Welding Instructor and Lab Specialist

Chesapeake College; Maryland; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake College seeks a Welding Instructor and Lab Specialist to deliver high-quality welding and fabrication instruction while safely operating laboratories across the Wye Mills and Cambridge campuses and partner sites.

You will oversee lab safety, manage equipment, coordinate with the Skilled Trades Department, and guide students from classroom theory to hands-on industry-standard practice, ensuring employability skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of four (4) years of welding/fabrication experience.
• Knowledge of SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, oxy‑fuel cutting and metal fabrication.
• Prior teaching or instructional experience in a technical setting.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and safe shop practices.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot welding equipment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality welding and fabrication instruction with hands-on training.
• Supervise daily lab operations and ensure a safe learning environment.
• Enforce safety rules and OSHA/AWS standards; manage hazardous materials.
• Maintain records of attendance, grades, competencies, and progress.
• Integrate employability skills and industry practices into curriculum.
• Coordinate lab layouts, budgeting support, and program improvements.

Skills

Welding knowledge

Safety compliance

Teaching / training

Equipment maintenance

OSHA standards

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in Welding Technology (preferred)

Tools

Welding equipment

Basic computer skills

Instructional technology

Job description

Description

The Welding Instructor and Lab Specialist is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in welding and fabrication while ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of welding and fabrication laboratories. This role combines classroom teaching and hands-on training with comprehensive oversight of laboratory facilities, equipment, materials, and safety practices at the Wye Mills campus, Cambridge campus, Caroline Career and Technology Center (CCTC), the Mobile Welding Classroom, and any modular instructional labs associated with these programs. The instructor prepares students for entry into the workforce or advanced training by emphasizing industry standards, technical proficiency, and employability skills, while maintaining a strong culture of safety and compliance.

The Welding Instructor and Lab Specialist works under the supervision of the Skilled Trades Department Chair.

Examples of Duties

Instruction

• Shall be assigned a regular teaching workload (generally 18 load hours per year or the equivalent) as determined by supervisor.
• Teach as required evening, weekend, summer, online, hybrid, and dual credit classes as needed either on-campus or at various offsite locations.
• Ensure implementation of the curriculum in the classroom, college, and labs.
• Advise students in their academic/career programs.
• Maintain academic standards in keeping with the policies of the college, as specified in the Faculty/Staff Manual.
• Develop and deliver curriculum aligned with industry standards, certification requirements, and program objectives.
• Provide classroom instruction and hands‑on training in welding processes, fabrication techniques, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and shop mathematics.
• Demonstrate proper use of welding equipment, tools, and safety procedures.
• Assess student performance through practical evaluations, written tests, and project‑based assignments.
• Provide feedback and guidance to support student skill development and career readiness.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, competencies, and student progress.
• Integrate employability skills, including teamwork, work ethic, and communication, into instruction.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and instructional best practices.

• Flexible availability in‑person during evening and weekend hours when classes are in session.

Lab Oversight

• Supervise daily operations of all mobile and fixed welding and fabrication labs to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
• Enforce safety rules and ensure compliance with OSHA, AWS, and institutional standards.
• Maintain, in conjunction with the Skilled Trades Lab Technician, welding and fabrication equipment, tools, and supplies; coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of hazardous materials, including compressed gases and welding consumables.
• Organize lab layout and workflow to maximize efficiency and minimize risk.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and general upkeep of lab facilities.
• Assist in budgeting, equipment planning, and program improvement initiatives.
• Support compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal regulations.

Lab Safety

• Develop, implement, and continuously update comprehensive lab safety policies and procedures aligned with OSHA regulations, AWS guidelines, and institutional requirements.
• Enforce strict adherence to safety rules, including mitigation of welding‑specific hazards such as arc flash, fumes, confined spaces, compressed gases, and fire risks.
• Perform routine safety inspections of all mobile and fixed lab areas, including welding booths, ventilation systems, electrical systems, gas cylinder storage, and fire prevention equipment.
• Ensure proper functioning and accessibility of safety systems such as fume extraction units, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, first aid kits, and emergency shutoff controls.
• Monitor and enforce safe handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous materials; maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure accessibility.
• Control and monitor access to welding labs, ensuring only authorized individuals are present and proper supervision is maintained.
• Actively monitor student behavior and intervene immediately when unsafe practices are observed.
• Ensure proper labeling, securing, and transportation of compressed gas cylinders in compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of four (4) years of professional welding and/or fabrication experience in an industrial or commercial setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of welding processes (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, oxy‑fuel cutting) and metal fabrication practices.

• Prior teaching, training, or instructional experience in a technical education environment.

• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and safe shop practices.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot welding and fabrication equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Welder, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, or equivalent).
• Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and instructional technology.

Physical Requirements

• Lift heavy‑weight metals and travel capability.
• Requires use of hand and power tools applicable to trade.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands.
• Capable of lifting 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Capable of pushing or pulling a weight of 60 lbs.
• Climbing stairs – occasionally.
• Walking, frequently.
• Travel locally in the five‑county region required.