Those interested in working in education but who want to stay away from younger individuals can find a myriad of jobs at community colleges. These small colleges have a wide range of job opportunities available, from professors and instructors to advisors, counselors, and secretarial staff. Community colleges are generally small, and job-seekers my find the close-knit community they desire.
A community college couldn't function without instructors. Many community colleges offer a host of different options for their professors; they may be looking for full-time teachers in fields that many students will be taking classes in, such as math, language, and the sciences. At other times, there may be part-time positions available in more specialized areas, such as photography. Many community colleges offer classes in vocational fields and have positions for instructors in fields such as automotive repair, construction trades, and cosmetology. Some instructors teach their classes entirely online, and meet with their students only a few times during the semester.
Counselors and academic advisors play a vital role in the community college. Job counselors can assist students going for a two-year degree and plan on entering the work force after graduating. Other types of counselors can assist students who plan on continuing their education and are faced with decisions over which school to transfer to or what major to pursue.
Administrative staff positions can be among the most overlooked jobs at community colleges, but also are among the most vital. Department secretaries keep lines of communication open between departments and instructors, and are often responsible for scheduling appointments and making sure textbooks get ordered. Other jobs within the administrative field include college recruiters, executive assistants, business development planners, and individuals responsible for maintaining accreditation compliance and ensuring that courses offered at the college are accepted as transfer credits to another.
Individuals in financial jobs at community colleges balance the books for the college, distribute financial aid, and make sure tuition payments are properly credited. Some colleges have individuals who specialize in getting students into international programs or are in charge of research at the school. Human resources and student services workers make sure that the college complies with state or federal regulations governing treatment of students and teachers, and that it observes various human rights issues.
Members of the staff also perform other invaluable jobs at community colleges. Food service jobs at community colleges include running the cafeteria, and maintenance workers are responsible for keeping the campus safe for all individuals. Many community colleges also have bookstores on campus, employing individuals who take orders for books from teachers and make sure the students have them before the semester starts. Medical personnel such as nurses are often on hand in case of emergency.
