Instructor, Solar Energy

Texas State Technical College; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick time

Paid holidays

Texas health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Texas State Technical College is seeking an educator to deliver classroom, laboratory, and field instruction in solar photovoltaic systems and related electrical technologies. You will prepare students for employment in solar industries by aligning training with industry standards, safety regulations, and codes.

The role focuses on developing hands-on skills in installation, troubleshooting, and system design, while promoting professionalism and technical excellence among students.

Qualifications

• Verifiable experience in solar photovoltaic systems and NEC applications.
• Ability to teach electrical theory, PV systems, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of safety standards including PPE, OSHA, NEC.
• Ability to instruct circuit theory, wiring, grounding, and load calculations.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom, lab, and field-based instruction in solar PV and electrical technologies.
• Develop lesson plans and assessments aligned with industry standards.
• Teach safety standards and PPE/OSHA/NEC requirements.
• Provide hands-on training in circuits, wiring, installation.
• Demonstrate PV system installation and troubleshooting.
• Instruct single-phase and three-phase systems and protective devices.
• Instruct testing instrument usage.
• Assess student performance and prepare for certifications.
• Engage with industry and support program accreditation.

Skills

Solar PV systems

AC/DC circuits

Blueprint interpretation

Conduit installation

Testing instruments

Safety compliance

Classroom management

Tools

Electrical testing instruments

Conduit bending equipment

Hand and power tools

Job description

What We Offer You:

• More than just a job but the start of a rewarding and fulfilling career
• Supportive environment where employee growth and success are promoted and celebrated
• Paid vacation, sick time & paid holidays, including an extended holiday break
• You will enjoy the stability of the State of Texas’ comprehensive health and retirement benefits, competitive wages, State of Texas employee discounts, and much, much more.

Job Description:

Provides classroom, laboratory, and field-based instruction in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and related electrical technologies. Prepares students for employment in the solar industries by delivering hands‑on technical training aligned with industry standards, safety regulations, and applicable codes. Ensures students develop competency in installation, troubleshooting, system design fundamentals, and safety practices while promoting a culture of professionalism, accountability, and technical excellence.

Essential Functions

• Instruction & Curriculum Delivery Deliver classroom, lab, and field-based instruction in solar photovoltaic systems, electrical theory, and related technologies. Develop lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments aligned with industry standards and workforce expectations.
• Safety & Regulatory Instruction Teach and enforce safety standards including PPE protocols, OSHA practices, and applicable National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements related to solar and electrical installations.
• Technical Skill Development Provide hands‑on training in AC and DC circuits, grounding and bonding, wire sizing, load calculations, conduit installation, cable systems, and panel termination. Instruct students on residential, commercial, and industrial wiring applications.
• Solar System Installation & Components Demonstrate installation and troubleshooting of photovoltaic systems including modules, inverters, battery storage systems, transfer switches, and service entrances.
• Electrical Systems & Controls Teach single‑phase and three‑phase systems, branch and feeder load calculations, motor controls, basic PLC concepts, and overcurrent protection requirements.
• Tools, Equipment & Testing Instruct students on the safe and effective use of electrical testing instruments, hand tools, power tools, conduit bending equipment, and wire pulling techniques.
• Student Assessment & Workforce Readiness Evaluate student performance through written, practical, and competency‑based assessments. Prepare students for industry‑recognized certifications and employment in the solar and electrical fields.
• Industry Engagement & Program Support Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and regulatory updates. Support program accreditation, advisory committee participation, and employer partnerships.

Education & Experience

Verifiable and demonstrated experience required

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of solar photovoltaic systems and NEC applications related to solar installations.
• Ability to teach AC and DC circuits, grounding and bonding, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and load calculations.
• Skill in blueprint interpretation and electrical system layout.
• Ability to instruct conduit bending, cable installation (NM and MC), panel terminations, service entrances, and device installation.
• Knowledge of battery storage systems, transfer switches, and hybrid energy systems.
• Proficiency in using electrical testing instruments, hand and power tools.
• Basic computer skills for instructional delivery, documentation, and student tracking.
• Strong verbal communication and classroom management skills.

Core Competencies

• Technical Instruction & Demonstration Effectively delivers complex technical concepts through classroom, lab, and hands‑on instruction aligned with industry standards.
• Industry & Code Compliance Expertise Maintains up‑to‑date knowledge of NEC requirements, safety standards, and solar industry regulations to ensure instructional accuracy.
• Workforce Alignment & Student Development Prepares students for industry certifications and employment by emphasizing practical skill development and professional standards.
• Safety Leadership Promotes and enforces a strong safety culture in all instructional environments.
• Hands-On Skill Development Demonstrates and supervises installation techniques, testing procedures, and system troubleshooting.
• Assessment & Accountability Evaluates student competency using performance‑based assessments and provides constructive feedback.
• Collaboration & Industry Engagement Engages with employers, advisory boards, and internal stakeholders to maintain program relevance and effectiveness.

Extra Duties Statement

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to include every task or responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by leadership as needed.

Work Environment & Additional Information

This position is classified as Full Time and exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It operates in a professional and instructional environment that may include campus offices, classrooms, or lab settings. TSTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, or veteran status. The role may require movement across campus, participation in meetings, and engagement with faculty, staff, and students to support institutional goals. Work is primarily performed in an office or academic environment using standard technology and communication tools. These activities can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to support the essential functions of the role.

TSTC is an equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

TSTC is the only state‑supported technical college system in Texas.