Assistant/Associate Professor, Marine Transportation

The Department of Marine Transportation at the California Polytechnic State University Maritime Academy (Cal Poly Maritime), a specialized campus of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank starting August 17, 2026.

Located on a compact, scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California, Cal Poly Maritime serves approximately 1,000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students and is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States—and the only one on the West Coast. We seek dynamic educators committed to Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” ethos to teach cadets in the B.S. in Marine Transportation degree program. We are particularly interested in experienced mariners who can teach and assess basic and advanced maritime courses and STCW competencies on campus, aboard our fleet of small vessels, and on the Training Ship Golden Bear. In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to engage in scholarship and service to the University and the maritime industry.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Teach, develop, and assess basic and advanced maritime courses.
• Deliver lectures and conduct applied demonstrations in laboratory settings.
• Teach, assess, and document completion of STCW competencies.
• Provide instruction aboard the Academy’s fleet of small vessels.
• Advise students as assigned and maintain regular office hours during the academic year.
• Engage in scholarship that advances the mission of the Department and University.
• Participate in departmental and campus-wide service activities.
• Fulfill instructional and/or operational assignments aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear during the 65-day Summer Sea Term (Note: Subject to terms set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and related Memorandum of Understanding).
• Maintain a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $106,000 - $117,000

Associate Professor: $114,000 - $126,000

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 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 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 is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is 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, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• USCG MMC as Second Mate, Unlimited, with all currently required STCW endorsements or Master of Towing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of seagoing experience on commercial vessels or comparable shoreside experience in the maritime industry.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government a