Job Description:
Photography Instructor
Description
DescriptionSierra College has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff and students and values the rich diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. The Photography Instructor must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds. This includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities, sexual orientation, individuals from historically underrepresented communities and other groups to ensure the district provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.
Under administrative direction of an educational administrator, to develop curriculum, provide lecture and laboratory instruction, evaluate the performance of students engaged in the study of photography, digital imaging, and other related courses, as directed, and to do related work, as required.
Need Help With Your Online Account?- Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need assistance with your online applicant account.
- Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu .
Examples Of Functions and Tasks REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Curriculum-
ESSENTIAL: Review, update, and evaluate curriculum in order to meet student interests and needs within the parameters of Divisional and/or Departmental budget constraints and availability of equipment and materials; coordinate with adjunct faculty instructors to enhance consistency of lecture and laboratory content, and, in collaboration with the Division Dean, design and develop Photography Department curriculum; evaluate and/or revise course descriptions to fit curriculum designs; present proposals for curriculum changes to the Curriculum Committee and/or other appropriate shared governance bodies; make changes to curriculum as necessary and as approved within the shared governance structure; serve as Photography Department liaison with area high schools, colleges and universities on articulation matters; provide updated information for course catalogs and other publications regarding Photography Department degree and certification requirements; prepare semester schedules of Photography Department course offerings, work with support staff to prepare and submit to Division Dean annual and updated Photography Department budgets; participate in hazardous materials training, as necessary.
Lecture/ Laboratory-
ESSENTIAL: For courses taught online and in the classroom, use inclusive, student-centered instructional approaches; prepare lesson plans and prepare appropriate learning resources to be used in lectures and/or coordinate lectures with laboratory learning assignments; prepare, edit, and update course syllabi; organize and present laboratory demonstrations in all relevant photography courses; organize field study courses and field trips; review and select and/or prepare instructional materials for classroom and/or laboratory use; mix chemicals for laboratory use; perform basic equipment repairs; check equipment in and out to students; hire and coordinate the training and supervision of student help.
PERIPHERAL: Produce work as a photographic artist; In consultation with appropriate department members, review and evaluate instructional materials for content, readability, and cost effectiveness and select instructional materials determined to be the most useful and appropriate; attend classes, workshops, conferences and symposia to increase and/or update knowledge of subject matter and teaching methods and techniques; maintain currency in the field of photography to enhance preparation of lectures; experiment with changes in laboratory procedures and/or equipment which will improve instruction; familiarize self with operation of all equipment and computer software available for use and which is appropriate for the subject area.
Lecture/ Laboratory Presentation - ESSENTIAL: For online, in-person, and field study courses, introduce and present lecture/laboratory information and concepts to individuals and groups in a clear, logical, and student-centered manner; use analogies and/or examples to convey important concepts of photography; provide instructional objectives to direct student learning; identify and discuss characteristics and composition of photographs and other media in the classroom and laboratory; enhance presentations with visual aids and/or demonstrations and/or examples, when appropriate; prepare and distribute learning resources to clarify particularly difficult topics; answer student questions clearly and without ridicule, improper criticism or bias; encourage student participation and involvement in classroom and laboratory discussions; provide equal opportunity for student participation; use effective classroom management strategies and create and maintain a positive environment for learning for all students in the college’s diverse student population; design and develop new classroom and laboratory exercises to demonstrate major photographic concepts; promote use of critical thinking and the scientific method in all laboratory exercises or experiments; demonstrate laboratory techniques and operation of equipment (cameras, computers, printing equipment, lighting equipment, etc.); help students to set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and monitor laboratory activities, assisting as necessary; troubleshoot equipment set-up and operation and make modifications and/or substitutions to allow completion of laboratory activities; instruct students on proper safety standards, precautions, and techniques; move around in the laboratory, working with students; stay physically present in the laboratory to supervise activities.
PERIPHERAL: Speak to other classes and groups on the subject of photography; supervise student clean-up of the laboratory; advise students of hazards associated with electrical equipment, chemicals, etc.; monitor disposal of chemical wastes by students.
