Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences Instructor

Company: Bellingham Technical College
Location: Bellingham
Posted on: May 25, 2025

Job Description:

Bellingham Technical College (BTC) invites applications for one Bellingham Technical College invites applications for a fulltime annualized position as a Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences Annualized Instructor. This position reports to the Dean of Professional Technical Education and will begin in September 2025.

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The position follows the academic calendar, with program courses offered from September to June. The Perry Center for Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences typically operates Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Evening and online instruction may be required elements of the position. Some weekend work may also be required. A supplemental contract for additional days in the summer may be issued. This position will also require schedule flexibility during off-hours for hatchery related business and emergencies. The Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences program prepares students for employment in a variety of "blue economy" jobs through three training pathways- Aquatic Science, Aquaculture Science, and Fisheries Science. The faculty team collaboratively teaches core program courses such as: Environmental Science, Aquatic Chemistry, Oceanography, Organismal Biology, Animal Genetics, Research Methods, Data Analysis, and GIS. Each faculty member also teaches a series of specialized courses to support the Aquaculture and Fisheries training pathways. Specialized courses for Aquaculture include courses such as Principles of Aquaculture, Aquaculture Management, Finfish and Shellfish Culture Practicums, Hatchery Production, Farm Production, Stock Enhancement, and Aquaponics. Specialized courses for Fisheries include courses such as Principles of Fisheries Science, Fisheries Conservation, Fisheries Ecology, and Principles of Field Sampling.





The program operates the Whatcom Creek Hatchery at the Maritime Heritage Park in Bellingham, the Bellingham Hatchery at Whatcom Falls Park, and during certain times of the year, also assists with hatchery operations at the Samish Hatchery in Burlington, WA, Lake Whatcom Hatchery in Sedro-Woolley, WA, and the Kendall Creek Hatchery in Deming, WA. Hatchery operations for fish and shellfish production are overseen by faculty members and supported by the Hatchery Operations Specialist, along with the program's student body. The program also conducts field training throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties, including shellfish farming, tidal and estuary/coastal surveys, and freshwater surveys. The teaching schedule will vary based on student, hatchery, and college needs and is expected to include instructional strategies that use hybrid and online techniques, along with in-person demos and labs. Instruction will include place-based learning through hatchery and field projects, in addition to individual course labs. Instructors are responsible for planning, teaching, and managing student learning in all assigned portions of the program including classroom, field, hatchery, and lab according to approved course study, state guidelines, program accreditation standards, and advisory committee recommendations. The instructor needs strong positive interpersonal skills, the ability to work closely with other instructors, and good computer and internet skills.





BTC is a premier higher education institution working to provide student-centered, high quality professional technical education throughout Whatcom County and is the only technical college serving northwest Washington State. The College is uniquely positioned to offer exceptional training and educational opportunities to area residents and employers. Founded in 1957 as Bellingham Vocational Institute, it has continued to offer high-quality education in a supportive, student-first environment. BTC has been serving its region with workforce education degrees and certificates to approximately 6,000 students per year. The college provides professional technical programs and courses, adult basic education, English Language Acquisition programs, academic courses, community education, a few direct transfer degree opportunities, and two Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. BTC works closely with regional employers and other partners to develop programs and train students to fill regional workforce demands and support economic development.


BTC is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming campus that supports diversity, promotes a sense of community, provides an effective work and learning environment, and encourages respect for individuals. As an Equal Opportunity employer, BTC values diversity and aims to recruit employees that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a successful and supportive learning environment for a diverse student and employee population with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.





