Career Technical Education; CTE and Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement; MESA Counselor

Position: Career Technical Education (CTE) and Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Counselor
Counselor, Non-Tenure Track Priority Final date to receive applications:
June 29, 2026 (or until position is filled) The District seeks a full-time non tenure track 10-month temporary non-tenure Counselor, Career Technical Education (CTE) and Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) to work with Taft College students. About Taft College:
Taft College is a student-centered institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and equity. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, we serve a diverse student body and work closely with our community partners to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning. The Position:
Taft College has an immediate opening for a motivated, student-centered professional to serve as a CTE (80%) and MESA (20%) Counselor. Under the guidance of the assigned Dean, you will play a vital role in supporting students’ career exploration, educational planning, successful transition into high-demand Career and Technical Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) pathways. In this impactful position, you will provide individualized counseling, develop and coordinate STEM and career-focused programming, and collaborate closely with faculty, employers, and community partners to align education with workforce needs.

Your expertise will support data-informed guidance, program development, and outreach efforts that promote student success, retention, and completion. If you are passionate about empowering students and strengthening career pathways in a dynamic educational environment, we encourage you to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct general information sessions about CTE and STEM program offerings Promote MESA Program to prospective eligible students Assessment (Dental Hygiene application, Medical Assisting application, future Allied Health program application, course placement, transcripts, prerequisite clearance, CVC) Assist students with degree audits and applications for certificates and degree awards Provide student referrals for other counseling, advising, and student support services (DSPS, EDC, EOPS, CalWORKs, Student Success Center, etc.

Complete Student Educational Plan that designates a clear curricular pathway, reduces unit accumulation and minimizes the amount of time necessary to transfer and complete their calculus-based STEM degree Meet with students at least once each semester to monitor progress and update academic plans Schedules (clusters) MESA students together in classes, labs, and workshops, whenever possible to increase sense of community and belonging Establish an early alert system that identifies MESA students who are experiencing academic difficulty, and provide effective intervention strategies to ensure that these students succeed Coordinate efforts with the campus Matriculation and Articulation Officers and Transfer Center Counselor in order to facilitate community college MESA student transfers to four-year institutions Coordinate efforts with the MESA Program Director to support the MESA Orientation sessions and program activities.

The delivery of core services should occur via multiple modalities: in-person, online, individual and group meetings, workshops and other innovative ways. Assist CTE and MESA program students in clarifying academic goals and selecting a major and maintaining enrollment. Work collaboratively with the Dean of CTE, MESA Director, division chairs and coordinators, the Counseling Division, and the Office of Outreach. Develop other relevant liaisons and networks with on- and off-campus programs and agencies.

Monitor and track students’ academic progress to ensure attainment of educational goals. Facilitate small and large-group workshops to explain CTE and STEM degrees. Review and approve CTE and STEM program students’ applications for certificate and associate degree awards. Provide CTE and MESA program students with general information about available associate degree programs, the transfer process, and GE Certification. The counselor will support students enrolled in career technical education (CTE) and STEM…