THS Department Head - Precision Machining Technology (PMT) (Office/On-site)

State of Connecticut; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Connecticut, CT Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) seeks a Precision Machining Department Head for W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury, CT. The role leads instructional activities, safety, and department operations to prepare students for skilled manufacturing roles.

The Department Head will guide curriculum, coordinate with industry partners, and support PLCs and advisory committees while maintaining records and ensuring compliance with CT certification standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of relevant, varied, hands-on Precision Machining experience.
• High School graduation or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and eight (8) years of employment and/or teaching experience in the subject field.
• Interested candidates for Department Head openings will need a minimum of twelve credits to qualify for the #826 required certification as per SDE Bureau of certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as instructional leader promoting student achievement and department operations.
• Plan and lead department meetings and PLCs with staff and administration.
• Oversee budgets, inventory, safety training, and program development.
• Coordinate Work-Based Learning, internships, and industry partnerships.

Skills

Eight years machining experience

Department leadership

Instructional leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Twelve credits for #826 certification

Job description

Introduction

Are you experienced in Precision Machining Technology 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 a Precision Machine Technology Department Head to join our team at W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury, CT.

A CTECS Precision Machining instructor is responsible for planning, conducting and assessing instructional activities – to include safety, proper use of tools, math, and all equipment and components related to the Precision Machining trade. In addition, the instructor must maintain educational records; inventory and tool control logs; track achievement of desired program outcomes by coordinating and administering tests in accordance with accepted reporting procedures; developing alternative instruction for individualized and independent study. The CTECS Precision Machining instructor is responsible for educating students on theoretical and performance-based topics related to Precision Machining. The CTECS Precision Machining Program instructor instructs students in the ability to become workforce ready for a skilled manufacturing position.

The department head 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.

Precision Machining instructors are required to meet with business and industry partners in an effort to maintain being current in the trade and to keep apprised to the newest technology, as well as providing feedback to district curriculum teams on modern industry practices to adjust curricula when needed. These relationships also connect the program and students to employment and work-based learning opportunities. For more information regarding this, please review your bargaining unit contract for more information (see link above).

CTECS Precision Machining instructors educate students on proper safety procedures and competencies that are aligned to the Manufacturing Industry. Additionally, instructors in the Precision Machining technology area report to a department head.

Position Requirements and Certification

• #090 – Precision Machining valid Connecticut Certification. A #826 endorsement is required for the Precision Machining Department Head position, or qualify for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant, varied, hands-on Precision Machining experience.
• High School graduation or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and eight (8) years of employment and/or teaching experience in the subject field.
• Interested candidates for Department Head openings will need a minimum of twelve credits to qualify for the #826 required certification as per SDE Bureau of certification.

Position Highlights

• Schedule: first shift, full time (35 hours per week) Monday through Friday.
• Location: W.F. Kaynor Technical High School, in Waterbury, CT.
• Academic Calendar: CTECS follows a ten-month academic calendar (188 days per year.)

Benefits and Balance at the State of Connecticut

• 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 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!

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

Instructional Support Responsibilities

• 1. Assists with the implementation of the instructional program within the department including supporting substitutes.
• 2. 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.
• 3. Models a variety of instructional strategies that accommodate different student backgrounds, cognitive abilities and learning styles.
• 4. Reviews lesson plans, observes classroom instruction, and provides feedback and support as needed to improve instruction, classroom management, and professional growth.

Leadership Responsibilities

• 1. 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.
• 2. Plans and leads department meetings and PLCs with other departments as well as administration.
• 3. Serves on committees when requested and as a liaison between the department, administration and central office.
• 4. 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.
• 5. Promotes in industry outreach programs, such as Work-Based Learning (WBL), internships, Skills USA, and job shadowing.
• 6. Provides school‑wide leadership support and recommendations for professional development and direction on effective instruction and programming, including instructional rounds.

Operational Responsibilities

• 1. Manages departmental budgets, prepares, and submits OF‑95s 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.
• 2. 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.
• 3. Completes all required departmental inventory tasks and assists in the removal of outdated instructional materials, including repair of equipment.
• 4. Ensures that all equipment is properly operational and that all required maintenance and repairs are completed.
• 5. 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...).
• 6. Maintain and submit department records, including trade credentials, student data, and PLC minutes, perform other professional duties as required by the administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates that have completed VTE 113, VTE 116 and a Special Education course (approved by CT-SDE).
• Experience implementing educational principles, methods and techniques; skill in a particular trade or occupation; teaching ability; ability to work effectively with students; ability to express ideas simply and clearly, orally and in writing.
• Experience with effective oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills;
• Experience providing instructional support;
• Experience with maintaing records and charts;
• Experience preparing charts;
• Experience in teaching or substitute teaching and be able to demonstrate methods of delivering lessons, assessing student knowledge and the use of educational technology. This may include involvement in student/community Experience with SEL, differentiated instruction, synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• Prior experience and connections to the school culture, i.e. CTEAC Member, WBL Sponsor, Job Shadowing Sponsor, and/or PFO Member.

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.