Technical High School Robotics and Automation Department Head (Office/On-site)

JobAps; Killingly (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut's Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) seeks an Anticipated Robotics and Automation Department Head for Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson (Killingly).

This role blends instructional leadership with program oversight in robotics and automation. Responsibilities include curriculum leadership, teacher support, and coordination of district initiatives, while ensuring safe, compliant shop operations.

Qualifications

• Connecticut Teacher Certification Occupational Subject Endorsement #090 in Electronics/Mechatronics/Robotics and Automation.
• Or Eligibility for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP).
• Experience in robotics and automation instruction preferred.

Responsibilities

• Educate students on robotic and automation theory and hands-on topics.
• Lead department operations and instructional support within the CT State system.
• Assist with curriculum implementation, pacing guides, and competency checklists.
• Plan and lead department meetings and PLCs; coordinate PAC involvement.
• Oversee shop safety, equipment, and inventory in labs and classrooms.

Skills

Robotics & automation instruction

Leadership in education

Education

Connecticut Teacher Certification Occupational Subject Endorsement #090

Tools

DSAP eligibility

Job description

Introduction

Are you experienced in Robotics and Automation and want to share that passion with the next generation? At the State of Connecticut, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) we are recruiting for an Anticipated Robotics and Automation Department Head to join our team at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson (Killingly), CT. For over 100 years, Connecticut’s technical high schools have stood as a model for career and technical education nationwide. Our schools have kept pace with emerging technologies, new educational methods and standards, and the changing needs of Connecticut’s workforce. CTECS is the leading force in Career Technical Education (CTE) in the State of Connecticut. CTECS currently operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, two schools of aviation, and one technical education center serving approximately 11,000 full‑time high school students in 31 occupational careers within 12 career clusters as defined by the National Association of Career Technical Education Consortium. Connecticut’s premier 9-12 CTE and academic high school system employs 1,200 high-quality, highly-skilled, motivated educators who work with our diverse student body. Teaching at CTECS is ideal for educators who are deeply committed to student learning and nurturing both career and college pathways. The vision and mission at CTECS are to ensure both student career technical education mastery and academic success. Instructors at CTECS work collaboratively with administration and peers to develop, plan, and deliver world‑class instruction in a safe and engaging environment. The district is committed to developing teacher knowledge and capacity in best practices and preparing its learners for success in a global workforce.

A CTECS Robotics and Automation instructor is responsible for educating students on theoretical and performance-based topics related to electronic and robotic principles, electronics schematics, resistors, actuators, mathematical calculations related to voltage, current, resistance and power systems, ohm’s law and its application to series, elements of circuit design as related to robotic sensors, transducers, interfacing techniques and control systems, as well as PLC’s. It is important that the candidate show experience in robotic automation, both analog and digital electronics circuitry related to diode, transistor, and FET component circuits as well as design using integrated circuitry for both advanced electronics/robot automation.

The Department Head is a teacher that is an instructional leader who promotes student achievement for all and facilitates the operations of the department. As a Department Head, you are responsible for the duties outlined above, as well as responsibilities related to instructional support, leadership and operations within your department.

To be considered for this position, Electrical Trade Instructors must possess the following certification and license:

• Connecticut Teacher Certification Occupational Subject Endorsement #090 in Electronics/Mechatronics/Robotics and Automation.
• Or Eligibility for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP).

Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut. We invite you to explore our CTECS Instructor Information webpage for more information.

Position Highlights

• Schedule: first shift, full time (35 hours per week) Monday through Friday.
• Location: Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School, in Danielson (Killingly), CT.
• Academic Calendar: CTECS follows a ten‑month academic calendar (188 days per year.)

Benefits and Balance at the State of Connecticut

We take part in a competitive benefits plan which includes:

• Option to maintain State of Connecticut Teacher Retirement Plan or enroll in the State Employee Retirement System
• A variety of medical and dental plans
• Sick and personal leave
• The State of CT is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service

As a CTECS employee, you may also benefit from:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Extra Income Opportunities
• Professional Development
• Career Growth within our System

In addition, the State puts an emphasis on:

• Providing limitless opportunities
• Hiring for diverse and fresh perspectives
• Performing meaningful work
• Encouraging a healthy work/life balance

Who We Are

For over 100 years, CTECS has been the leading force in Career Technical Education (CTE) in the State of Connecticut. CTECS operates 17 diploma‑granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance programs. The school system provides a direct employment pipeline for high school students and adult learners. We hope you take this opportunity to join our team and make an impact by serving your state!

