Automation Instrumentation and Robotics (AIR) Faculty (tenure track)

At a Glance! Lower Columbia College (LCC) is seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable, and passionate professional to join our Industrial Technology department as a faculty member in the Automation, Instrumentation, and Robotics (AIR) program. We are looking for someone who is not only skilled in the technical aspects of the field but also enthusiastic about teaching and inspiring students. The department thrives on collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. This faculty position involves the development and delivery of engaging, hands-on instruction, maintaining lab environments, supporting outreach initiatives, promoting LCC's safety standards, and adapting to meet the emerging needs of local industry partners.

About the Program: LCC’s AIR program includes an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in Industrial Maintenance. These programs prepare students to excel in a dynamic and rapidly evolving industrial environment by providing hands-on training and technical skills in key areas including automation systems, robotic technologies, industrial instrumentation, and equipment maintenance. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, students will gain the expertise needed to troubleshoot, repair, and optimize complex industrial systems.

We assign courses based on faculty knowledge and skillset. Workload may include coursework in areas such as: Instrumentation Fundamentals, Advanced Instrumentation, Process Technology Equipment, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Industrial and Predictive Maintenance Fundamentals, Process Technology Equipment, Advanced Industrial Maintenance, Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals,  Electric Motors and Control Equipment, Electrical Control Equipment, Motors, Introduction to Robotics, Robotics in Automation, Responsibilities also include student advising and program development in collaboration with industry partners to ensure curriculum remains aligned to local industry standards and workforce needs. 

LCC has a strong commitment to making equity, diversity and inclusion a core component of initiatives, program operations and professional development. We believe diversity enriches the educational experience for all students, faculty, and staff. The AIR program is committed to developing future professionals that model behaviors and attitudes of dignity, openness, acceptance and respect.

The Faculty position is 173 contract days (fall, winter, spring) with an anticipated start of September 2026. The AIR Faculty reports to the Dean of Instruction. Courses are delivered through multiple modalities including online, hybrid, and in-person. The salary range is $77,848 to $100,097 based on education and experience. Please note the salary amount within this posting is reflective of the 2025-26 salary amounts and does not include any legislatively funded COLA for the 2026-27 year. For applicants relocating to the LCC's service district, we are able to provide up to $5,000 in relocation funds in accordance with our travel policies.   

Address these in your cover letter and/or teaching statement

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Teach Automation, Instrumentation, and Robotics courses with a focus on real-world applications.
• Develop hands-on lessons integrating industry scenarios to prepare students for industrial roles.
• Instruct students in troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of industrial automation and robotics systems.
• Provide timely verbal and written feedback, including grading assignments.
• Create an inclusive learning environment for diverse student populations and learning styles.
• Maintain a safe, respectful classroom adhering to industry and college safety standards.
• Stay updated on technological advances and revise course content as needed.
• Collaborate with industry professionals to enhance curriculum and workforce alignment.
• Support students in securing internships and conduct site visits as necessary.
• Incorporate instructional technology and teach in various modalities (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Maintain updated course materials and syllabi.

Faculty Advisor Responsibilities:

• Provide academic advising and career guidance to students to support their educational and professional goals.
• Maintain and update educational plans for each student using LCC’s student advising platform,
• Maintain office hours for student consultation.

Other Responsibilities:

• Promote the program through recruitment and outreach.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and staff.
• Adhere to LCC policies, procedures, and standards.
• Participate in program and college assessments, meetings, and service activities.
• Engage in professional development.
• Maintain Vocational Certification.
  • New professional-technical faculty will be issued an initial Vocational Certification and are required to maintain this certification by completing professional development activities in alignment with the WA State Skills Standards for Professional-Technical Instructors: https://www.skillstandardswa.org/
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Automation, Instrumentation, Robotics, Industrial Maintenance, Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics or a closely related field; OR degree or technical certification from a Technical Institute or trade school; OR equivalent education, training and experience resulting in journeyman status through a WA State registered apprenticeship program.
• Five (5) years of professional work experience in an industrial setting working with automation equipment, instrumentation, process control systems, engineering, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, robotics or closely related field aligning with program coursework being taught.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, diverse educational environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to serve the needs of students who represent a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, ethnicity, education, and cultural backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Instrumentation, Robotics, Industrial Maintenance, Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics or a closely related field.
• Six (6)+ years of professional work experience in an industrial setting working with automation equipment, instrumentation, process control systems, engineering, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, robotics or closely related field aligning with program coursework being taught.
• Teaching or training experience.
• Experience using technology to enhance trainee or student learning.
• Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and assessment.

How to apply:

An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):

• Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position

• Resume

• References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor 

• Unofficial transcripts (if applicable)

Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Residency Requirement

To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.

Lower Columbia College Human Resources

For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at hr@lowercolumbia.edu.    

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Kendra Sprague, Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, title9@lowercolumbia.edu, Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.

• Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.

• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.

• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.

Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.

Conditions of Employment 

• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.