Horticulture Instructor
Summary
Title:Horticulture Instructor
ID:1522
Department:Arts
Description

UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Department of the Arts offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit-bearing general interest courses.

Course disciplines in the Horticulture Program include Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Soils and Plant Nutrition, Pest Management, Irrigation Practices, Plant Identification, Arboriculture, Indoor Plant Maintenance, Sustainable Gardening Practices, CA Native Plants and current research topics of general interest. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners passionate about teaching.

Classes can be online, in-person, or hybrid in-person in the Los Angeles area. Our current needs are for instructors to teach hybrid in-person (Los Angeles). Online courses are deadline-driven and asynchronous, with special consideration given to individuals with experience in flipped classroom and hybrid course design. Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year to fill immediate program needs and increase
the instructor pool's depth. Interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings.

We are currently looking for qualified applicants to teach in-person courses/hybrid in-person in the follow areas.

Plant Propagation

Qualified applicants possessing current knowledge in the above topic area(s) are encouraged to apply:

All instructors in these fields should have prior teaching experience. Those with current/recent higher education instruction experience and virtual teaching will be given preference. Training is provided to qualified instructors in creating online courses if previous on-the-ground experience can transfer.

Instructor Duties:

• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director and Program Manager.
• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e., make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
• Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning.
• Update materials periodically and regularly monitor course evaluations to make adjustments
and improvements to the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person courses and as the delivery platform
in online and hybrid courses.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system no later than two (2) weeks after course end
date.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Program Director and Program Staff in a timely manner.
• Complete required administrative tasks by stated deadlines, including completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting the quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.
• Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.
• Attend instructor meetings and program events.
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of Horticulture
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree or higher in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science or related field and 4+ years College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience or an MS in Botany, Plant Science or related field and 2+ year College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience.
• Proficiency in the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools.
• Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including conveying conceptual and complex ideas and information.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance
• Experience teaching adult learners

Special Conditions of Employment

Instructors are hired on a quarterly contract basis.

Compensation starts at $72.62 per instructional hour, example: 11- week course (4 units) = 33 instructional hours. Compensation varies with unit valuation and instructional hours of courses.

Additional benefits include UCLA Library and JSTOR access, one free class per class taught, an educational email address, academic discounts at the student store, access to the University Credit Union.

Because Extension is a division of UCLA, all Extension degree-credit instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching
assignments are "by agreement." The Instructor's Contract outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and the compensation terms, subject to Extension policies and procedures. UCLA Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed Instructor
Contract. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be canceled for any reason, the Instructor Contract, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.

In an effort to promote and maintain a healthy environment for our students, visitors, and employees, UCLA is a smoke-free site. Smoking is prohibited within the boundaries of all UCLA-owned, occupied, leased, and associated buildings and facilities.

To Apply:
Please follow the "apply now" link to submit the following:
Completed application form
Current CV -- including publications, teaching/public speaking/seminar experience, industry affiliations
Cover letter

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits and privileges, please visit https://instructor.uclaextension.edu/pay-benefits-and-privileges/.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications