Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Instructor Tenure-Track - Merritt

College Information

Peralta/College InformationMerritt College

Merritt College is a public, comprehensive, two-year college, maintained by the Peralta Community College District in Alameda County. With a comprehensive day and evening program of transfer, technical, occupational and basic skills education, the College is committed to meeting the educational needs of the diverse student population it serves.

Located on a 125-acre site in the hills of East Oakland, Merritt College combines modern, spacious facilities with a spectacular view of the entire Bay Area. An integral part of a large, busy urban community, the location provides a sense of tranquility and peace.

Position Information

Job TitleLandscape Architecture and Horticulture Instructor Tenure-Track - MerrittTime BaseFull Time, 1.0 FTECompensation$72,148 - $97,444/Year Initial salary placement is commensurate with experience and educational background.Position TypeAcademicDepartmentDean of Math, Science, & Technology (652)CityOaklandStateCAJob Description SummaryInstructors are expected to use and keep abreast of advanced teaching methods, including the use of current and future technologies to support student learning and career objectives.Teaching schedule may include evening or weekend hours as part of contract assignment.Duties & Responsibilities
Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty of the position satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions required for the position.

Instruct students and assess student performance in a variety of horticulture and landscape design classes. Subject areas may include:

• Landscape design• Planting design• Advanced design• Landscape design forum (forum)• Construction• Form and Composition• Design evaluation of Bay Area landscapes• Digital design courses• Freehand drawing• Plant identification• Provide class instruction in accordance with established course outlines.
• Inform students via syllabi concerning course requirements, evaluation procedures, and attendance requirements.
• Maintain necessary attendance, scholastic and personnel records, and submit them according to published deadlines.
• Prepare and grade class assignments and examinations; promptly return them to students.
• Post and maintain required office hours in accordance with the prevailing policy and provide academic assistance and related services to students during scheduled office hours.
• Participate in faculty discussions on curriculum, teaching-learning techniques and teaching materials.
• Participate on departmental, divisional, and campus committees. Develop and revise courses in the discipline.

The Instructor is also responsible for providing a full professional service week that may include, but is not limited to:

• Teaching, teaching preparation, maintenance of office hours and student advising, maintenance of student rosters, class records and grade completion in accordance with District policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners (e.g. American Society of Landscape Architects, Association of Professional Landscape Designers, California Landscape Contractors Association, etc.) to further the educational goals of the horticulture department).
• Participate in community outreach/marketing activities by attending conferences and events, speaking at workshops/meetings, and assisting in the coordination of college-sponsored non-credit workshops and short courses

Contribute to the long-term goals of the Landscape Horticulture department through activities such as:

• Curriculum development
• Development of department facilities
• Participation in the Horticulture Advisory Committee
• Assist with bi-annual plant sale
• Participate in college-wide committees
• Assist with faculty peer evaluations
• Participate in regular staff meetings
• Participate in the governance structure of the College and District
• Perform departmental duties such as program and curriculum development, evaluation and revision, selection of appropriate instructional materials, and work with administrators and other faculty to develop a comprehensive pre-collegiate program.
• Participate in professional activities such as departmental and campus committee work, faculty peer evaluations, staff meetings, and governance structure of the College and District.
• Pursue professional growth activities to remain current in discipline and teaching methodology.
• Perform professional outreach activities (e.g., work with administrators and other faculty, as part of course development and based on need, participate in an industry advisory committee for a program, work with inter-segmental education partners such as high school, adult school and other colleges and industry partners to design and implement effective basic skills curricula and career pathways in the discipline, etc.).
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the CollegeMinimum Qualifications1. Possession of any bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience in Landscape Horticulture;

OR

2. Possession of any associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of experience in Landscape Horticulture;

OR

3. May submit a fully-satisfied lifetime California Community College Instructor Credential authorizing service to teach courses in Landscape Horticulture. (Credentials were no longer issued after July 1, 1990).

OR

4. The equivalent qualifications. (Candidates who claim equivalency must provide conclusive evidence, as clear and reliable as college transcripts, as required on the District Equivalency Application Form. Refer to the Equivalency Procedures. This is not a process to waive the minimum qualifications).

5. Demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college staff, faculty, and students.

Other RequirementsApplicants must meet the minimum qualifications as established by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications by submitting official or unofficial transcripts and providing a complete and detailed record of relevant professional work experience in their application materials.The District will review education and work history to determine whether minimum qualifications are met. Determinations are made in accordance with Title 5 regulations and District procedures. Official transcripts and additional verification of employment will be required upon offer of employment.

If experience is required in lieu of a master’s degree:For disciplines requiring a degree and professional experience, applicants must clearly describe how their education and work experience meet the stated minimum qualifications.EquivalencyApplicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications exactly may apply for equivalency. Equivalency determinations are made through a separate review process in accordance with District procedures.
The Equivalency Committee will consider onlythose applicants who formally request equivalency consideration by submitting the Completed Equivalency Request Form with their application. Be sure to attach detailed evidence, such as unofficial transcripts and/or other certifications that support the equivalency.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following:
1. An application.
2. A resume/CV summarizing your educational background and experience.
3. Transcriptsa. Transcripts of ALL college degrees/coursework needed to qualify for this position; unofficial or legible copies are acceptable but must indicate that the degree(s) has been conferred, if applicable.
All degrees and units used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from postsecondary institutions accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. If your degree/coursework is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. A partial list of agencies can be found at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635). Transcripts or translations in English still require the evaluation to show the U.S. equivalence of your degree.b. If needed to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy (front and back) of your fully satisfied, lifetime California Community College credential authorizing service in the appropriate discipline.

Applicants will not be contacted unless selected for interview. Offer of employment to the persons selected for these positions is contingent upon: 1) submission of a current TB test clearance; 2) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 3) fingerprint clearance; and 4) submission of official transcripts indicating appropriate degree(s) awarded or submission of a valid appropriate California Community College credential. 5) receipt of work verification required to meet minimum qualifications (if applicable)Desirable Qualifications1. Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.
2. At least five (5) years of professional practice experience and a current professional license as a Landscape Architect in California.
3. Exceptional graphic communication skills (by hand and digital).
4. Strong organizational skills; ability to manage high teaching loads (often 4-5 classes per semester) and administrative duties.
5. Enthusiasm for participating in a range of departmental responsibilities, such as working with industry groups, job placement of students, development of department facilities and resources, and working to ensure the long-term success of the Landscape Horticulture department and its mission.
6. Ability to work collaboratively with other department and college personnel.
7. At least two (2) years of recent teaching experience in Landscape Design and/or Landscape Horticulture in an urban community college setting or university level.
8. Recent experience developing community college curriculum and instructional materials development. Familiarity with student learning outcomes, program outcomes and institutional outcomes pedagogy.
9. Recent experience with current and emergent instructional delivery technologies and demonstrated experience and commitment to integrating new technologies into the learning process.
10. Strong job-related background and field experience in the candidate’s area of expertise and strong knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in landscape design and horticulture. This qualification is a critical part of the Career/Technical (“Vocational”) mission of the Landscape Horticulture Department.
11. Ability and desire to work collaboratively in a classroom and administrative setting, plan curriculum, schedule classes, help develop and carry out departmental policies, participate in meetings, and be active in departmental events and college-wide shared governance.

Environmental DemandsTools & Equipment UsedApplication Deadline DateApril 30, 2026Open Date03/18/2026First Review DateSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsAPPLICATION PROCEDURES

Failure to follow the requirements below may result in your application being disqualified.

Required documents and applications are only accepted through the online process. Please do not mail or fax your application.

Information on transcripts must include degree awarded and confer date.

Copies of diplomas will not substitute for transcripts. Finalists will be required to submit official transcripts from fully accredited college or university institutions prior to the final interview.

Note: A written evaluation by an official foreign credentials/transcripts evaluation and translation service must be submitted for Foreign Degree(s) (non-U.S. degrees) by the application deadline date.

Travel expenses for the interview and selection process will be borne by the candidates.

