HVAC/R Training Instructor

Johnstone-Supply; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnstone-Supply is seeking an HVAC Training Instructor to design, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive training for technicians, apprentices, and service personnel. You will blend classroom, lab, and field coaching to build workforce capability and support operational excellence.

The role requires hands-on HVAC experience, EPA 608 certification, and strong communication skills. Occasional travel to training sites may be required, with a focus on safety, standards, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years hands-on HVAC installation, service, or maintenance experience.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, controls, refrigeration, electrical systems, and diagnostic techniques.
• EPA Section 608 Certification.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and learning management systems (LMS).
• Associate's degree or technical certification in HVAC preferred.
• Teaching or training experience a plus.
• Experience with commercial HVAC systems and building automation systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and update HVAC training curricula, lesson plans, presentations, and practical exercises.
• Create training materials that align with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and revise programs based on feedback and performance metrics.
• Deliver classroom, virtual, and hands-on technical training to technicians and apprentices.
• Demonstrate proper installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
• Teach HVAC principles, electrical systems, refrigeration cycles, controls, building automation systems, and energy efficiency practices.
• Assess participant understanding through written tests, practical demonstrations, and skills evaluations.
• Stay current with advancements in HVAC technology, equipment, tools, and industry best practices.
• Train employees on new products, systems, software applications, and manufacturer-specific equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to field technicians and supervisors.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure training compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local regulations.
• Instruct employees on PPE usage, lockout/tagout, refrigerant handling, and workplace safety practices.
• Maintain records of certifications, licenses, and training completions.
• Monitor trainee progress and provide individualized coaching and development plans.
• Support onboarding and apprenticeship programs.
• Collaborate with management to identify skill gaps and training needs across the organization.

Skills

HVAC experience

Public speaking

Communication

Documentation

Travel readiness

MS Office

LMS proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical certification (preferred)

EPA 608 Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The HVAC Training Instructor is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating technical training programs for HVAC technicians, apprentices, and service personnel.

This role ensures employees possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to safely install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

The instructor combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and field coaching to support workforce development and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Training Program Development

• Design, develop, and update HVAC training curricula, lesson plans, presentations, and practical exercises.
• Create training materials that align with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and revise programs based on feedback and performance metrics.

Instruction and Facilitation

• Deliver classroom, virtual, and hands-on technical training to technicians and apprentices.
• Demonstrate proper installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
• Teach HVAC principles, electrical systems, refrigeration cycles, controls, building automation systems, and energy efficiency practices.
• Assess participant understanding through written tests, practical demonstrations, and skills evaluations.

Technical Expertise

• Stay current with advancements in HVAC technology, equipment, tools, and industry best practices.
• Train employees on new products, systems, software applications, and manufacturer-specific equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to field technicians and supervisors.

Safety and Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure training compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local regulations.
• Instruct employees on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout procedures, refrigerant handling, and workplace safety practices.
• Maintain records of certifications, licenses, and training completions.

Performance Support

• Monitor trainee progress and provide individualized coaching and development plans.
• Support onboarding and apprenticeship programs.
• Collaborate with management to identify skill gaps and training needs across the organization.

Education, Experience, and Job Specific Skills

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of hands-on HVAC installation, service, or maintenance experience.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, controls, refrigeration, electrical systems, and diagnostic techniques.
• EPA Section 608 Certification.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and learning management systems (LMS).

Preferred

• Associate's degree or technical certification in HVAC, Mechanical Systems, or a related field.
• Previous teaching, training, or instructional experience.
• Experience with commercial HVAC systems and building automation systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Adult learning and instructional techniques.
• Training program design and curriculum development.
• Public speaking and classroom management.
• Technical problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to audiences with varying skill levels.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel to training sites and field locations as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during training sessions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to demonstrate equipment operation and perform hands-on training activities in NC and VA.
• Ability to work in classroom, laboratory, and field environments.

Travel to customer sites, contractor locations, or training events in NC and VA. 50%-60% travel within state (either VA or NC) with travel 4-6 times a year to the other state depending on if based in VA or NC. This would include overnight stay travel.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to: Training Manager.