Fashion and Technology Instructor

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!

Competition ID: 4333
Internal Closing Date: October 24, 2025
External Closing Date: October 24, 2025
# of Openings: 1

Salary Information:

Faculty Pay Scale
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency:
Employee Group: Faculty (Kwantlen Faculty Association)
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):

FASHION AND TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR
POSITION TYPE: NR1 (non-regular type 1 faculty)
POSITION START: JANUARY 1, 2026

FACULTY OVERVIEW:
Imagine working in a new, cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment. For more information about the WSD visit our website at https://thisiswilson.design/.

Professionals in this discipline are trained to translate static design concepts into dynamic, functional realities, creating responsive websites, mobile applications, and software interfaces that resonate with end-users. Can you picture yourself working with dedicated students and colleagues integrating fusion of artistry and technical expertise, emphasizing effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and precision in a collaborative classroom? Come and be a part of our team.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Fashion and Technology (FASN) program is seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following courses:

• FASN 2241 CAD Drafting Methodologies
• FASN 3121 Manufacturing Methodology
• FASN 4130 Advanced Digital Communication

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Faculty members of WSD are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following:

• Curriculum development and review.
• Assisting students outside of scheduled class time.
• Preparation processes and site visits.
• Service and representation of the programme on various university committees, internally and externally.

A non-regular Type 1 faculty member is a non-regular faculty member who is hired for a defined period, to teach specific courses or perform specific work such as substitutions, vacation coverage, short-term emergency hires and other work that is not expected to be ongoing.

More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member are outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) Collective Agreement.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Industrial Design or related disciplines or academic credentials and experience appropriate to areas of responsibility
• Post-secondary teaching experience, minimum 3 years preferred or a teaching credential
• 5 years related work experience
• Evidence of knowledge or expertise appropriate to specific course content. Course-specific qualifications are listed below under each course calendar description.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates are asked to submit:

• Submit a resume and cover letter (preferably in PDF format) that includes evidence of teaching and/or design experience, as well as scholarly or industry accomplishments. The cover letter should indicate the specific course number(s) and name(s) of interest.
• Include a link to a portfolio and, if applicable, a teaching portfolio.
• Provide a rationale for the selected courses. Course numbers, names, and calendar descriptions are listed below for reference.

COURSE CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS

FASN 2241 CAD Drafting Methodologies
Students will learn to operate computer-aided-design (CAD) technology to practise pattern manipulation techniques conforming to apparel industry standards. They will transfer manual pattern drafting skills and knowledge to computer-based pattern manipulation methods, with emphasis on creating and determining solutions for new style development.

COURSE-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in CAD pattern drafting or similar role
• Evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, type, depth and complexity
• Experience with specification packages; measurement, style card development
• Demonstrated technical expertise in digital pattern systems, along with practical garment construction knowledge and industry-standard workflow proficiency
• Able to work with Optitex fashion design CAD software and/or Gerber AccuMark software

FASN 3121 Manufacturing Methodology
Students will interpret manufacturing methodologies and their applications for apparel production environments. They will apply the fundamentals of apparel engineering including productivity concepts, apparel production systems, and operation time studies. They will analyze costing and quality assurance processes in apparel manufacturing and examine domestic and global sustainable production sourcing strategies. Students will study manual and computer-aided- design (CAD) pattern grading and marker-making systems for size range development and sustainable fabric utilization, as part of apparel manufacturing processes.

COURSE-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in CAD pattern grading
• Evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, type, depth and complexity
• Proficient in apparel manufacturing time studies, production marker making, mass manufacturing costing, and supply chain management skills
• Able to work with Optitex fashion design CAD software and/or Gerber AccuMark software

FASN 4130 Advanced Digital Communication
Students will synthesize their visual communication skills in fashion design, illustration, and print and media production integrating industry-standard applications to design and produce a professional digital portfolio. They will design and implement a fashion webpage as a marketing tool. Students will use animation software to create dynamic visual presentations, integrating computer-aided-design (CAD) skills to produce 2-dimensional (2D) to 3-dimensional (3D) garment simulations.

COURSE-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a digital fashion designer, technical designer, 3D prototyping expert, fashion illustrator, or in a similar role
• Demonstrated experience across a diverse range of projects, reflecting variation in scope, type, depth, and complexity
• Advanced Adobe creative suite skills related to technical communication documents
• Proficiency in apparel software like Clo3D and/or Browzwear Vstitcher, Optitex fashion design CAD software and/or Gerber AccuMark software

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

• Student focused: Demonstrates appreciation for students and the role of a learner-centered institution.
• Collaborative: provides evidence of strong interpersonal communication and embracing a collaborative style of working. A team player committed to fostering consensus building towards the success of the program. Demonstrated teamwork abilities in a creative and collaborative working environment.
• Leader: Strong academic leadership qualities and experience
• Organizational skills: diplomatic, consultative, and democratic. Organized, pays attention to details and a multi-tasker; able to manage and prioritize multiple demands and various levels of accountability. Understands institutional policies and procedures.
• Strong communicator: effective written and oral communication skills
• Interpersonal skills: dedicated and reliable; positive and eager; flexible, open-minded, adaptable, and resilient. Confident, self-directed, pro-active, action oriented, ‘can-do’ personality. Embraces diversity. Has a sense of humour. Dedicated to creating and maintaining a motivational climate and work closely with other faculty.
• Innovative: a broad, innovative, creative, and big-picture thinker

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of Fashion and Technology as well as their interest and abilities to consult with and represent the program.

When possible, priority will be given to the candidate(s) who can maximize the FTE either individually, or collectively, as such please indicate on your application your preferred workload percentage. This competition could also be used to add candidates to our Qualified Faculty List, therefore also please indicate on your application if you are interested in being added to this list.

• SALARY INFORMATION:

Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.