Recruit

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) is a self-supporting unit within the University of California. Funding is generated through fees collected from a diverse, complex, and ever-changing student population. Part-time instructor positions are on a course by course contracted basis. This is NOT a faculty position.

Online teaching positions are now available we are seeking qualified applicants possessing current knowledge and/or teaching experience in the topic of Groundwater Policy, Governance and Management.

Specific Instructor Duties
• Develop and/or update course syllabi in consultation with the UCI DCE Engineering, Sciences Programs Director as assigned and using approved syllabus template
• Prepare and deliver online course materials and learning assessments in the assigned format
• Utilize the Canvas Learning Management System as the course support platform
• Communicate teaching objectives and specific learning outcomes to students, and clearly outline the grading policies for the course
• Evaluate student achievement of specific learning outcomes, and assign grades
• Post final student grades to the transcript system by set deadlines
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner
• Handle student inquiries about final grades and consult with Director as needed
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of practice
• Participate in required orientations and complete mandatory training programs by deadlines established by UC Irvine
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all hiring paperwork; submitting updated quarterly syllabi; posting bio and photo on the UCI DCE website; signing quarterly contract; ordering required texts; communicating AV and classroom needs
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations
• Allow students to review their final exams/papers for up to 13 months following the last class session
• Use subject-matter expertise 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 in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum

Our curriculum is constantly updated and tailored to bring students the background, expertise, and business practices to remain competitive and advance their careers. Taught by qualified practitioners, our courses feature practical applications, underlying rationale, and current issues, all of which can be immediately utilized in and applied to our students’ work environments.

Part-time, temporary assignments are on an as-needed basis. This is an ONGOING recruitment. We accept part-time instructor applications all year long; when the division has a need to fill, we refer to the “pool” of applications on file. We are looking specifically for instructors who are qualified to teach the following course(s) as early as Fall quarter (beginning September 2023).

Course Description: Groundwater Policy, Governance and Management
Groundwater is a vital component of the world’s freshwater resources, representing almost 99% of all liquid fresh water on Earth, and it is stored for very long periods – 900 years on average. Consequently, groundwater is a very precious resource, a vast freshwater reserve with a unique capability for bridging large periods without any rainfall. The case of the drought in California is rather instructive in that matter. California groundwater quality is generally excellent. Where aquifers can be economically utilized, groundwater represents a first-rate resource for agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses. Groundwater must be governed and managed carefully. Hence great attention must be given to groundwater policy and governance by political decision-makers, water professionals, and the public. Such efforts start through education and training in the matters of policy, governance, and management, which is the purpose of this course.
The first Modules present what groundwater is, how it is a major freshwater resource in the world, how overuse can result in negative consequences as well as why and how its use should be organized through policy, governance, management. The difficulties and challenges of such organization will also be addressed in general. The next two Modules are practical in nature, based on the presentation of two examples regarding California and its Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, and the European Union and its Water Framework Directive of 2000 and its Groundwater Directive of 2006. The efforts of other Western States will also be explored. These examples will be discussed and compared. The last Module deals with very specific but very important themes involving economics and finance with comparisons of California and France within the EU, with its law of 1964. France was the first European country to organize the management of water resources in a modern way, now almost universally practiced.
References will be given and reading and writing assignments will be proposed. However, the assignments would be recommended but not compulsory.

Individuals hired to teach these courses must understand that all such agreements with the University are made on a course-by-course basis and that the Instructor will be made no guarantee of continual involvement with the University in any capacity.

Qualifications

Basic
• Advanced degree from an accredited institution

Additional
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area
• Must be committed to the highest level of academic standards and integrity
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information
• Highly effective interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools
• Current participation in professional associations
• Comfort in dealing with international professionals and students

Preferred
• Experience designing/revising curriculum and measuring student performance
• College-level teaching experience (or the corporate equivalent)
• Experience teaching online

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.