What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor, Manufacturing, Tenure Track position at Grand Rapids Community College?
GRCCs Manufacturing Department is seeking a dynamic expert to teach Plastics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and other manufacturing-based courses as needed. This position reports to the Associate Dean of the School of Business and Industry
Requisition ID: 879
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 32 Weeks (Fall and Winter Semesters)
Start Date: Fall 2025
Compensation: Consistent with Faculty Association contract (Page #109)
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Associate Dean, School of Business and Industry
Posting Opens: 04/08/2025
Posting Closes: 05/08/2025
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Teach Plastics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and other manufacturing-based courses as needed.
- Work with tenured faculty and assigned mentor to ensure consistent standards and instructional practices within each course.
- Develop and maintain a curriculum that reflects current expectations in the job market.
- Lead, advise and support adjunct faculty to ensure consistent standards and instructional practices within each course.
- Effectively assess, document, and advise students regarding their academic performance and goals.
- Create a safe and inclusive learning environment for students.
- Demonstrate a commitment to a learning centered environment in the classroom.
- Incorporate new technologies and methods for enhanced teaching and learning into instructional methods.
- Engage in on-going professional development to maintain expertise in the field and communicate outcomes with faculty and administration.
- Maintain professional certifications.
- Advise students on curriculum, academic programs, and employment and career goals.
- Participate in departmental student academic advising plans.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of abilities.
- Contribute to the growth and development of the department and the College by participating in academic program review; curriculum development, evaluation and revision; committee membership; department and advisory committee meetings.
- Analyze program, course and student outcome data.
- Communicate clearly with students, staff, faculty and administration.
- Support the Department/program and the College by advising students, participating in committee work, and performing other tasks normally expected of faculty members.
- Assist the department head in the preparation of reports and other required documents.
- Work with other areas in the college to maintain the welding labs.
- Assist in marketing and promoting of departmental and college programs and events.
- Promote the department by creating partnerships with state and local communities, and schools.
- Adhere to college processes, policies and contractual obligations.
- Support the Colleges Strategic Plan through departmental and college action projects as appropriate.
- Support the department and the college through other work normally expected of GRCC faculty members.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Educational Credentials
- Bachelors of Science in Plastics Engineering or related field required.
- Masters Degree in related field preferred.
Work Experience
- A minimum of three years experience in process engineering in Plastics required.
- Industrial experience with hydraulics and or pneumatics equipment required.
- A proven understanding of plastic materials, molding processes (examples: injection molding, extrusion, etc.), and related technologies is required. This includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
- Experience working with educational institutions to create partnerships with industrial partners to enhance college programs to increase knowledge and student enrollment preferred.
- Experience starting plastics curriculums from scratch to develop higher learning programs preferred.
Skills
- Ability to lead students in open lab: Plastics Injection, Extrusion, Thermoforming and various other equipment
- Explain complex concepts in a way that students can easily grasp is vital. Clear communication, the ability to break down technical terms, and engaging teaching methods help students learn more effectively.
- Setup equipment for hydraulics and pneumatics lab work and provide working knowledge of equipment and blue prints.
- Teach students how to design basic hydraulic and pneumatic circuits and how to troubleshoot them. This involves understanding the components like pumps, actuators, valves, and compressors, and knowing how to identify and fix common issues like leaks, blockages, or pressure irregularities.
- Ability to thoughtfully layout equipment in a lab room to promote learning and safe workflow.
- Willingness to market and promote plastics programs to industry partners and equipment companies.
Physical Demands
- Ability to safely lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to kneel, crouch, or stand for extended periods.
- Ability to sit, walk, stand, climb/balance, rotation of head/neck, flexion (head bent down, head bent back), twisting at the waist, handling/grasping, and fine finger manipulation.
- Ability to work in a noisy environment
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Adequate hearing/speech strategies to effectively communicate in person
Mental Demands
- Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
- Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to cope effectively with the demands associated with various situations within the organization.
- Must be punctual and dependable.
- An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
Working Conditions
- GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
- Travel to off campus settings.
- Work in a classroom and laboratory in an academic setting.
- Work in a high traffic, noisy environments.
- Work flexible hours
BENEFITS
- Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
- Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
- Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
- Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
HIRING PROCESS
GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.
