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Geology Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Geology Instructor information

What does a geology instructor do?

A Geology Instructor teaches students about the Earth, its materials, processes, history, and structure. They design lesson plans, deliver lectures, and lead laboratory or field exercises to help students understand topics like rocks, minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the Earth's history. Instructors may work at high schools, colleges, or universities, and also assess student progress through exams and assignments. Additionally, they may conduct research or participate in outreach activities to promote interest in geology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geology instructor?

To thrive as a Geology Instructor, you need a strong background in geosciences, often with a master's or doctoral degree and relevant teaching experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, geospatial software (like GIS), and online learning platforms is typically expected. Excellent communication, enthusiasm for teaching, and the ability to engage and mentor students are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective instruction, fostering student interest, and ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

What are some common challenges a geology instructor faces when teaching complex geological concepts to students with diverse backgrounds?

One common challenge for Geology Instructors is presenting intricate topics—such as plate tectonics, mineral identification, or geologic time—in an accessible way to students with varying levels of science background. Balancing hands-on fieldwork, lab exercises, and lectures is key to engaging all learners, but it can be demanding to adapt teaching methods for different learning styles. Additionally, staying current with the latest research and integrating real-world examples can help make the material more relatable. Collaboration with colleagues in environmental science or earth science departments often enhances course offerings and provides broader context for students.

What is the difference between Geology Instructor vs Geoscience Professor?

AspectGeology InstructorGeoscience Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology or related field; teaching certification often preferredDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Geoscience or related field; extensive research experience
Work EnvironmentHigh school, community college, or technical institute classroomsUniversities and research institutions, often involved in research and academic publishing
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, government agencies, private training programsHigher education institutions, research organizations, academia

Geology Instructors typically teach at high school or community college levels with a focus on foundational geology courses, requiring less advanced degrees. Geoscience Professors usually hold Ph.D.s and engage in research, teaching at universities, and publishing scholarly work. Both roles involve teaching but differ in credentials, research expectations, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Geology Instructor jobs in CO?

For Geology Instructor jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Geology Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Part-time Instructor: Geology

Colorado Community College System Career Site

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Title: Pikes Peak Part-time Instructor: Geology

Position Type: Instructor

College: Pikes Peak State College

Salary Range: 81.66 per contact hour

Who We Are:

Pikes Peak State College is the largest and most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region, serving students with a wide range of goals, experiences, and responsibilities. Our students include recent high school graduates, working adults, military-affiliated students, parents, first-generation students, career changers, transfer students, and lifelong learners.
Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs. We fulfill that mission by creating affordable, flexible, and accessible pathways that help students transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and build better futures close to home.
As the needs of our students, employers, and communities continue to evolve, so do we. PPSC embraces innovation that is human-centered, ethical, and focused on student learning. Through strong workforce partnerships and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we prepare students not only for today's opportunities, but for what's next.
We're looking for people who are passionate about access, collaboration, innovation, and student success. Whether you work in the classroom or behind the scenes, your contributions help create opportunities that change lives.
At PPSC, our vision is simple: Students Succeed at PPSC.

Job Summary:

Part-time instructor positions (as defined by State Board Policy, BP 3-10) exist to create and maintain a teaching and learning environment that empowers students to be successful. Part-time instructors work under the direction of their respective Department Chair, Associate Dean, or Division Dean. 
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors. Part-time instructors will be selected to support departmental requirements. Part-time instructors may be employed to teach courses, conduct presentations or other service activities when current instructors and faculty are not available.
Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.  All work must be performed in the State of Colorado.
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors.
Part-time instructors will be selected to support department requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Meeting all scheduled classes/labs/clinics and providing instruction in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the college and the Department Chair’s approved course outline.
Using teaching methods and media designed to reach students of varying educational and experiential backgrounds to allow each student the opportunity to master the objectives of the course.
Informing students of course requirements through a course syllabus, including: specific objectives, means of attaining objectives, and methods of instruction and grading.
Evaluating students on a continuing basis to allow them to be aware of their own progress.
Participate in department and/or college level assessment of student learning outcomes in general education and career/technical courses and programs as required.
Recommending instructional materials, textbooks, appropriate instructional equipment, and the Library supportive reference materials.
Maintaining and submitting records as required by policy and procedures.
Promoting affirmative action equal opportunity concepts within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
Maintaining required credentials, licenses, certification as appropriate, and proficiency and up-to-date knowledge in the subject matter area.

Competencies/KSAs:

Demonstrates ability to plan, organize, and deliver appropriate curriculum.
Demonstrates ability to employ qualitative and quantitative analytical skills in the classroom.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrates ability to maintain accurate written student records as required by policy and procedure.
Demonstrates ability to inform students of all course requirements.
Demonstrates ability to evaluate students and offer feedback on a continuing basis.
Demonstrates ability to relate to student concerns and maintain open communication.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completed Master’s degree in Geology from an accredited institution OR Master’s degree in any field with at least 18 graduate hours in geology related courses (from an accredited institution) that provide a foundation in the specific subject matter being taught.
Accepted discipline areas: Environmental Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Geology, Geosciences, and others, as determined by CV and transcript review.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience teaching at the post-secondary or college level.

Selection Process:

Prior submission of application materials will not be considered. 
Visa support is not available for this position.
Part-time instructors are hired to teach on a temporary, as needed basis. Instructors may be employed per academic semester. Instructors are at-will and subject to the terms of their appointment.
Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.  
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors.
Part-time instructors will be selected to support department requirements.

Application Instructions: 

Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:
Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. 
Official transcripts are required if hired for the position. 
 
Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

Additional Information/Benefits: 

Work Life Balance 

Pikes Peak State College instructors educate students as part-time employees. Course assignments may include teaching day and/or evening classes, face-to-face modality, and asynchronous online as needed across multiple campus locations.  

Retirement 

Pikes Peak State College participates in Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates. State employees are required to a mandatory contribution of a percentage of their salary to the plan, and the college contributes a percentage as well. While you are enrolled in PERA, you do not pay Social Security. In addition, there are supplemental retirement plans available through three other vendors.  

Leave Programs 

Instructors earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. 

Instructors are eligible for the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI).