The Animal Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a two-year, full-time, academic year Full Time Lecturer starting August 17, 2026. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position requires teaching a variety of courses in dairy production and management and other animal science courses appropriate to the expertise of the individual and needs of the department. This position may also provide leadership and/or assist with cocurricular operations at the Cal Poly Dairy Unit including coaching the Dairy Judging Team, Dairy Quiz Bowl, and Dairy Challenge teams, and supporting the State FFA Dairy Judging competition.  

The successful candidate will establish an active relationship with other university faculty and researchers, dairy industry leaders, students, and the public to provide information and leadership related to dairy industry issues. In addition, the successful candidate will support the department’s teacher-scholar model by collaborating with other faculties to develop individualized student-learning opportunities such as experiential classes, undergraduate enterprises, senior projects, graduate research projects, and student internships.

Service activities will include participation in department, college, and university committees and in instructionally related activities.

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges per month for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677

Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224

Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523

Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211

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 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 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 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, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned B.S. in Animal Science, Dairy Science, or related discipline or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated interest in undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings, is required.
• Work effectively with teams, be a productive team player, and interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public.
• Experience working with varied populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, equitable, and inclusive learning environment
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.

Particular attention will be given to candidates with productive records of teaching and scholarly activity that would strengthen current department initiatives and those with strong demonstrated leadership experience and capability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, or related discipline. Preference will also be given to candidates with undergraduate teaching experience in dairy science or closely related fields. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant work experience in the dairy industry, bringing professional capabilities, and those with the ability to build connections with industry and foster new industry relationships.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: 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. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Animal Sciences Department, which includes over 800 students in the two majors, boasts the most comprehensive and the best undergraduate program in livestock production and management in the West. Through its faculty and students, the Department manages commercial herds and flocks of dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry encompassing over 5000-acres to support the Learn by Doing philosophy. Graduates of Animal Science and Dairy Science are prepared for meaningful careers in the animal industries, allied professions, and graduate studies.

Swanton Pacific Ranch is a 3,200-acre ranch in Santa Cruz County, California, outside the town of Davenport. The ranch is owned and operated by California Polytechnic State University for educational and research in sustainable agriculture. 

The Cal Poly Dairy Unit maintains a herd of Holstein and Jersey cattle for teaching and research purposes. Significant modernization of the facility is in progress.

HOW TO APPLY

Review will begin on February 16, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by that date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) Universal Student Success Statement (prompt below), and (5) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

*Universal Student Success Statement Prompt- Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.

Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations.  Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Inquiries can be directed to Nicole Einfalt, Administrative Analyst, Animal Science Department at neinfalt@calpoly.edu or 805 756-7341.