Student Performance Evaluation - ESSENTIAL: Develop assignments, projects, quizzes, tests and laboratory/classroom examinations which are understandable and which fairly evaluate student progress in acquiring knowledge of subject material in an equity-minded manner; conduct student critiques evaluating work evaluate student assignments, projects, and examinations/quizzes and provide feedback and grades accordingly; assign official grades, record scores and student attendance on appropriate forms, as required; conduct student conferences and advises students on academic matters regarding their performance; refer students to appropriate student services (for example, SAS, ESL, etc.); assign, read, and evaluate homework assignments and/or projects to promote learning.
Shared Governance Activities - ESSENTIAL: Attend and participate in departmental meetings and activities; respond in writing to requests for information; represent department by serving on campus-wide committees; speak to students and others concerning Photography Department activities and programs.
PERIPHERAL: Attend and participate s in divisional and/or building meetings and activities, as well as those organized by the Faculty Senate and the Staff Development Committee; serve on employees election committees and task forces, as requested; attend Board of Trustees and/or College Council Meetings, as necessary; respond to information polls distributed by the Faculty Senate; promote effective communication with other departments; advise campus community on photography matters, as requested.
Ancillary Student Services - ESSENTIAL: Hold regular office hours; provide advice to students regarding academic performance and coordinate departmental advisory committee; provide students and peers with a positive role model in terms of character and citizenship; participate in graduation and outstanding student award ceremonies.
PERIPHERAL: Provide students with letters of recommendation, as requested; hold review sessions of classroom/laboratory material, as necessary; advise and encourage students relative to Photography Department curriculum; provide opportunities for participation in field trips and/or club activities.
Other Duties:Performs related duties as required.
Minimum QualificationsCCC Minimum Qualifications Handbook MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Degrees/Experience:ESSENTIAL: Bachelor’s degree AND two years of occupational experience in the discipline OR Associate’s degree AND six years of occupational experience in the discipline OR Master’s in photography, fine arts, or art OR Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in art history or humanities OR the equivalent.
Offer and acceptance of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, LiveScan, and tuberculosis examination as required.
Verification of prior employment (teaching or work experience) may be needed to determine minimum qualifications met.
Copies of transcripts MUST be attached to the application (photocopies & unofficial transcripts are accepted).EQUIVALENCY INFORMATIONDid you know that you can also determine if you meet the minimum qualifications by going through an equivalency process? The equivalency process helps determine if coursework taken and/or professional experience meets the minimum education and/or experience requirements.
If claiming equivalency, please attach the Request for Equivalency Hearing form. The equivalency form may be found at:
Sierra College Human Resources .
Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees and other relevant documents.
FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT INFORMATIONIndividuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees and other relevant documents. A foreign transcript evaluation is required any time foreign course work is used to meet minimum qualifications and/or salary placement even if the foreign transcript has been accepted by a college or university in the United States.
Companies that provide transcript evaluation services:- Educational Credential Evaluators
Knowledge of:ESSENTIAL: Photographic concepts and topics including digital capture and post-production; black-and-white film and darkroom procedures; operation of laboratory equipment, software, and materials utilized for photographic processes; scientific methodology; teaching practices, methods, and techniques; laboratory equipment calibration procedures; methods, procedures, and techniques for operation of film, digital, and digital video cameras; studio and commercial lighting methods; color management and digital printing equipment and techniques; laboratory hazards and appropriate safety protocols; current and historic application of photography both in vocational fields and as fine art.
PERIPHERAL: Digital video editing; historical photographic processes, graphic design applications.
Abilityto:ESSENTIAL: Lecture in front of large groups of students; explain photographic concepts and processes in a logical, sequential, student-centered fashion; produce work as a photographic artist; operate, troubleshoot and test cameras, photographic printmaking, and other laboratory equipment; structure and organize laboratory activities; prepare laboratory equipment and materials; perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment; provide students with a "hands on" learning experience in a laboratory setting; form and maintain effective working relationships with peers, staff and students; recognize variation in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles and the value of student body and staff diversity; be patient with students; maintain integrity, honesty, reliability, and cooperation.
