Job Summary

Under the general direction of the CAFES Associate Dean, this position works very closely with Department Heads, the CAFES Advising Center lead advisor, and the University Retention advisor in all areas of student academic and administrative advising; assists with the development and implementation of college and department policies as they pertain to student matters; implements university academic policies; monitors students’ progress through a variety of circumstances; and participates in coordination of CAFES events regarding advising, orientation, and counseling. This position acts as an advising resource for department faculty advisors. This is an on-campus position. 

Department Summary

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) consists of nine academic departments, approximately 150 faculty, 60 staff and 3,800 students with 15 majors. The main purpose of this position is to provide academic advising, counseling, and related services for current, and former returning undergraduate student, supporting one or two departments within the college.  This position provides individual and group advising to students about course selection and development of academic plans, with academic problems, students with special needs, and students from under-represented populations in conjunction with specialized campus programs. Students are counseled about how to change their major, expected academic progress (EAP), academic probation (AP) and disqualification (DQ). This position works closely with advisors and counselors from across the University as appropriate.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to work in an inclusive environment, supporting students, staff, and faculty with diverse and intersecting identities in an equitable and culturally competent manner.
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a diverse team and to involve others in problem solving.
• Ability to be flexible in work assignments to best meet the needs of students and the needs of CAFES advising team.
• Excellent attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Skilled at counseling or advising individuals and in groups on student related matters, including students from historically underserved student populations, first- generation college, and Pell-eligible.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere with individuals in and outside the University including students, staff, faculty, and members of the public (e.g., supporters).
• Ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments, planning special events/projects, and in implementing long-range program improvements.
• Ability to obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews; reason logically; and collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including one-on-one counseling and group advising skills.
• Ability to assess student needs (academic, social, and personal) in a proactive manner and refer to appropriate campus resources if necessary.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring ability to handle difficult situations in a sensitive, professional manner and reach positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to speak publicly, with experience in presenting in front of groups of people.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job‑related field. Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.

A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range:$60,996 - $66,612 annually

Classification Range: $60,996 - $86,736 annually

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.