26-27 Temporary Faculty Pool (Lecturer) - Plant Science

About the Department

The Department of Plant Science at California State University, Fresno is located in the nation's most productive agricultural valley. Our graduates acquire a sound academic background deeply rooted in field-based experience across disciplines such as pomology, olericulture, agronomy, environmental horticulture, soils, irrigation, economic entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and mechanized agriculture. Faculty hold advanced degrees and integrate knowledge directly in the field and laboratories. The university's 1,000-acre agricultural laboratory features cutting-edge horticultural and agronomic practices, utilizing innovations in crop production, mechanization, irrigation, soil fertility, propagation, and pest management. Our graduates are highly sought after by leading agricultural industries worldwide.

About the Role

We seek qualified candidates to teach courses and/or labs in the following areas: General Plant Science, Crop Science, Fruit Science, Ornamental Horticulture, Plant Health, Irrigation, Soils, Crop Nutrition, Plant Propagation, Mechanized Agriculture, or other classes identified to fulfill student educational goals.

Temporary faculty are responsible for adhering to university and system-wide policies, preparing and delivering lectures, conducting office hours, assigning and grading coursework, proctoring exams, and ensuring classes meet as scheduled (asynchronous, synchronous, in-person, or hybrid) throughout the semester.

Appointments are contingent upon budget, enrollment, and order-of-assignment provisions in the collective bargaining agreement. Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required; the university does not sponsor temporary faculty for work visas.

The temporary faculty pool remains continuously open, with positions filled as needed based on student enrollment and funding. Appointments are temporary, part-time, and often made just prior to the start of the academic term. Availability to begin teaching on short notice may be required. The pool remains active for two academic terms; reapplication is necessary for continued consideration.

• Fall 2026: August 19, 2026 – December 22, 2026
• Spring 2027: January 15, 2027 – May 26, 2027

Requirements

• M.S. in Plant Science or a related discipline (from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent).
• Evidence of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Science or a related discipline.
• Commitment to teaching excellence at the undergraduate level, evidenced by prior teaching experiences, evaluations, or other documentation.
• Successful teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience, following the CSU Salary Schedule (Class Code 2358 for Academic Year Lecturers). The salary range for temporary faculty with a Master's degree is $5,507–$6,677 per month when teaching full-time (15 WTUs). Starting salaries typically begin at or near the minimum of the range. Actual monthly salary is adjusted based on the number of WTUs assigned per academic term.

About the Campus

California State University, Fresno is a forward-looking, diverse institution in California’s Central Valley, known for its agriculture, affordable housing, cultural diversity, and proximity to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada. The campus is ranked 36th nationally by Washington Monthly’s 2022 National University Rankings and 25th by MONEY Magazine’s 50 Best Public Colleges. Classified as an R2 "Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution, Fresno State emphasizes broad intellectual horizons, lifelong learning, leadership development, community involvement, and appreciation for global cultures.

The university is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. Members of the community are expected to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives, beliefs, and identities. Fresno State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and holds the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.