Position Duties & Responsibilities



Plan, develop, and teach aquatic science, aquaculture science, and/or fisheries science coursework including theory, lab, hatchery, and field instruction that are part of the program's degrees and certificates;

Support and participate in the program's management of hatchery and field operations, including permitting and reporting requirements;

Follow the academic schedule as approved by the Dean; teach assigned courses at the times and dates specified by the academic schedule;

Plan, supervise, and evaluate students' progress; provide timely and accurate assessment feedback to students; maintain related student records, evaluations, and progress reports;

Advise students and hold office hours;

Participate in student recruitment and public outreach activities;

Consult with other college faculty and staff on issues relevant to students' success and retention;

Contribute to the development and implementation of institutional effectiveness and outcome measures related to courses;

Follow disciplinary procedures as prescribed and interact consistently and fairly with all students;

Adapt to changing teaching schedules and situations (on campus, online, hybrid, etc.) as required by program;

Effectively use computer applications where appropriate, including learning management systems (i.e. Canvas);

Adhere and ensure compliance with applicable safety laws;

Work with local, regional, and national employers to facilitate job and internship opportunities;

Effectively work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences;

Demonstrate respect for others;

Work with the program advisory committee;

Work collaboratively with the Washington Dept Fish and Wildlife and Treaty Tribes on all field operations and hatchery operations for the Bellingham Hatchery and the Whatcom Creek Hatchery;

Work within College guidelines in purchasing supplies for the Fisheries and Aquaculture program and assist in the maintenance of the program budget;

Work collaboratively as part of the Fisheries & Aquaculture department;

Demonstrate and model professional work standards: conduct, work ethics, positive interpersonal skills, problem solving, teamwork within the college and department;

Demonstrate a strong commitment to Bellingham Technical College's Mission;

Perform other duties as assigned.






Qualifications





Required Qualifications:



Associate degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Marine Biology or Science, Aquatic Ecology, Oceanography, Natural Resources Management, or related field and one year of full-time relevant industry experience



OR



Three years of full-time relevant industry experience;



AND



Valid driver's license to travel from site to site.



New instructors must complete industrial first aid/CPR and maintain vocational certification as required by the Washington State Law and Bellingham Technical College rules.





Preferred Qualifications:



Bachelor's or higher degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Marine Biology or Science, Aquatic Ecology, Oceanography, Natural Resources Management, or related field;

Five years or more of relevant industry experience;

Demonstrated teaching experience in an academic or professional setting;

Demonstrated experience in collaborative or team-teaching environments;

Experience raising and caring for aquatic organisms, including microalgae and shellfish husbandry;

Experience in recirculating and flow-through aquaculture systems;

Proven ability to adapt to changing needs in a dynamic work environment.






Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:



Keep current on educational teaching methods and strategies;

Institutional accreditation, planning, and continuous quality improvement;

Understanding, supporting, and commitment to the Bellingham Technical College Mission;

Strong classroom management skills;

Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Excellent interpersonal and teambuilding skills;

Creativity and presentation skills;

Tolerance for ambiguity and change;

Experience with non-traditional teaching methods;

Participate in professional development activities to remain current in program field and skills;

Use educational technology and alternative delivery methods to deliver high-quality instruction (i.e. online, hybrid, and accelerated course formats);

Develop strong computer software skills, including MS Office Suite and learning management systems;

Organize and effectively apply current and various curriculum concepts to a wide range of students with varying backgrounds and abilities and adjust teaching techniques accordingly;

Work effectively in a participatory governance environment;

Develop curriculum, including curriculum delivered via different instructional modalities;

Develop Student Learning Outcomes and to determine their effectiveness in helping students achieve their desired learning outcomes;

Work effectively with students, colleagues, staff and a community who represent a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, ethnicities, and educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds;

Work closely with Accessibility Resources for students with accommodation needs;

Maintain absolute confidentiality of student records;

Work independently and on a flexible schedule;

Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification;

Obtain and maintain forklift certification.






Physical & Work Environment:


Requires being mobile and standing for long periods of time; walking, stooping, bending and lifting; manual dexterity; repeated pushing, pulling and lifting of 50 or more pounds; bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and squatting; reaching below knees, knees to shoulders, above shoulder; working on uneven surfaces; work both indoors and outdoors, often in inclement weather conditions and extreme ambient temperatures (heat or cold); ability to work while standing in cold water (pond and streams) wearing waders, personal floatation device (PFD), and rain gear; ability to swim in deep and/or swift moving water; work from heights as high as 25 feet and utilize ladders. Also requires working at a computer several hours a week.





