is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at 402-437-2553.