Assistant​/Associate Professor, Marine Transportation

Overview

The Department of Marine Transportation at the California Polytechnic State University Maritime Academy (Cal Poly Maritime), a specialized campus of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank starting August 17, 2026. Located on a waterfront campus in Vallejo, California, Cal Poly Maritime serves approximately 1,000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students and is one of seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States—and the only one on the West Coast.

We seek dynamic educators who embrace Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” ethos to teach cadets in the B.S. in Marine Transportation degree program. We are particularly interested in experienced mariners who can teach and assess basic and advanced maritime courses and STCW competencies on campus, aboard our fleet of small vessels, and on the Training Ship Golden Bear. In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to engage in scholarship and service to the University and the maritime industry.

• Teach, develop, and assess basic and advanced maritime courses.
• Deliver lectures and conduct applied demonstrations in laboratory settings.
• Teach, assess, and document completion of STCW competencies.
• Provide instruction aboard the Academy’s fleet of small vessels.
• Advise students as assigned and maintain regular office hours during the academic year.
• Engage in scholarship that advances the mission of the Department and University.
• Participate in departmental and campus-wide service activities.
• Fulfill instructional and/or operational assignments aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear during the 65-day Summer Sea Term (subject to terms set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and related Memorandum of Understanding).
• Maintain a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

• Assistant Professor: $106,000 - $117,000
• Associate Professor: $114,000 - $126,000

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly Maritime provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. Cal Poly Maritime complies with applicable civil rights laws and CSU nondiscrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly Maritime is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful environment and to promoting educational excellence through diversity and access.

• USCG MMC as Third Mate, Unlimited, with all currently required STCW endorsements or Master of Towing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of seagoing experience on commercial vessels or comparable shoreside experience in the maritime industry.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

• USCG Chief Mate or Master, Unlimited license or experience as a tugboat master.
• Additional maritime endorsements (e.g., Dynamic Positioning, Tankerman-PIC, LNG, Designated Examiner).
• Command-level seagoing experience.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Teaching experience (maritime training courses preferred).
• Shoreside experience in the maritime industry.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University; commitment to diversity and inclusive environment.
• Experience building industry connections and partnerships.

• Pre-employment physical and subsequent USCG fitness physicals prior to each training cruise on the Training Ship Golden Bear.
• Random drug screening as required by federal law.
• Uniforms are required; uniform allowance provided.