Supplemental Information


Salary, Benefits & Work Schedule:


Base salary range is typically $71,546 to $89,538 for an applicant with minimal levels of teaching and education experience and is based on a typical teaching schedule of 10 months, September through June, 173 days. High end of range is $78,209-$108,318 for those with previous related teaching experience and advanced educational degrees. Final placement is determined according to the current negotiated working agreement and based on an evaluation of work and/ or teaching experience. Additional optional compensation may be paid above the 173-day contract rate subject to terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Additional summer contract and compensation would be paid for summer quarter if program is in session and an assignment is available. Additional compensation includes up to $4,000 for doctoral stipend; access to professional development pool. This is not guaranteed year to year and is subject to legislation and Collective Bargaining. The work schedule will vary based on student and college needs. Some evening hours are expected.


These position(s) receive 90 hours of frontloaded sick leave per academic year (based on 7.5 hours per month), 2 noncumulative personal leave days per academic year, and 3 non-cumulative family illness days per academic year. Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability; a retirement benefits package, with choice between the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 3 or the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) 401A plan TIAA. Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in a medical Flexible Spending plan, Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan, or Health Savings Account; Dependent Care Assistance; discounts for automobile and homeowner insurance, tuition waiver; two voluntary investment (not matched) programs - TIAA (403b) or the State Deferred Compensation (457) plan. Employee Assistance Program (EAP); up to 21 days of military leave; up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave; up to 5 days of parental/adoption leave; paid civil/jury duty, ability to participate in a shared leave program; up to 2 days of unpaid holiday for reasons of faith or conscience; opportunity for sabbatical leave and stipend.


NOTE: Benefits and compensation are subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Bellingham Educational


Association (BEA). Current BEA CBA and benefits are for period of July 1, 2022-June 30, 2025.





Other Employment Information:


This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Association (BEA).


Background Check:


Prior to final hire, a pre-employment background, including criminal history and signed declaration statement as it pertains to sexual misconduct per Washington State Law (RCW 28B.112.080) will be conducted. Employment is contingent on passing the background check and signed declaration per RCW 28b.112.080 satisfactory to the college. Information from the background check and declaration will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position has access to children under the age of 18 as part of the State of Washington Running Start Program.


Application Procedures and Deadline:


Required application materials must be submitted on-line at www.btc.edu/jobs and received by 5 p.m. PST on 6/30/25, for priority consideration. Application materials received after this may be considered until the position is filled. More information about Bellingham Technical College is at www.btc.edu or contact the Human Resources office at 360 752-8354. BTC is not currently sponsoring H-1B Visa's.


Required Online Application Materials: (Prefer Word or PDF file for required attachments). Incomplete applications, including missing attachment will not be considered.



Completed Online BTC Employment Application & Online Supplemental Questions;

Current resume or Vitae of education, experience and other relevant achievements;

Cover letter describing interest in working at Bellingham Technical College and your teaching philosophy;

Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.






First interviews are expected to be online during the week of July 15, 2025. Applicants selected for initial interviews will be expected to provide teaching demonstrations as part of the interview process.





The application package and all materials submitted with it become the property of the college and will not be returned or considered for additional or future openings.


Mission: Bellingham Technical College provides student-centered, high-quality professional technical education for today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities.


Employment Eligibility Verification: Bellingham Technical College employs only United States citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the Department of Homeland Security.


Bellingham Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, pregnancy, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its programs, activities, and services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies/Section 504: Allison Mack, Director for Human Resources,


360.752.8354, or hr@btc.edu. For Title IX compliance, contact: Michele Waltz, Vice President of Student Services, 360.752.8440, or title9@btc.edu. Mailing address: 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225. BTC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Accessibility Resources office at 360.752.8576.





Employer Bellingham Technical College


Address 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, Washington, 98225


Phone 360 752-8354


Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/btc


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Keywords: Bellingham Technical College, Seattle , Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences Instructor, Education / Teaching , Bellingham, Washington