Workforce Instructors - Trades (Plumbing, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operator)

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Laurel Ridge Community College seeks an Adjunct Workforce Trades Instructor to deliver hands-on and classroom instruction in Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, or Heavy Equipment Operations.

Responsibilities include teaching safety, equipment operation, and credential attainment; candidates with industry experience and strong communication are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Proven subject matter expertise in Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, or Heavy Equipment Operations.
• Substantial industry experience in the trade area.
• Knowledge of industry safety standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to teach adult learners.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging instruction using industry-standard practices, tools, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Teach students to properly and safely use tools, materials, equipment, and PPE.
• Demonstrate relevant technical skills and provide coaching that supports competency and credential attainment.
• Develop students’ soft skills including teamwork, communication, reliability, problem-solving, and workplace professionalism.
• Assist with maintaining training facilities, laboratories, equipment, and instructional materials in safe working condition.
• Mentor and motivate students, providing constructive feedback and support to help them succeed.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and evaluations.
• Participate in instructor training, certification, and recertification activities.

Skills

Plumbing

HVAC

Electrical

Heavy Equipment

Education

Industry credentials

Job description

Working Title Workforce Instructors - Trades (Plumbing, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operator) Role Title Workforce Instructor Role Code 01021-SW FLSA Exempt Pay Band UG Position Number 298A9999 Agency Laurel Ridge Community College Division Laurel Ridge Community College (Div) Work Location Frederick – 069 Hiring Range $55 per hour Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category I-Faculty Full Time or Part Time Part Time Does this position have telework options? ‑Telework options are subject to change based on business needs‑ Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?

Work Schedule
Schedules vary depending on course offerings, customized training requests, instructional support needs, and instructor availability. Classes may be scheduled during daytime, evening, or weekend hours and may be delivered at Laurel Ridge locations or approved off‑site training locations.

The Adjunct Workforce Trades Instructor will serve as an instructor for Workforce Solutions trades training programs, including Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, or Heavy Equipment Operations. This position is responsible for delivering hands‑on and classroom instruction that prepares students for employment, skills advancement, and industry credential attainment within their trade area. The ideal candidate will model professionalism, promote workplace safety, and provide practical industry knowledge that supports student success.

The successful candidate should possess significant professional experience in their trade area and demonstrate a passion for helping others learn the craft. While teaching experience is helpful, it is not required; however, professional experience and appropriate industry credentials are critical. Our students expect to learn from seasoned professionals who can share relevant knowledge and real‑world experience. Please see our website https://laurelridgeworkforce.com/ for additional information about Workforce Solutions and these programs.

Please note: applicants must reside in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland or DC.

Primary Responsibilities Of This Position

• Deliver engaging and practical instruction in the assigned trade area using industry-standard practices, tools, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Teach students to properly and safely use tools, materials, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate relevant technical skills and provide coaching that supports student competency development and credential attainment.
• Develop students’ soft skills including teamwork, communication, reliability, problem‑solving, and workplace professionalism.
• Assist with maintaining training facilities, laboratories, equipment, and instructional materials in safe working condition.
• Mentor and motivate students, providing constructive feedback and support to help them succeed.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, student progress, and competency evaluations as required.
• Participate in instructor training, certification, and recertification activities as needed.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this role is $55.00. The position is part‑time and as such cannot exceed 29 hours per week and is not eligible for health or leave benefits.

Application Process

Reference checks, background screenings, and eVerify are required for all Laurel Ridge positions. Satisfactory reference, background screenings are a condition of employment.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

• Proven subject matter expertise in Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operations, or a closely related trade.
• Substantial industry experience in the applicable trade area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry safety standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to instruct and work with adult learners from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Considerations

• Prior instructional, mentoring, supervisory, or workforce training experience.
• Industry‑recognized certifications, licenses, or credentials applicable to the trade area.
• Advanced industry experience.

Operation of a State Vehicle Yes Supervises Employees No Required Travel

We offer top quality courses on hundreds of subjects taught by expert trainers at our Middletown, Warrenton and Luray campuses/center. Responsibilities include teaching workforce courses, which may include hybrid, online, distance learning and on campus courses during the day, evening and weekends.

Laurel Ridge Community College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Laurel Ridge will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. Please email [e-mail] for further information.

Sponsorship of an employee’s work authorization takes time and requires an ongoing financial investment. Therefore, Laurel Ridge Community College does not have funding to sponsor potential employees in the US on a work visa and F-1 post‑completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). We consistently follow this funding model to ensure our practices are not discriminatory. Exceptions would require approval from the college president.

Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. While honoring bona fide occupational exceptions as needed, the college shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or other non‑merit factors. The college also promotes a safe working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence and harassment. Know your rights!

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non‑merit factors.

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.