Drone Technology Instructor at InsideHigherEd

Classification Title:Credit FacultySalary Range:$85,541 - $128,379 AnnuallySalary Schedule Information:Click Here For Current Faculty Salary ScheduleJob Title:Drone Technology InstructorDepartment:FC Technology & Engineering Location:Fullerton CollegePercentage of Employment :100%Months of Employment :10 Months Per YearWork Schedule:Full Time, Tenure TrackAbout Us::ABOUT USDo you strive to make a difference in higher education? Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity to be a part of our students’ educational success and lifelong learning? If so, we invite you to join North Orange County Community College District. The District is renowned as one of the best two-year college districts in California. Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, California, the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) serves approximately 60,000 students annually at three institutions: Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education. Students are able to shape their futures in programs leading to associate degrees, a baccalaureate degree, career education certificates, and transfer opportunities. Life-long learning is also possible in continuing education programs that range from high school completion and basic skills mastery through an array of career education training and self-developed courses. The district’s geographic boundaries encompass 155 square miles, taking in most of north Orange County and a small portion of Los Angeles County. The district’s service area includes 18 cities and communities and 16 school districts. The NOCCCD campuses serve an area of over one million diverse people. The student population demographics, district-wide are: Latinx 47.2%; Asian 17.9%; White; 16.5%; African American 2.6%; Multi-Ethnicity 2.6%; Pacific Islander 0.3%; and America Indian/Alaskan Native 0.2%. The district is part of a regional higher education community that includes the California State University campuses at Fullerton and Long Beach, the University of California Irvine, and the Chapman University system.We invite you to join the Fullerton College campus community. Ideal candidates will share Fullerton College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fullerton College offers a radically student-centered culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all who learn and work here. The student body is incredibly diverse, with more than 55.7% Latinx, 16.6% Caucasian, 15.7% Asian/Pacific Islander, 3.1% African American, and 0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native. Additionally, students from more than 40 countries regularly enroll in our International Student Program each year. The College believes in a multicultural learning experience where faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the development of our students.Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California. Since our first class in 1913, we have grown to become one of the most successful community colleges in the nation. Our high transfer and graduation rates, rich academic programs and radically student-centered approach equip students with the skills and resources they need to succeed. Each year, thousands of students transfer to the CSU and UC systems as well as to private colleges and universities throughout the nation. Notably, during 2019, Fullerton College was ranked as the No. 1 community college in California in transfers to the California State University (CSU) system. We are consistently No. 1 in transfers to Cal State Fullerton.Fullerton College is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institution (AANAPISI). Fullerton College proudly offers many programs to serve and support our diverse student body, including Puente, Umoja, Student Diversity Success Initiative, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Foster Youth Success Initiative, Disability Services, and a Veterans Resource Center. The College also provides many avenues of support for our faculty and staff through networks that include the Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and LGBTQIA2S+ Faculty Staff Associations.Fullerton College offers a comprehensive array of student services programs and academic and career pathways designed to achieve our campus’ strategic goals related to access, retention, persistence, and student success initiatives on campus. The College is developing an implementation plan for Guided Pathways and has robust partnerships with our local high school districts.The Fullerton College campus community is dedicated to our core values of Community, Diversity, Equity, Excellence, Growth, Inclusivity, Innovation, Integrity, Partnership, Respect and Responsibility. For more information, please visit our website at www.fullcoll.edu.The Fullerton College Drone Technology Program, home of the nationally recognized Fullerton Drone Lab, is among the most comprehensive and innovative college drone and autonomous systems programs in the United States. As the first California community college to offer a Bachelor of Science in Drone & Autonomous Systems and the creator of the nation’s first U.S. Department of Labor–approved Drone Pilot Registered Apprenticeship, the program leads regionally and nationally in workforce development.Our department offers a comprehensive ecosystem of stackable pathways, from pre-apprenticeship and technician certificates to upper-division bachelor’s degree courses, supporting students pursuing careers in aerial imaging, LiDAR mapping, autonomous systems integration, public safety UAS, environmental and coastal monitoring, maintenance, and more. The Drone Technology Program has established strong partnerships with industry leaders, K–12 school districts, universities, statewide organizations, and industry initiatives.We are committed to:Inclusive excellence and equitable student successHands-on experiential learning with cutting-edge drones, sensors, and autonomous platformsExpanding diversity in aviation and autonomous systemsPromoting a collaborative, student-focused learning environmentPreparing students for emerging STEM careers in a rapidly evolving fieldThe Drone Technology Program values instructors who are innovative, industry-connected, equity-minded, and passionate about transforming lives through accessible, high-impact career education.What We Offer::WHAT WE OFFER100% employee medical premium coverage and a contribution toward dependent coverage (up to $9,051.21 for one dependent or $14,481.50 for two or more dependents annually)Fringe allowance to be used at employee’s discretion ($2,646.10 annually)Voluntary (Medical/Dependent Day Care) Flexible Spending Account$50,000 life insurance benefitDeferred Compensation Program (403(b)/457 plans)Retirement pension plan (CalSTRS/CalPERS)Abundant Professional Growth & Development opportunitiesCumulative sick leaveEmployee Assistance ProgramEnvironment that fosters diversity and inclusionProgressive and innovative cultureOpportunity to participate in various Faculty & Staff AssociationsPrimary Purpose:PRIMARY PURPOSEDuties and responsibilities as presented are intended to be representative and not restrictive. The District reserves the right to modify the assignment