HVAC Instructor

Socket.dev; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, VA seeks an experienced HVAC/R technician to transition into a hands-on instructor role, teaching the next generation while staying connected to real-world systems.

No prior teaching experience is required; a 5-day paid instructor training program supports onboarding. Full-time and part-time schedules with competitive pay up to $35/hour and a $2,500 sign‑on bonus, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• OSHA 10-hour safety certification preferred (can be completed within 6 months).
• EPA refrigerant certification preferred (can be completed within 6 months).

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.
• 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

Hands-on HVAC/R experience

Communication skills

Mentoring adults

Education

High school diploma

OSHA 10-hour certification

EPA refrigerant certification

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

Norfolk, VA • Full‑Time & Part‑Time • Up to $35/hr + $2,500 Sign‑On Bonus

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 such as 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, based on experience
• Sign‑On Bonus: $2,500
• Location: 2331 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
• Schedule: Full‑time and part‑time options, 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 (choose one):

• Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–2:00 pm and 4:30 pm–10:30 pm
• Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm
• Monday–Thursday, 1:00 pm–10:30 pm

Part‑Time:

• Monday–Thursday, 7:30 am–2:30 pm
• Monday–Thursday, 4:00 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.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay is up to $35/hour based on experience and qualifications, plus a $2,500 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
• Tuition reimbursement

Ready to Teach What You Know?

If you’re an experienced HVAC/R technician ready to trade the field for the classroom, we want to hear from you.

#IND123

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.