Coordinates, plans, organizes, and teaches courses in Horticulture and related disciplines through classroom/laboratory instruction and online education. Creates and delivers engaging learning experiences for students to stimulate interest in subjects taught and to foster effective knowledge acquisition and communication. Promotes active inquiry, problem solving, scientific and quantitative reasoning, and related decision making through the design and implementation of courses and teaching methodologies. Advises students and provides instructional support outside of class time as needed to foster student success.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinates, plans, organizes, and teaches courses in Horticulture and related disciplines through classroom/laboratory instruction and online education for selected areas of discipline; teaching schedule may include courses in the day, evening, or on weekends on any College campus as assigned.
• Leverages the College’s technological resources including Canvas, the College's Learning Management System, Google Suite and Smart Classrooms to support a robust curriculum and meaningful learning activities.
• Creates and delivers engaging learning experiences tailored to students’ learning styles to stimulate interest in subjects taught and to foster effective knowledge acquisition and communication.
•  Promotes active inquiry, problem solving, scientific and quantitative reasoning and related decision making through the design and implementation of courses and teaching methodologies.
• Assesses student success and learning outcomes; serves as an advisor to students and provides instructional support outside of classes as needed to foster student success; mentors STEM research projects. 
• Participates in program and curriculum review, assessment, development and student learning outcomes initiatives. Facilitates Advisory Boards meetings to ensure an alignment with industry needs and integration of industry-recognized credentials/certificates.
• Recommends textbooks and other instructional materials including classroom and laboratory equipment to Department Chairs; assists in the College’s library collection development by selecting, evaluating, and updating library resources in each appropriate discipline.
• Keeps students continually informed and updated concerning their progress and work produced, course content, requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance.
• Maintains accurate and complete scholastic records and other appropriate documentation.
• Assists with the recruitment, retention and registration of students.
• Participates on various committees and in selected local, state, regional, and national professional activities and organizations.   
• Maintains active involvement in the co-curricular activities of the College. 
• Performs additional tasks or duties assigned by the Discipline Coordinator, Department Chair, or other designated management.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A master's degree in agriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or a closely related field required.

Experience: Industry experience, teaching experience preferred. Proficiency in landscape design, plant identification, greenhouse management, Integrated Pest Management.

License: Professional licensure (e.g. Landscape Architect, Arborist, Pesticide Applicator) are preferred.

Other:  Position will require ability to work at any of the College’s locations – Paramus, Lyndhurst and Hackensack.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   Demonstrates understanding of the community college mission and practices an open-door policy.  Possess the ability to use computer-assisted learning technology, especially online instruction.  Practices active scholarship and professional involvement.  Has proficiency in the use of Google suite.  Exhibits the following Core Competencies: 

• Commitment to Student Success

• Learning-centered Teaching Strategies

• Inclusion and Diversity

• Professional Commitment

• Outcomes-based Practice

• Assessment

• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.  

Plays an active role in strengthening and expanding existing programs with the focus on industry-relevant skills to excel in the competitive workforce. 

The candidate shall demonstrate experience in Horticulture or a related field and be prepared to teach courses in laboratory-based courses.  Some examples include but not limited to:

• Fundamentals of Horticulture

• Plant Science

• Landscape Plants

• Pests of Horticultural Plants

• Turfgrass Management

The candidate shall demonstrate working knowledge in managing the Horticulture Laboratory and collaborate with the greenhouse support team on maintaining the facility and the garden complex. Some examples include but not limited to: 

• Execute daily watering, fertilizing, and pruning schedules based on the specific needs of various plant species.

• Monitor crops for signs of pests or disease and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including the application of beneficial insects or organic treatments.

• Perform propagation tasks such as seeding, transplanting, and taking cuttings.

• Operate and monitor automated greenhouse systems, including ventilation, heating, cooling, and supplemental lighting.

• Landscape and maintain adjacent outdoor gardens.

• Source and order materials for laboratory experiments; work with local suppliers on ensuring a steady flow of materials. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary ranges from $65,643.64-$96,567.21
• NJ Educator's Health Plan with Free Dental and Vision
• NJ State Pension Plan
• 403B Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 15 sick days, 5 personal days, 3 partial sick days. 

Bergen Community College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About Bergen Community College

Founded in 1965 to satisfy the region’s need for a convenient, affordable and comprehensive higher education destination, Bergen Community College now enrolls nearly 17,000 students in its academic degree programs. The College’s three sites in Paramus (main campus), Hackensack (Ciarco Learning Center) and Lyndhurst (Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands) serve more than 32,000 students in degree, continuing education and adult education programs.

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