HVAC Instructor

Tidewater Tech; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

5-day paid instructor training program

Job summary

Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, VA seeks an HVAC Instructor to train the next generation of technicians. The role emphasizes hands-on classroom delivery, system troubleshooting, and industry credential prep, including EPA 608 and OSHA 10 certifications.

You’ll transition from field work to teaching, with a structured schedule and strong support from campus leadership. We offer a 5‑day paid instructor training program, full benefits from day one, and a competitive hourly pay up to $35 with a $2,500

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 3 years hands-on HVAC/R experience
• OSHA 10-hour safety certification (can be completed within 6 months of hire)
• EPA refrigerant certification (can be completed within 6 months of hire)
• Strong communication skills and mentoring adult students
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Organized and able to manage a classroom in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Teach HVAC/R classes on a regular schedule in a hands-on classroom and lab setting
• Create a welcoming, supportive learning environment that keeps students engaged and on track
• Help develop curriculum, prepare course materials, and maintain tools and equipment
• Track attendance, grades, and student progress, and flag students who need extra support
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and Campus leadership on scheduling and student outcomes
• Take part in ongoing instructor training and professional development

Skills

Strong communication skills

Mentoring adult students

Organized and detail-oriented

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

OSHA 10-hour safety certification (6 months to hire)

EPA refrigerant certification (6 months to hire)

NATE certification (Nice to have)

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Job description

Training Tomorrow's Techniciansto Become Skilled, Employable and Essential.

About Us – Big Changes, Better Benefits – Join us!

At Tidewater Tech, we are committed to helping adult students develop the skills necessary for meaningful entry‑level careers. Founded in 1969, our institution is steeped in a tradition of career education and workforce development. As a leading educational provider in the trade industry, our programs, designed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensure that students are well‑prepared for today’s workplace. With high academic standards and hands‑on training, we create a learning environment that supports student success. At Tidewater Tech, we’re dedicated to shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.

HVAC Instructor

Ready to move from the field to the classroom? Tidewater Tech is looking for an experienced HVAC/R technician to train the next generation in Norfolk, VA. This role is ideal for a technician ready to step off the truck and into a consistent, mission‑driven instructor position — without losing touch with the hands‑on work that matters. If you're looking for a stable schedule, a climate‑controlled classroom, strong benefits, and the chance to shape new HVAC technicians, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Don't Miss Out:

Position Purpose

The HVAC program prepares students for entry‑level careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration through hands‑on training on real‑world systems. As an instructor, you'll teach students to troubleshoot faulty AC units, repair heating systems, install ductwork, and work with commercial refrigeration, electrical components, and airflow dynamics — covering topics like air conditioning & refrigeration, heating systems, commercial AC & refrigeration, comfort & psychrometrics, heat pumps, and advanced troubleshooting & service. You'll also help prepare students for industry‑recognized credentials, including EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification, OSHA 10‑Hour Safety Certification, DPOR credit toward future Journeyman HVAC Certification, and the Industrial Competency Exam (ICE) — equipping graduates for careers as AC technicians, HVAC installers, refrigeration technicians, HVAC engineers, and more.

No prior teaching experience required. We provide a 5‑day paid instructor training program to help you successfully transition into the classroom.

Job Snapshot

• Pay: Up to $35/hour, $2,500 Sign-On Bonus
• Location: 2331 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
• Schedule: Full‑time, see below

Why Teach HVAC at Tidewater Tech

• Get off the truck: predictable weekday hours, no on‑call emergencies or weekend service calls.
• Share your expertise and build a legacy by training the next generation of HVAC/R technicians.
• Full benefits from day one, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) match, and tuition reimbursement.
• Curriculum, materials, and administrative support provided — you focus on teaching, we handle the rest.
• $2500 sign‑on bonus and pay up to $35/hour based on experience.

Schedule Options

Full‑time:

• Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–2:00 pm and 4:30 pm–10:30 pm

What You'll Do

• Teach HVAC/R classes on a regular schedule in a hands‑on classroom and lab setting.
• Create a welcoming, supportive learning environment that keeps students engaged and on track.
• Help develop curriculum, prepare course materials, and maintain tools and equipment.
• Track attendance, grades, and student progress, and flag students who need extra support.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and Campus leadership on scheduling and student outcomes.
• Take part in ongoing instructor training and professional development.

What You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of practical, hands‑on HVAC/R work experience.
• OSHA 10‑hour safety certification (can be completed within 6 months of hire).
• EPA refrigerant certification (can be completed within 6 months of hire).
• Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in mentoring adult students.
• Comfortable with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) for recordkeeping and reporting.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage a classroom in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice to Have

• Previous classroom, lab, or apprenticeship‑instruction experience.
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification.

Pay is up to $35/hour based on experience and qualifications with a $2500 Sign-On Bonus. Full‑time team members are also eligible for:

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance from first day of employment
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program

TTT is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.