The Plant Sciences Department (PLSC) within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA invites applications for a full time, 12-month lecturer position for the 2026-27 year. Under the general supervision of the PLSC Department Head, the position involves:

• Teaching: courses related to design, propagation, installation, and maintenance of plantscapes outdoors and indoors. Other courses deemed appropriate to the expertise of the individual and needs of the department.
• Curriculum development: as the campus converts from the quarter to semester system there will an opportunity for the position to develop courses that are relevant to sustainable landscaping and arboretum activities.
• Cal Poly Leaning Pine Arboretum management: In consultation with Department Head of Plant Sciences and the CAFES Dean, the position will work independently and will assume responsibility for the wide diversity of tasks and daily operation of the Leaning Pine Arboretum including ensuring the Leaning Pine Arboretum and all associated operations are running smoothly, efficiently, and safely,   coordinating and overseeing support technicians and students, and working directly with faculty to facilitate specific instructional and pertinent research activities.   
• Faculty advisor: the position will be an advisor to the FFA State Finals Nursery and Landscape competition, the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) team or other student extracurricular landscape activities as needed.
• Establish an active relationship with other university faculty and researchers, leaders in the landscape industry, students, and the general public to provide information and leadership related to landscape horticulture.
• In addition, candidates should be able to provide practical experience and individualized student-learning opportunities such as experiential classes, undergraduate and graduate research projects.

The successful candidate will also serve as the liaison for the Leaning Pine Arboretum with the on-campus and off-campus community. This position will serve as public educator and an ambassador for the Leaning Pine Arboretum in a wide variety of public settings, support and represent the Leaning Pine Arboretum’s advocacy and community engagement work as needed in public forums, committees, and related settings.

Further, this position will create and implement an annual fundraising plan and tracking system to diversify, renew and increase contributions. In coordination with faculty, support labs and activities for instructional needs of PLSC and other departments such as Biological Sciences and Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences that are associated with the Leaning Pine Arboretum.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Oversight of student employees.
• Assist in following all federal and state regulations and university policy.
• Assist in the record maintenance associated with the operations of the Leaning Pine Arboretum.
• Service activities will include participation on department, college, and university committees and instructionally related activities.

Initial rank and salary for 12-month 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: $6,288-7,658

Lecturer B: $7,127–$15,211

Lecturer C: $7,830–$16,697

Lecturer D: $9,883–$17,490

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, and is 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

• B.S. in the area of Plant Sciences such as horticulture, arboriculture, plant ecology, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, or related discipline.  
• Demonstrated increasing responsibility in arboretum management including planning, reporting, planting, maintenance and personnel supervision.
• Particular attention will be given to those applicants with a demonstrated ability for effective teaching and professional activity.
• Demonstrated academic excellence in the area of plant science, effective communication, and interpersonal skills such as providing feedback to students in a timely and educationally effective manner. Ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public is essential.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to set priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, the Internet, as well as online calendaring and email.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, sound judgement, management, organizational and decision-making skills, strategic thinker, motivator, collaborative management style and self-directed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various backgrounds. 
• Experience working with varied populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, equitable, and inclusive learning environment. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preference will be given to candidates any of the following: Master’s Degree in the area of plant sciences, teaching experience in plant sciences, demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude, proven supervisory skills in recruiting and coaching staff, students, and volunteers, direct experience in planning and managing fundraising events and programs, experience with volunteers: overseeing recruitment, management, motivation and retention, passionate about nature, horticulture, sustainability and conservation.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a possession of ISA Certified Arborist license and CDPR Qualified Applicators Certificate.
• The ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University is desirable.
• Candidates who have international experience or the desire to cultivate international links are preferred.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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.

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.

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.

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 Sciences (PLSC) Department  is a major academic unit within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). The department is comprised of a department head, 6 full-time faculty, more than 10 part-time lecturers, 275 undergraduate majors, 5 support staff, and a varying number of student-assistants. Located on five acres at the northwest edge of the campus core, the Leaning Pine Arboretum is a botanical garden that has grown as a collection of class projects, laboratory exercises, and senior projects over the past 50 years to become the garden visitors experience today.  The Leaning Pine Arboretum’s prime mission is to be a living laboratory for student and community education through its living collection of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that represent the Mediterranean climates of the world.  It also provides a space on campus for enjoyment, relaxation, and events within walking distance of the campus core.  The other facilities associated with HCS include a 16-acre Horticulture Unit consisting of 40,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space; extensive outside production and display areas; 7,500 square feet of shade houses. The Department’s Crops Unit includes 70 acres of citrus, avocado, grape, deciduous fruit tree, and berry production and 35 acres of annual vegetable and forage crop production, of which 11 acres are certified organic.

The Department offers the Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Within this major are three concentrations: Environmental Horticultural Science, Fruit and Crop Science, and Plant Protection Science.

HOW TO APPLY

Review will begin on February 27, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by that date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) Universal Student Success Statement (prompt below), and (5) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

*Universal Student Success Statement Prompt- Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.

Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations.  Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Scott Steinmaus, department head, at ssteinma@calpoly.edu.