Biology Instructor

Our Mission Statement:

As a federally designated Hispanic-serving Institution residing on the traditional homelands of the 14 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Yakima Valley College cultivates equity and a culture of innovative and inclusive teaching and learning.
 
Yakima Valley College serves all students holistically, supports all students’ learning goals, and fosters achievement within career and educational pathways.
 
We strengthen our communities by providing opportunities for personal enrichment, economic mobility, and sociocultural engagement. 

Are you passionate about biology and enthusiastic about sharing your knowledge with others? Are you committed to student success and to finding innovative ways to address persistent achievement gaps in general education courses? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining the faculty ranks at Yakima Valley College (YVC), a designated Hispanic Serving Institution. 

Yakima Valley College seeks a Biology Instructor who is committed to community college education.  We are an innovative and equity-focused college, dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals. The successful applicant will exhibit a sensitivity to and understanding the diverse backgrounds of YVC students, faculty and staff and will demonstrate a commitment to equity-minded practices within the educational environment 

This is a full-time, special faculty (non-tenure track) position, with an anticipated start date of September 2025. JOB PROFILE:

• Teach a variety of biology courses, which is likely to include a mix of introductory biology for majors and non-majors, anatomy and physiology, and/or microbiology.
• Prepare learning activities and assessments that are consistent with the official course outlines.
• Prepare laboratory activities that meet appropriate safety standards and are coordinated with lab technicians.
• Participate in curriculum planning and regular revisions in conjunction with the department.
• Hold at least 5 office hours per week in modalities appropriate for the courses taught (e.g., online office hours for online classes).
• Advise students as part of the Guided Pathways advising process.
• Participate in college-wide committees (such as assessment, curriculum, or accreditation committee).
• Order textbooks and other course materials in coordination with the campus bookstore.
• Implement and assess teaching methods intended to close achievement gaps between demographic groups.
• Assess and evaluate individual student progress, maintain student records, refer students to other appropriate college staff as necessary, and demonstrate student-centered values consistent with the community college philosophy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Master’s degree in Biology or related field (e.g. microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology).
• Demonstrated successful teaching experience in biology courses at the college level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience teaching a variety of Biology courses.
• Experience teaching anatomy and physiology and/or microbiology at the college level.
• Experience or a willingness to learn teaching in a variety of different modalities (night classes, hybrid classes, online classes).
• Experience or evidence of willingness to work in a participatory collegiate community (e.g., committees, college activities).
• Experience using a variety of classroom methodologies (e.g., varied assessment techniques, collaborative learning, classroom technologies, interactive teaching). 
• Experience developing Biology and/or other science curricula.
• Understanding of and commitment to the community college philosophy of student-focused education and promotion of life-long learning.
• Experience or clearly stated interest in teaching diverse populations and reducing achievement gaps. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Note: Those applicants invited to interview will be required to give a 20-minute teaching demonstration to the committee that will be arranged upon agreement to interview.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete YVC Online Employment Application, and include the following REQUIRED attachments: 

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted)  
• A current resume (a resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the online application)  
• Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
• Unofficial transcripts for confirmation of degree (if minimum qualifications require a degree). The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire.  
• Certifications/Credentials as required for fulfillment of the minimum qualifications.
• Supplemental Question: The college requires a Diversity and Inclusion response as part of its application materials. The statement is found in the supplemental question area of the application. Please respond (NO MORE than two pages in length) in the text box area provided or upload the document to your application as an attachment. 

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the O online application.

Supplemental Information: 

Those applicants invited to interview may be required to complete a skills test.

Candidates may be subject to a Criminal History Background Check as a condition for consideration of employment.

"In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire." 

Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resource Services, YVC, South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902; or call 509.574.4670.  Equal Opportunity - Yakima Valley College (yvcc.edu) 

Yakima Valley College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.yvcc.edu/services/safety-security, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 509.574.4610.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. 

All positions are subject to funding.   

Salary : $80,432 - $88,854