
APPOINTMENTS FROM THE PART-TIME POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM, SO APPLICANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE ON VERY SHORT NOTICE.
Marine Transportation - PART-TIME VOCATIONAL LECTURER POOL. The Marine Transportation Department within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University Maritime Academy (Cal Poly Maritime) is seeking applications for a pool of part-time vocational lecturers. Located on a compact, scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California, Cal Poly Maritime serves approximately 1,000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students and is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States—and the only one on the West Coast.
Positions available as determined by need during the 2026-27 academic year. Possible teaching assignments include teaching a variety of classes both on small boats and in the classroom and laboratories, teaching courses in small craft operation, teaching classes in vessel maintenance and operations, teaching other maritime courses as needed such as GMDSS or ECDIS, grading student performance and assessing STCW competencies as necessary in a timely manner according to stipulated procedures, and managing a safe working environment .
Initial rank and salary for maritime vocational lecturers are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer I or II rank. The classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer I: $5,247 – $8,471
Lecturer II: $5,465 – $8,854
Lecturer III: $6,047 – $10,299
Lecturer IV: $6,726 – $11,459
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, 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
- United States Coast Guard license 500-Ton Master or greater.
- STCW BT, Advanced Firefighting including current medical clearance
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a maritime or industry-related field.
- A ‘safety first’ ethos
- Significant experience in vessel operations
Preferred Qualifications
- Teaching experience
- Senior USCG unlimited-tonnage license
- STCW OICNW, RFPNW, FRC, Survival Craft
- Current or prior approval from US Coast Guard as a Designated Examiner (DE) – Near Coastal/Oceans
- Ship and workboat (tugs, supply, ferries, etc.) experience and endorsements
- Master’s degree in marine transportation or related field
Physical and Environmental Working Conditions — Training Ship Golden Bear
- Work aboard ship requires climbing ladders and gangways; lifting and carrying materials between the pier and vessel; and occasional work in hot, cold, damp, or very dry conditions.
- Mariners must be able to live and work in confined spaces on a moving vessel; maintain balance on a rolling deck; rapidly don an exposure suit; step over 24-inch door sills; open and close watertight doors (up to 56 pounds); pull heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) for distances up to 400 feet; climb steep stairs or vertical ladders without assistance; and participate in firefighting and lifesaving efforts, including wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and handling fully charged fire hoses. Extended workdays are common.
Eligibility to Work
- Applicants must submit, upon hire, official documentation of proof of degree, MMC, STCW, all certificates, and endorsements.
- Applicants must provide proof of US citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three days from the date of hire.
- A valid TWIC card will be required for work aboard all academy vessels.
Special Conditions
- Mandated Reporter: 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.
- Background Check: 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. 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 Maritime or individuals in the university community.
- Cal Poly will not sponsor an H-1B for this position.
- 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 department of Marine Transportation has approximately 370 students pursuing a bachelor of science degree and Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage USCG Merchant Marine License. With a team of 20+ faculty, the MT department teaches all aspects of the degree program, including in the classroom, in labs and on the waterfront. Our graduates are in high demand with most gaining employment within 6 months of graduation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must attach 1) a cover letter/letter of interest in the position, 2) resume/curriculum vitae, 3) copy of MMC/license, medical card, endorsements, 4) unofficial transcript of the highest degree earned, 5) teaching philosophy statement, 6) summary of CSU courses previously taught, and 7) a list of courses requesting consideration to teach to your online faculty application. Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing your application.
Review date will begin May 7, 2026, and will continue until positions are filled. Selected applicants will be required to submit copies of official transcripts of highest degree and signed application prior to appointment.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth McNie at emcnie@csum.edu or call at 707-654-1237.