PhysicalSuitabilityRequirements:ESSENTIAL: Incumbent must be able to function effectively indoors in a classroom and/or laboratory environment and outdoors during field study sessions and field trips engaged in work of primarily a moderately active nature and to accomplish the following, with or without reasonable accommodation: Almost constantly : Utilize vision (near and far) for reading printed materials and computer screens, operating cameras, and retouching and/or cropping and evaluating photographs, digital video; utilize hearing to respond to student questions, for normal conversation, and for diagnosis of machine/equipment problems, and for placing and receiving telephone calls; bend, to assume positions conducive to optimal camera angles; walk (occasionally for long periods of time and long distances) to provide instruction and demonstrate proper use of equipment and materials during laboratory and field study sessions and during field trips, to distribute instructional materials in classes and laboratories, and to move about the campus environs; Frequently : Reach (overhead and low) to utilize and store equipment and materials; sit, to accomplish desk work; utilize manual and finger dexterity to operate and demonstrate equipment, including computers, to prepare laboratory materials, and to make minor repairs to equipment; work in areas subject to dust, mists, fumes, wet and damp surfaces, chemicals, caustics, confined spaces, and allergenic plants/materials.
PERIPHERAL: Almost Constantly : stand (occasionally for long periods of time) to deliver lectures and to operate enlarging/developing equipment. Frequently : lift and carry (from overhead, waist, and floor levels, maximum 40lbs.), push, pull, stoop, squat, and turn, to move and operate equipment, set up studio lights and backgrounds, and clean racks. Occasionally : Wear protective equipment to protect face, eyes, arms, hands, fingers, skin, and total body in the classroom and laboratory; work in areas subject to exposure to high levels of noise.
Supplemental InformationWHY SIERRA? - One of Aspen Institute’s Top 150 Community Colleges in the nation
- The Accrediting Commission recognized Sierra “for its exemplary practice of providing personnel with opportunities for continued professional development in order to meet its mission.” This includes providing students and employees with a robust set of programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our students, etc.
- Sierra has a commitment to culturally-responsive strategies and methods, and therefore all newly hired faculty participate in a Faculty Equity and Inclusion Certificate
- State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
- Competitive benefits package
- 175 day per year contract
- Qualifying Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (in most cases)
Sierra College is a Community College located near Sacramento, California where a heavy emphasis is placed on academic excellence and student success. Since its founding in 1936, Sierra College has focused on quality instruction and meeting the evolving needs of the students and communities that it serves. The Sierra Community College District covers more than 3,200 square miles and serves the Northern California foothill counties of Placer and Nevada, as well as parts of El Dorado and Sacramento. We serve over 17,000 students throughout the region in both on-ground and online courses, including students at our main Rocklin Campus as well as at two centers located in Grass Valley and Tahoe/Truckee. Our District prides itself on academic excellence.
Sierra College has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students and values the rich, diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. A strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds. This includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented communities and other groups. Our District is committed to providing strategies for success and proactive student-centered practices and policies focused on eliminating equity gaps to ensure the District provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.
As an institution, Sierra College is committed to eliminating the equity gap in all student populations with dynamic, learner-centered practices and policies that fully engage the college community. The ideal candidate will share the College’s commitment to helping its racially and socioeconomically diverse students succeed in their degree and career objectives. Currently, Sierra College enrolls 17,800 students per term, where approximately: 23% of Sierra College’s students are Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), 3% are African-American/Black, 2% are Filipino, 6% are Asian, 1% are American Indian/Alaskan Native, 8% are Multiethnic and 55% are White.
The successful candidate will join a College dedicated to the use of culturally responsive teaching strategies and methods that meet the varying needs of our students and ensure a successful learning environment. Sierra College demonstrates its commitment to equity by supporting ongoing professional development for students, faculty, and staff. These opportunities include trainings and workshops on equity and inclusion, a Faculty Equity and Inclusion Certificate series, active Academic Senate standing committees concerned with student success and equity, a Presidential Equity Advisory Committee (PEAC), culturally responsive student engagement centers, support for our undocumented and AB540 students, campus-wide equity summits, a robust set of programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our diverse students.
COMPENSATIONPlacement on the District’s Faculty Salary Schedule is dependent upon years of experience and level of education. Entry-level is from $66,812.56 to $89,535.23 at the time of employment. The current highest salary attainable after employment is $119,985.75. The District offers a very competitive benefits package, which includes health and welfare as well as income protection. Employees also will be members of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Sick leave, sabbatical, and other leaves are available according to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Need Help With Your Online Account?- Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need assistance with your online applicant account.
- Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu .
REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTSThere are four (4) required documents to apply for this position:
Employment ApplicationResume or Curriculum VitaeApplicable transcripts with conferred degree and date (unofficial transcripts are accepted) Please respond to the prompt below for your Teaching Philosophy Statement. You will need to write this statement on a separate document and upload the attachment at the end of the application.
- What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting historically underrepresented and underserved students? Specifically, what are the key factors that contribute to their success and the closing of equity gaps in the classroom, particularly for African-American, Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), and Native American students with intersecting identities, such as LGBTQIA+, visible and invisible disabilities, and any other disproportionately impacted populations?
- What role should faculty play in student success?
- Describe how your teaching approach has changed/evolved since you began teaching. Provide examples of what motivated the change(s).
- How does your teaching approach reflect your teaching philosophy in ensuring equitable student success?
Helpful Tip: Please note that as described above a strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds; and therefore, hiring committees assess candidates for these knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Applicants may want to consider incorporating culturally-inclusive/equity-minded strategies practiced and/or evidence of the responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity of community college student populations throughout their application materials (including application and documents uploaded, if any).
Please see the Sierra College website for additional helpful tips and tools for prospective applicants .
Travel expenses may be partially reimbursed for candidates traveling beyond a 150 mile radius for second round interviews. All other travel expenses will be borne by the candidate (if in person interviews). Terms and Conditions of Employment:Other terms and conditions of employment are specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreements on file in the District Human Resources Department. Position description of record on file in the Human Resources Department.
*Sierra Community College District currently operates campuses in Rocklin, Truckee and Grass Valley. In its management of a multi-campus environment, the District reserves right of assignment including the right to change assignment locations and shift assignments based on District need. Although this position may currently reside at the Rocklin campus, the assignment location may be subject to change as needed. Additionally, the district reserves the right to cancel, revise or re-announce this position as well as any and all positions at any time.
EEO / TITLE IX EMPLOYERSierra College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination and the achievement of diversity and equity among its faculty, staff, and students. Persons with inquiries about the application of Title IX and/or EEO may contact the Director of Diversity, EEO & Title IX (Title IX Coordinator) at the address below, at (916) 660-7006 or via email at EEOT9@sierracollege.edu .
Persons with questions regarding reasonable accommodation of physical and other disabilities should contact the Sierra College Human Resources Department at (916) 660-7105.
If you have limitations hearing or speaking, the State of California offers a specially-trained Communications Assistant (CA) that can relay telephone conversations for all of your calls. Dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). Dialing 711 is for everyone, not just those who have difficulty hearing on a standard phone. If you prefer having your calls immediately answered in your mode of communication, dial one of the toll-free modality and language-specific numbers below. The call will be routed to the CRS provider.
TTY/VCO/HCO to Voice English 1-800-735-2929
Spanish 1-800-855-3000
Voice to TTY/VCO/HCO English 1-800-735-2922
Spanish 1-800-855-3000
From or to Speech-to- Speech English & Spanish 1-800-854-7784
Sierra Community College offers benefit packages to full-time employees including: family coverage health, dental and vision insurance, Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) OR State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) retirement, income protection, life insurance, sick leave, vacation, and holidays as provided according to District policy.
Closing Date/Time: 1/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary:
$66,812.56 - $89,535.23 Annually