and allocation of duties in accordance with operational needs.Essential Functions:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSExamples of essential functions are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature.Job Description:JOB DESCRIPTIONTeach a variety of courses on Drone Technology, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), Autonomous Systems, and related topics to a diverse student body. Courses may include introductory and advanced drone piloting, autonomous flight operations, LiDAR and photogrammetry, maritime ROV operations, FPV piloting, Part 107 exam prep, drone safety and maintenance, aerial imaging and cinematography, autonomous systems management, upper-level bachelor’s degree courses, and others.Teaching lecture and hands-on laboratory courses using industry-standard equipment.Engaging and supporting students from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, academic, and professional backgrounds.Updating curriculum to reflect current industry practices, technologies, and federal/state regulations.Participating in program development, equipment acquisition, industry partnerships, and advisory committees.Supporting program initiatives such as apprenticeships, internships, K–12 outreach, industry collaborations, and community events.Participating in departmental and college governance, accreditation, and shared decision-making.Maintaining professional competence through training, certifications, and ongoing industry engagement.Participate in curriculum development and serve on department, division, college and district committees as necessary to maintain and improve the instructional program; participate in appropriate professional development activities.Participate in co-curricular activities, including planning, implementing, and teaching in special programs designed to support student success.Participate in the formulation of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and the Student Learning Outcomes assessment cycle.Maintain formal office and campus hours; participate in department and division meetings.Maintain current knowledge of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to areas of assignment; learn and apply emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized and timely manner.Teach scheduled classes and perform related duties as assigned, including timely compliance with clerical and administrative responsibilities; comply with district, college and division policies in the performance of duties.Instruct and assist in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, effective teaching methodologies and informed critical feedback on assignments and discussions.Develop culturally relevant course content, culturally responsive pedagogical techniques, and effective practices for engaging students who are diverse and/or are students who are historically underserved. The ideal candidate should have experience in this area with African American, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students.Work cooperatively with staff and students.Evening and/or weekend assignments may be required as part of the regular contract.Special Requirements:SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSThe award of all degrees must be verifiable on a legible transcript. If degree award date is not posted on transcript your application will be deemed incomplete and removed from consideration.Grade cards will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.All degrees and course work used to satisfy the required minimum qualifications must be submitted and from accredited postsecondary institutions. See our website here regarding accredited postsecondary institutions.Evaluations of foreign degrees and/or course work are required. See our website here for information regarding evaluation of foreign degrees.Minimum Qualifications:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSA Master’s degree in a related fieldORA Master’s degree in any field with two years of professional experience directly related to the teaching assignmentORA Bachelor’s degree in any field with six years of professional experience directly related to the teaching assignment AND THE FOLLOWINGA Remote Pilot (Part 107) Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.Commitment to diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within the classroom.Desirable Qualifications:DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSEvidence of an ability to foster equitable learning environments and effectively support success for students from historically marginalized groups, including students of color, first-generation college students, veterans, foster youth, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students of varying linguistic and educational backgrounds.Experience in teaching, training, or mentoring diverse adult learners in career technical education, workforce development, or industry settings.Experience with the safe and effective operation of uncrewed and autonomous systems in real-world, commercial, public safety, research, or industrial settings.Knowledge of FAA regulations, autonomous systems standards, and emerging technologies in UAS, LiDAR, ROVs, FPV, AAM/eVTOL, or related fields.Ability to collaborate with industry partners and incorporate real-world projects, scenarios, and experiential learning into the classroom.Posting Number:2016571FTDesired Start Date:08/13/2026Open Date:12/02/2025Close Date:02/12/2026Special Instructions Summary:SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARYInitial salary placement will be determined by the Office of Human Resources in accordance with the faculty collective bargaining agreement and is not negotiable. The candidate selected for employment will be required to provide the following: official transcripts and verification of experience prior to the first duty day, identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act, fingerprints and required medical certification pursuant to statue. NOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.The District may choose to fill one or more positions from this recruitment within eight (8) months.To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. For questions which may not apply, indicate “N/A” (not applicable). Do not use terms such as “see resume” or “see attached”.The minimum required number of references for this position is five (5).All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview. At the time of the interview a written exercise and/or an oral presentation related to the assignment may be required. Subsequent to the interviews, the screening committee will select candidates for final consideration. A second interview will be required of candidates selected as finalists. References, including a supervisor will be contacted if a candidate is moved forward as a finalist in the recruitment process.The effective start date may vary pending the approval of the academic calendar.NOCCCD offers reimbursement for candidate travel expenses. Visit here to view the administrative procedures – AP 7120-10.Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling (714) 808-4810 at least three business days in advance of the scheduled examination/interview date.