Appointment to the position is conditional upon the approval of the Chancellor.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employees must satisfy all pre-employment requirements to work for the District which include, but are not limited to, the following items:

REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Tuberculosis Examination: Prior to employment, the successful candidate will be required to submit evidence (either skin test or X-ray report) of being free of tuberculosis within the past sixty (60) days. The TB test is a condition of employment and any expense must be borne by the successful candidate.

Fingerprinting Requirement: As a condition of employment, all employees working for community colleges in the State of California are required to be fingerprinted within the first ten (10) working days of the date of employment pursuant to Education Code Section 88024.

Immigration Requirement: According to the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Peralta Community College District is required to verify that all new employees are legally authorized to work in the United States.

All new employees are required to complete and sign a verification form and provide documentation attesting that he/she is legally authorized to work in the United States.

District Policy: Employees must provide a Social Security number for payroll and tax reporting. Acceptable documentation includes a Social Security card or official documentation issued by the Social Security Administration. Employees may present any lawful alternative permitted under federal regulations.

Medical Examination: Under state regulations and as a condition of employment, certain positions may require a medical examination prior to employment. Expenses incurred will be borne by the employee.

EEO Statement
The Peralta Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District is strongly committed to achieving staff diversity and the principles of equal employment opportunity. The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or genetic information, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veterans status, status with regards to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, in any of its policies, procedures or practices.

Reasonable Accommodations
In conformance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests for Reasonable Accommodations may be made to the Office of Human Resources by calling (510) 466-7283.

The Peralta Community College District reserves the right to close or not fill any advertised position.

Benefits InformationBenefits Information

Benefits InformationFRINGE BENEFITS
The Peralta Colleges proudly offers a competitive and comprehensive core of work-life benefits. The value of the employer contribution towards your benefits may increase your total compensation by as much as 47%. Benefit-eligible employees have access to coverage for themselves and eligible dependents:

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription drug insurance coverage*
• Life insurance of 150% of your income up to $100,000.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.

In addition to your contribution, Peralta pays 19.10% of your salary to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Effective January 1, 2013, the PEPRA (Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act) went into effect. Changes have been implemented as a result of the adoption of this legislation that impact new and existing employees enrolled in CalSTRS. Specific information regarding the changes can be found at http://www.calstrs.com/post/frequently-asked-questions-ab-340-public-employees-pension-reform-act-2013. For further up to date information on CalSTRS retirement eligibility and PEPRA, please visit the website at www.calstrs.com. The CalSTRS member handbook is available at http://www.calstrs.com/calstrs-member-handbook. After 10 years of creditable service, medical benefits in retirement are extended until age 65. Other benefits include 10 days sick leave, and holidays.

Other voluntary benefits include:

• Flexible benefit plan participation in the Medical Reimbursement Plan, Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan (under tax code 125)
• Pre-tax commuting expenses (under IRS code 132)
• Tax-deferred plan participation in the 403(b) and 457 plans
• Credit union membership
• Prepaid legal plan participation
• Additional Life Insurance for yourself, spouse or children

* Kaiser and United Health Care Dental are fully paid by the District. Other plans require employee contribution. Subject to change.Mission StatementThe Peralta Community College District is a collaborative of colleges advancing social and economic transformation for students and the community through quality education, rooted in equity, social justice, environmental sustainability, and partnerships.Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

• List of References
• Resume
• Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Cover Letter

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you find out about the position?
• Asian Week
• California Community College Chancellor's Office website
• Career Builder
• Chronicle of Higher Education website
• Chronicle of Higher Education newspaper
• Community College Jobs Website
• Community College Times
• Craigslist
• Diverse Issues in Higher Education
• El Mundo
• Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education
• Indeed.com
• Job Fair, Conference or Workshop
• Local Newspaper (Oakland Tribune, SF Chronicle, ect)
• Oakland Post
• Peralta Jobs Website
• Walk-In (PCCD Office of Human Resources)
• Women in Higher Education
• Word of Mouth
• 24-Hour Job Line
• Other
• If you chose "Other" as your answer for the above question, please provide details(Open Ended Question)
• * Are you currently a temporary, part-time faculty member with Peralta Community College District?
• Yes
• No

Pay: Up to $97,444.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person