Teaching Assistant, UAS

College of Western Idaho; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

College of Western Idaho is seeking a part-time Teaching Assistant for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support the instructor with hands-on classroom and lab instruction. The role emphasizes practical UAS operation, safety, and student engagement in fixed-wing and rotorcraft activities.

The TA will assist with instructional prep, equipment management, and timely student feedback while ensuring compliance with CWI, Idaho, and FAA requirements.

Qualifications

• Current FAA Part 107 Certification.
• Knowledge of Pixhawk flight controllers and Mission Planner software.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical and course-related information.
• Ability to effectively support adult learners in a classroom and hands-on laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of fundamental UAS concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with laptop computers, Microsoft Office, and classroom presentation technology.
• Flexibility to teach on varying days or schedules as needed.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the UAS Instructor with classroom and skills lab instruction.
• Demonstrate and reinforce UAS concepts, procedures, and practical skills.
• Support student learning through hands-on activities involving fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations.
• Provide students with clear, timely feedback on their progress and performance.
• Help ensure students and program activities follow CWI, State of Idaho, FAA, and applicable industry requirements.
• Monitor compliance with UAS lab rules, safety procedures, and established operating practices.
• Identify, communicate, and help resolve safety, classroom, or laboratory concerns.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist with efficient use and maintenance of program resources.
• Work with the UAS Instructor to identify supply needs and address equipment or program deficiencies.
• Help maintain an organized, productive learning environment.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with students, instructors, and facility staff.
• Encourage active student participation and engagement in the educational process.
• Help maintain an effective classroom and laboratory environment.
• Apply strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to support student success.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Certification

Pixhawk flight controllers

Mission Planner software

Fixed-wing operations

Rotorcraft operations

Technical communication

Adult learners support

UAS concepts knowledge

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Presentation technology

Schedule flexibility

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Reports To:

Dean School of Industry Engineering and Trades

Position Status:

Part-Time, Non-Benefited (non-student)

Posted Pay Range:

$26.00 - $31.83

About CWI

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is committed to empowering students to succeed by providing affordable, accessible education that strengthens the local and global workforce.

CWI offers career-focused programs and degrees designed to prepare students for in-demand careers while providing flexible options, exceptional value, and support every step of the way.

Position Summary

The Teaching Assistant – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) supports the UAS Instructor in delivering hands-on, engaging instruction in the classroom and skills lab. This position helps students develop practical knowledge and skills in unmanned aerial systems while promoting safe, effective, and compliant flight operations.

The Teaching Assistant assists with instructional preparation, lab activities, student assessment and feedback, equipment and supply management, and maintaining a positive learning environment.

Main Performance Objectives

Support Hands-On UAS Instruction

• Assist the UAS Instructor with classroom and skills lab instruction.
• Demonstrate and reinforce UAS concepts, procedures, and practical skills.
• Support student learning through hands-on activities involving fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations.
• Provide students with clear, timely feedback on their progress and performance.

Promote Safe and Compliant UAS Operations

• Help ensure students and program activities follow CWI, State of Idaho, FAA, and applicable industry requirements.
• Monitor compliance with UAS lab rules, safety procedures, and established operating practices.
• Identify, communicate, and help resolve safety, classroom, or laboratory concerns.

Support Program and Lab Operations

• Prepare and organize instructional materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist with efficient use and maintenance of program resources.
• Work with the UAS Instructor to identify supply needs and address equipment or program deficiencies.
• Help maintain an organized, productive, and effective learning environment.

Foster Student Success and Engagement

• Maintain positive and professional relationships with students, instructors, and facility staff.
• Encourage active student participation and engagement in the educational process.
• Help maintain an effective classroom and laboratory environment.
• Apply strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to support student success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current FAA Part 107 Certification.
• Working knowledge of: Pixhawk flight controllers; Mission Planner software; Fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical and course-related information.
• Ability to effectively support adult learners in a classroom and hands-on laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of fundamental UAS concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with laptop computers, Microsoft Office, and classroom presentation technology.
• Flexibility to teach on varying days or schedules as needed.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Instructions for Applicants

All successful candidates must reside within Idaho. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.