The City and Regional Planning Department in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a full-time lecturer.

Job Summary

The City and Regional Planning Department seeks a full-time lecturer with a record of scholarship and teaching (either demonstrated or with the potential for success) in urban design and digital technology. The position is for the 2025-26 academic year (3 quarters) and requires 3-4 classes per quarter. Candidates shall demonstrate the ability to lead urban design studios. Teaching includes laboratory (studio) and lecture format courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Learn-by-doing and project-based learning is the preferred teaching model. Studios may require working with real community clients such as cities, counties, or community-based organizations. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in urban design-related software. 

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 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, 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

- A master's degree in planning, landscape architecture, urban design, architecture, or a related field.
- Five years of professional and/or teaching experience in the field of planning.
- Demonstrated competence in urban design.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Individuals with exceptional professional and/or academic distinction may be considered without the cited credentials.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- The department values candidates who can embrace the polytechnic tradition that promotes theory and practice through Learn by Doing.
- Professional and/or teaching experience includes supervision of project work.

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

One of five departments in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the award-winning Department of City and Regional Planning offers two PAB-accredited professionally-oriented programs - a Bachelor of Science (BSCRP) and a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP). The bachelor's program provides strong preparation in land use, physical planning, and urban design. The master's program prepares graduates to provide leadership in urban and environmental planning and policy. There is a joint Master's degree in Transportation Planning with the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Interdisciplinary courses are offered with other college departments and there is a common interest in sustainability and collaboration. The Department has strong links to the California planning profession.

HOW TO APPLY

Please attach a letter of interest, teaching philosophy, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts of highest degree, courses previously taught, and sample(s) of course syllabi to application submission. Please be prepared to provide the names and emails of three references when completing the application.

Review of applications will begin July 23, 2025.

For questions, please contact the City and Regional Planning Department at (805) 756-1315. 

Official transcripts and 3 current letters of recommendation will be required before appointment.