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Geology Instructor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Lee College

Adjunct - Geology Instructor

Baytown, TX · On-site

$34.03 - $51.04/hr

Teach freshman and sophomore-level Geology courses. * Qualified applicants must be committed to student learning, integrating technology into the curriculum, and encouraging engaged scholars.

All JobsGeology Instructor JobsGeology Instructor Jobs in Houston, TX

Geology Instructor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$8

$29

$80

How much do geology instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for geology instructor in Houston, TX is $29.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.61 and $31.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Geology Instructor jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Geology Instructor job openings:

Geology Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geology Instructor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,480 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Part Time Geology Instructor

Wharton County Junior College

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : WCJC Wharton, Sugar Land, or Richmond Campus, TX
Job Type: Faculty Part Time
Job Number: 2401 F 003
Department: Academic Instruction's Area
Division: Life Sciences
Opening Date: 02/02/2024
General Description
Position available at the Wharton, Sugar Land, or Richmond Campus for day and evening classes. Pay for this position is $800 per equated pay hour per semester.
The permanent responsibility of a faculty member is to provide the most effective instruction possible in his/her discipline. Supervision is received from appropriate supervisor. The faculty member works to insure that his/her instruction is meeting the educational needs of students. Full job description can be viewed by and searching the job title.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and candidates will be considered as departmental needs arise.
Requirements
This position requires a minimum of a Master's Degree (in Geology or other discipline) with 18 graduate hours in Geology. A criminal background check is also required.
To be considered for this position, all qualified applicants must attach to their online application the following documents:
  1. Copy of college transcript(s) showing completion of a Master's Degree (In Geology or other discipline) with 18 graduate hours in Geology.
  2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  3. Cover Letter outlining teaching philosophy
All documents must be attached to one online application to be considered. Please re-open your application form to verify all documents are properly attached.
Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) provides three retirement plans for it's part time employees. Part time employees must select and contribute to one of these three retirement plans.
Teachers Retirement System (TRS)
Part time employees of WCJC who are currently contributing to TRS through another school must select TRS. TRS deductions will be made from their paycheck. (Note-Part time employees not currently contributing to TRS through another school system MUST choose either Social Security or the 403b Tax Sheltered Annuity plan offered by WCJC through TIA-CREF.)
Social Security
Social Security is a retirement plan provided by the Federal Government. Social Security deductions are not made with pre-tax dollars. Contributions made while employed with WCJC are not available upon termination with the College but at retirement. Retirement benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration.
403b Tax Sheltered Annuity
The 403b Tax Sheltered Annuity is a retirement plan offered by WCJC through TIA-CREF. Employees choosing this tax sheltered retirement fund contribute 7.50% of their gross income. Contributions to TIAA-CREF are made with pre-tax dollars. The money earned by the plan is tax sheltered until withdrawn. Employees who choose TIAA-CREF vest in the retirement fund with their first contribution. An employee, upon termination of employment with WCJC, is eligible to withdraw their vested funds from the 403b plan subject to the penalties and terms of the TIAA-CREF and IRS rules concerning 403b plans.
Questions regarding retirement plans should be directed to the WCJC Payroll and Benefits Office at 1-800-561-9252 extension 6376.
01
Do you have a minimum of a Master's Degree (in Geology or other discipline) with 18 graduate hours in Geology?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Did you attach your transcript showing your college degree(s) was conferred? The date your degree is conferred must be listed on the transcript. If your degree was received from a college in a foreign country, a Credential Evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) must be attached to your online application. Members of NACES can be found on their website at http://naces.org.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have the ability to travel independently to and from multiple work sites during day and evening hours and the ability to communicate effectively in a teaching environment with both groups and individuals?
  • Yes
  • No

04
WCJC has multiple campus locations. I understand my teaching location and hours are subject to change at any time during my employment with WCJC to meet department/division needs to ensure student success at the College.********
  • Yes
  • No

05
I have verified that the following attachments have been successfully uploaded to my WCJC online application:
  • Copy of College Transcript
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Required Question

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