Cal Maritime Jobs

DEPARTMENT:   Department of Marine Transportation

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:  Maritime Vocational Lecturer

TIMEBASE/POSITION TYPE:  Part-time, Non-Tenure Track

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE:   January 2, 2026

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Department of Marine Transportation within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is located at California Polytechnic State University Maritime Academy (Cal Poly Maritime), a specialized campus of Cal Poly, invites applications for Maritime Vocational Lecturers to teach a variety of classes both on small boats and in the classroom and laboratories. Candidates must hold a valid USCG license 500-Ton Master (or greater) or Master of Towing.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received by the close of business day on November 15, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

ABOUT CAL POLY MARITIME ACADEMY: Located on a compact but scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California (30 miles northeast of San Francisco), Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a unique and specialized campus of the 23-campus system. Serving a population of approximately 1000 undergraduate and 50 graduate students, we are one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States — and the only one on the West Coast. Cal Poly Maritime Academy offers seven baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, International Strategy and Security, Facilities Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Oceanography. The undergraduate curriculum includes licensing programs for future merchant marine, Coast Guard, and Naval Reserve officers. Cal Poly Maritime Academy also offers a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management degree.  Please visit our website for more information about Cal Poly Maritime Academy .

Our programs focus on intellectual learning, applied technology, leadership development, and global awareness. Cal Poly Maritime Academy students participate in training cruises aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear or other international educational experiences - gaining a unique perspective on our increasingly global culture and economy. Cal Poly Maritime Academy is committed to being a leading educational institution recognized for excellence in the business, engineering, operations, security, and policy of the transportation industries of the Pacific Rim and beyond. We are equally committed to hiring and retaining diverse and dedicated faculty and staff who lead the way in helping our students expand their knowledge and potential.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a part-time lecturer non-tenure track position in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Teaching courses in small craft operations
• Teaching classes in vessel maintenance and operations
• Teaching other maritime courses as needed
• Grading student performance and assessing STCW competencies as necessary in a timely manner according to stipulated procedures
• Managing a safe working environment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• United States Coast Guard license 500-Ton Master (or greater), or Master of Towing
• STCW compliant, including medical clearance
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a maritime or industry-related field
• A ‘safety first’ ethos
• Significant experience in vessel operations
• Demonstration of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public is essential.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Teaching experience
• Senior USCG unlimited license
• Current or prior approval from the 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
• The ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University is desirable.
• Candidates with international experience or the desire to cultivate international links are preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

SALARY COMPENSATION: Initial rank and salary for 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 I, II, or III rank. The full time 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

A full-time unit load for a lecturer is 15 teaching units, also called WTUs.  Part-time lecturers salary will be prorated based on unit load (WTUs).

BENEFITS:   An excellent comprehensive benefits package is available for “qualifying” positions, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, retirement plans, fee waiver, vacation, and sick leave. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.
• The incumbent must participate in a random drug-screening program as required by federal law.
• For health and well-being, Cal Poly Maritime 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.

 PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

• Typical classroom and office environment are in a two-story building with elevator access.

 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, 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested parties must apply on-line through our Cal Poly Maritime Academy Jobs website. Apply on-line at: https://www.csum.edu/hr/careers/index.html 

Review begin date: November 15, 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by November 15, 2025 for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.  Interested candidates must attach:

1. Cal Poly Maritime Academy Employment Application (required)

2. Letter of interest in the position

3. Copy of MMC/license, medical card, endorsements

4. C/V or Resume

5. Unofficial transcripts of the highest degree

6. At least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration. Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Elizabeth McNie at emcnie@csum.edu  

TITLE IX:  Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at on the CSU Title IX website.

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 Maritime Academy 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 Maritime Academy 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 Maritime Academy 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 Maritime Academy, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check and drug screening) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Note: Cal Poly Maritime 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 Maritime 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.

NOTIFICATION:  Based upon a review of applications and accompanying documents, only those persons whose qualifications best match job requirements will be interviewed.  Applicants not selected for an interview will be notified only after the position closes and the successful candidate has been selected. 

INTEGRATION: The California State University Board of Trustees has approved the integration of the California State University Maritime Academy with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, effective July 1, 2025. The two campuses will form one academic institution operated as California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and all employment positions with California State University Maritime Academy are subject to this transition. Employees hired in the period after the Trustees’ approval on November 21, 2024, and prior to the integration date on July 1, 2025, will have their employment transitioned to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.  Employment shall continue to be subject to California State University policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Any changes in organizational structure, reporting relationships, or employment conditions will be communicated as details are finalized.

DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained may be modified or changed.