Construction Technologies and Trades Instructor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Tazewell (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Virginia Community College seeks a full-time Faculty Instructor in Construction Technologies & Trades to support a grant-funded workforce initiative. You will deliver courses in residential construction, HVAC and electrical trades, while integrating NCCER, HVAC Excellence and EPA certifications into the curriculum.

The role includes curriculum development, student advising, and active recruitment efforts; collaboration with industry partners and college staff is essential to ensure

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in teaching field or willingness to earn within two years.
• Five years’ industry experience in residential construction, HVAC, electrical, or related skilled trades.
• Ability to read blueprints, construction drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of HVAC installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, including electrical controls and refrigeration.
• Strong communication and instructional skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach curriculum courses in residential construction, HVAC and electrical trades in classroom and lab settings.
• Lead integration of nationally recognized certifications into program curriculum.
• Advise and mentor students on academic progress and career opportunities.
• Participate in student recruitment efforts and represent the program at events.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff and industry partners to strengthen program outcomes.

Skills

Residential construction

HVAC

Electrical trades

Blueprint reading

OSHA safety

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in teaching field

Equivalent via 10–15 years residential construction experience

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

HVAC diagnostic tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Carpentry tools

Job description

Title: Construction Technologies and Trades Instructor

Agency: Southwest Virginia Community College

Location: Tazewell - 185

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $52,905 to $68,297

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial and medical fields at a reasonable cost, going so far as to even waive tuition for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, SWCC offers associate’s degrees in such fields as business, education, general studies, liberal arts and science. These degrees are primarily intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. SWCC also has associate degrees that feature programs intended to lead directly to a career in fields such as Nursing, Radiography and Administration of Justice.

Southwest Virginia Community College is seeking applicants for a full-time Faculty Instructor in Construction Technologies & Trades to support an ARC POWER grant-funded workforce development initiative. This is a three-year, full-time, hybrid faculty credit/non-credit, 9-Month, grant-funded position focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades through innovative, industry-aligned instruction.

The Faculty Instructor will deliver high-quality instruction in residential construction, HVAC and electrical trades while supporting the development and implementation of curriculum aligned with nationally recognized, third-party certifications. This role plays a critical part in preparing students with the technical skills and credentials required for employment in in-demand industries.

In addition to teaching, the instructor will contribute to curriculum development, provide academic advising, and support student recruitment efforts. The position works collaboratively with faculty, workforce partners, and college staff to ensure student success and program effectiveness. This position will coordinate student lab projects across disciplines by providing planning and coordination with other division faculty.

Instruction & Teaching

• Teach curriculum courses in residential construction, including basic carpentry, basic HVAC and electrical trades in both classroom and lab settings.

Certification Integration & Curriculum Development

• Lead the integration of nationally recognized third-party certifications (e.g., NCCER, HVAC Excellence, EPA, or similar) into program curriculum
• Develop, update, and maintain course materials to align with workforce needs and certification standards
• Ensure curriculum reflects current industry practices, tools, and technologies

Student Advising & Support

• Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, certification pathways, and career opportunities
• Support student success, retention, and completion through proactive engagement
• Assist students in preparing for certification exams and employment

Recruitment & Outreach

• Participate in student recruitment efforts, including outreach to high schools, community organizations, and workforce partners
• Represent the program at recruitment events, career fairs, and community activities
• Promote awareness of HVAC and electrical career pathways

Collaboration & Program Engagement

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and industry partners to strengthen program outcomes
• Support alignment between training programs and regional workforce needs
• Participating in departmental meetings, college initiatives, and professional development opportunities

This is a restricted position. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. Position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy. Grant term is three (3) years. Instruction will primarily occur on Southwest’s main campus; however, the instructor may also teach related courses at off-campus locations as needed.

A one-year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in teaching field or willing to earn an Associate’s degree related to teaching field within two years of being hired. An associate’s degree in unrelated field with 10 to 15 years of residential construction experience and certifications would be considered equivalent.
• Five years’ industry experience in residential construction, HVAC, electrical, or related skilled trades.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in residential construction to include:
  • Knowledge of HVAC installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, including electrical controls, refrigeration systems, and air distribution.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical specifications.
  • Experience using HVAC diagnostic equipment, hand tools, power tools, and carpentry tools safely and effectively.
  • Understanding of basic construction methods, framing, material handling, measuring, layout, and building practices.
  • Strong commitment to OSHA safety standards, jobsite safety procedures, and quality workmanship.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, work independently, and collaborate with team members on construction and HVAC projects.
• Relevant industry certifications (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe)
• Willingness to complete training to strengthen skill development within classes to be taught.
• Strong communication and instructional skills

Additional Considerations:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Teaching or training experience in a community college, technical school, or workforce development setting
• Experience with nationally recognized certification programs (e.g., NCCER, HVAC Excellence, EPA 608, OSHA)
• Experience with curriculum development and competency-based education
• Contractor license and contracting experience