Selection Plan

Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.

Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [e-mail].

Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!

Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

Questions? We’re here to help: Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rocky Young at [e-mail].

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System this class is accountable for educating students in academic and trade coursework while also serving as an instructional leader who facilitates the operations of a department.

Examples of Duties

Robotic and Automation instructors are expected to be capable of teaching all aspects of the curriculum. The Robotic and Automation program is a mixture of theoretical and hands‑on training. The theoretical training will require instructors to plan and deliver information, and then assess the student’s competency. This will be done in a variety of methods, some will include the use of educational technology. Instructors need the basic computer skills to access online curriculum/resources and present lessons to students.

The hands‑on portion of the Robotics and Automation curriculum will require instructors to possess the technical skill to complete various circuit and robotic design and creation tasks. Digital trainers are standard equipment in the trade and the many and varied meters, soldering systems and robotics kits need to be moved/set up for student use. Along with standing and moving, many tasks will require the ability to bend at the waist, squat, and kneel, as well as work with and manipulate items above the head. Lifting and transporting heavier items can also be expected.

While working in the laboratory environment, the Robotics and Automation instructor will be required to use a variety of hand and power tools. This will require the fine and gross motor skills to appropriately manipulate work pieces and tools. The shop projects and operations include, but are not limited to, using basic hand tools and using portable power tools e.g., corded/cordless drills, etc..

Participating in building and district level professional development and collaboration. This will include working with various committees and departments to facilitate student learning.

In addition to above, trade department heads are responsible for the following:

Instructional Support Responsibilities

• Assists with the implementation of the instructional program within the department including supporting substitutes.
• Assists and monitors in the implementation of the content, aligned to the CTECS district approved materials such as: curriculum, pacing guide, DSA’s, and competency checklists.
• Models a variety of instructional strategies that accommodate different student backgrounds, cognitive abilities and learning styles.
• Reviews lesson plans, observes classroom instruction, and provides feedback and support as needed to improve instruction, classroom management, and professional growth.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provides clear expectations regarding policies and procedures utilized in the shop, including but not limited to, uniform, student conduct/discipline, equipment uses, safety compliance, clean‑up, and inventory controls.
• Plans and leads department meetings and PLCs with other departments as well as administration.
• Serves on committees when requested and as a liaison between the department, administration and central office.
• Organizes and facilitates the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) in accordance with district guidelines, including the recruitment of appropriate members. Increase and document PAC membership annually. Meetings will be held after school hours.
• Promotes in industry outreach programs, such as Work‑Based Learning (WBL), internships, SkillsUSA, and job shadowing.
• Provides school‑wide leadership support and recommendations for professional development and direction on effective instruction and programming, including instructional rounds.

Operational Responsibilities

• Manages departmental budgets, prepares, and submits requisitions for orders, repairs, and maintenance. Manage enrollment and retention plans. Ensures that student credentials are attained and tracked in collaboration with district guidelines. Improvement of summative assessments per year.
• Oversees all Student Workforce activities, such as On/Off campus Production, CTECS Facilities Production, WBL, Internships and job shadowing, ensuring that all district procedures are followed.
• Completes all required departmental inventory tasks and assists in the removal of outdated instructional materials, including repair of equipment.
• Ensures that all equipment is properly operational and that all required maintenance and repairs are completed.
• Ensures all safety training is appropriately completed, required documentation is properly maintained and procedures are followed. Ensures safety within the department; including posting and enforcement of appropriate laboratory safety wear & rules (i.e. uniforms, boots, PPE, etc...).
• Maintain and submit department records, including trade credentials, student data, and PLC minutes, perform other professional duties as required by the administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current OSHA 10- General Industry Certification.
• Experience with computer software such as Microsoft Office and Google Products.
• Experience demonstrating methods of delivering teaching lessons.
• Experience with assessing student knowledge with the use of educational technology.

Special Requirements

Incumbents must possess at time of appointment a valid certificate issued by the Connecticut State Board of Education in accordance with the Certification Regulations Concerning State Educator Certificates, Permits and Authorizations, with a secondary school endorsement.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.