PWSC Adjunct Faculty - Marine Service Technology

Prince William Sound College (PWSC) is seeking qualified applicants for adjunct faculty positions in the Marine Service Technology program. PWSC is interested in building an adjunct instructor pool with applicants who may be qualified to teach one or more Marine Service Technology courses. Applicants do not need to be qualified to teach every course listed.

The Marine Service Technology program provides students with hands-on training in the skills needed for entry-level work in marine service, repair, maintenance, vessel operations, and related maritime occupations. Course areas may include outboard systems, internal combustion engines, marine electrical, marine electronics, marine plumbing, boat handling, trailers, drive systems, marine materials, and related maritime trades.

PWSC is a one-of-a-kind institution of higher education with its main campus located in Valdez, Alaska. The main campus and its extension sites in Cordova and Copper Basin are set amidst some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery and rich cultural history. Valdez is located on the magnificent Prince William Sound, a fjord formed by retreating glaciers. It is a paradise for any outdoor enthusiast or nature lover. PWSC is part of the University of Alaska Anchorage, which is independently accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Marine Service Technology adjunct instructors will develop and deliver instructional materials, including lectures, labs, demonstrations, assignments, and assessments, in accordance with approved course curriculum and learning objectives. Adjunct instructors will provide guidance and support to students and will be expected to work effectively with colleagues and students of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Marine Service Technology Course Areas
Adjunct instructors may be considered for one or more of the following courses, depending on experience, qualifications, availability, and program need.

MT A109 Introduction to Outboard Systems
Introduces marine internal combustion engine theory and the proper function of electrical, fuel, ignition, lubrication, and drive systems in two- and four-stroke marine outboard engines. Topics include shop safety, basic outboard systems, ignition, fuel, cooling, electrical systems, marine motor types, and outboard applications.

MT A110 Marine Boathandling and Safety
Introduces marine terminology, common hull forms, line handling, securing a boat, leaving a dock, safe fueling practices, and marine safety gear. Topics include shop and personal safety, boating safety, boat parts, boat dimensions, nautical terminology, stability, and line handling.

MT A112 Internal Combustion Engine Theory
Introduces marine and non-marine internal combustion engine theory and the repair and maintenance of two- and four-stroke engines. Topics include shop safety, internal combustion theory, two-stroke and four-stroke engine differences, major engine components, routine maintenance, and marine propulsion systems.

MT A113 Outboard Engines
Introduces troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing two-stroke and four-stroke outboard marine engines. Topics include shop safety, troubleshooting, routine and seasonal maintenance, fuel system service, battery service and testing, oil changes, compression checks, steering system maintenance, timing belts, and valve adjustments.

MT A114 Gasoline Inboard Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Introduces the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of gasoline inboard marine engines. Topics include shop safety, routine maintenance, fuel system service, cooling systems, water-pump impellers, oil changes, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and parts replacement.

MT A119 Marine Electrical
Introduces marine electrical system installation and troubleshooting for alternating current and direct current systems. Topics include electrical safety, testing for the presence of electricity, grounding, AC and DC current, multimeters, clamp meters, wire gauges, color coding, wiring diagrams, over-current protection, installation, and troubleshooting.

MT A120 Marine Electronics
Introduces the installation, setup, and maintenance of marine electronics. Topics include safe electrical practices, installation of marine electronic devices such as fish-finders, depth sounder transducers, antennas, coaxial cabling, magnetic field considerations, zones of magnetic separation, and power supply troubleshooting.

MT A121 Marine Plumbing
Introduces basic plumbing as it applies in a marine environment. Topics include shop safety, plumbing tools, solvents and hazardous liquids, ventilation, plumbing principles, hydraulics, water pressure, hoses, pumps, piping, potable water tanks, Marine Sanitation Devices, galley plumbing, through-hull plumbing, and winterizing procedures.

MT A130 Marine Drive Systems
Introduces the fundamental concepts of marine drive systems, including transmissions, drive shafts, and propellers. Topics include shop safety, drive system maintenance and repair, transmission cooling and lubrication checks, gear ratios, shaft alignment, propeller removal and installation, inspection, maintenance, hubs, and splines.

MT A140 Marine Boat Trailers
Introduces the maintenance and repair of boat trailers. Topics include trailer parts, trailer and hitch weight classes, towing laws, routine trailer maintenance, safe vehicle and trailer jacking, brakes, bearings, trailer lighting, electrical plugs, and tow vehicle lighting.

MT A150 Marine Materials
Introduces procedures for making minor repairs to marine hulls made of wood, metal, and composite materials. Topics include power tool safety, chemical safety, wood cutting and gluing, metal cutting and joining, corrosion prevention, fiberglass and plastics, resins, adhesives, sealants, and core materials.

To thrive in this role, applicants should have relevant marine service, maritime, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, vessel operations, or related technical experience. Previous teaching or training experience, particularly in vocational or technical education settings, is highly desirable.

Successful applicants will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and motivate students from diverse backgrounds. Adjunct instructors should be committed to promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports student success and achievement.

Applicants should be comfortable providing hands-on technical instruction, reinforcing safe work practices, and helping students develop entry-level skills for marine service and maritime-related occupations. The ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and stakeholders to enhance program quality and relevance is also important.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants will be assessed based on their academic background, industry experience, teaching or training experience, and potential to deliver high-quality instruction to undergraduate students.

Relevant experience in the subject field is required. Previous teaching or training experience is preferred. Industry certification may be required where appropriate.

Preferred areas of experience include one or more of the following:
• Marine service technology
• Outboard systems and outboard engine maintenance
• Internal combustion engine theory, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance
• Gasoline inboard engine maintenance and troubleshooting
• Marine electrical systems, AC/DC wiring, meters, and troubleshooting
• Marine electronics installation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Marine plumbing systems, potable water systems, Marine Sanitation Devices, and winterizing
• Boat handling, vessel operations, line handling, fueling, and maritime safety
• Marine drive systems, transmissions, shafts, and propellers
• Boat trailer maintenance, repair, wiring, brakes, bearings, and towing safety
• Marine hull materials, including wood, metal, fiberglass, composites, resins, adhesives, and sealants
• Shop safety, tool use, and hands-on technical instruction
• Training, teaching, mentoring, or supervising students, apprentices, technicians, or entry-level employees

Industry certifications related to marine service, outboard systems, ABYC standards, Yamaha Marine, marine electrical, marine electronics, or related technical fields are preferred but not required unless specifically required for a course or instructional activity.

An unrestricted Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving criteria is required. 

Position Details:

This position is located on the Prince William Sound College campus in Valdez. This is an adjunct represented temporary position. New hires will be placed on the adjunct salary schedule as outlined in the UNAD CBA.

This is a pooled position and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position’s duties, operational needs, and the employee’s ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Jay Stevens at mjstevens2@alaska.edu.

This is an at-will, union represented adjunct position, and may be canceled based upon the needs of the university.

This position is represented by United Academic - Adjuncts, AAUP-AFT/ALF-CIO.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.