Location: Saginaw, MI
Position Type: Full-Time | Salary
Department: Education
Reports To: Academic Dean
EEO Classification: Professional
Position Details
Schedule: Up to four classes per six-week module, with evening and online classes available.
No prior teaching experience is required to apply.
Job Summary
The HVAC Instructor is responsible for delivering quality instruction in the Dorsey College HVAC Technician Program and ensuring that students develop the technical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for a successful career in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning trade.
The instructor plans and delivers engaging lessons in lecture and laboratory settings, monitors student progress, and addresses student questions, concerns, and challenges in a timely and professional manner. All instruction must be conducted in accordance with Dorsey College policies, program requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
The successful candidate will be knowledgeable in the HVAC trade, dedicated to student success, and committed to maintaining a motivating, professional, and inclusive classroom environment.
Essential Functions
Instruction and Student Success
- Plan, prepare, and deliver quality classroom and laboratory instruction based on the approved course outline.
- Select and use approved course materials and teaching methods that address different learning styles and the individual needs of students.
- Assess student learning using appropriate evaluation methods.
- Conduct engaging classroom lectures and hands-on laboratory activities.
- Motivate students by addressing concerns and actively involving them in classroom discussions and activities.
- Advise students regarding attendance, grades, and other concerns to support successful course completion.
- Contact absent students by text, email, or telephone as needed to improve retention.
- Demonstrate effectiveness through student retention, student success, attendance, instructor evaluations, and final examination pass rates.
Classroom and Laboratory Management
- Manage the classroom in accordance with campus policies concerning attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and student conduct.
- Prepare for each class by clearly communicating instructor contact information, the date, class name, daily objectives, and objectives for the next session.
- Monitor and prepare classroom supplies and laboratory equipment to ensure readiness before instruction.
- Notify appropriate campus personnel when equipment, supplies, or facilities require attention.
Collaboration and Professional Development
- Participate in faculty, staff, committee, and in-service meetings. Attendance at commencement is strongly encouraged.
- Maintain professional growth through continuing education, professional associations, industry experience, research, seminars, conventions, field visits, vendor shows, equipment exhibits, and other relevant activities.
- Support other departments, including Financial Aid, Admissions, and Career Services.
- Maintain employer relationships through annual contact, including at least one site visit.
- Work independently and cooperatively with faculty, staff, and administration.
- Conduct all educational activities in a legal, ethical, and professional manner.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional standards of conduct.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Working knowledge of heating, cooling, ventilation, refrigeration, and indoor-air-quality systems applicable to the courses taught.
- Working knowledge of EPA Section 608 refrigerant regulations, ASHRAE standards, and applicable local, state, and national mechanical codes.
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations, occupational safety standards, and safe work practices within the HVAC trade.
- Proficiency with computers, standard office equipment, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex HVAC concepts clearly to students with varying levels of experience.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple courses and responsibilities.
- Ability to identify struggling students and implement strategies to improve retention and success.
- Ability to adapt to a changing educational environment and support continuous improvement.
- Positive attitude, initiative, creativity, and the ability to motivate others.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum two years of HVAC trade experience or equivalent.
- Completion of an HVAC Excellence trade program preferred.
- EPA Section 608 Type II certification required. Certification must be obtained within 120 days of the first day of teaching and maintained in accordance with certification-agency guidelines.
- OSHA 10/30, NATE, NCCER credentials, state or local HVAC licensure, or other relevant industry certifications preferred but not required.
- Previous teaching, training, or mentoring experience in a trade or educational setting preferred but not required.
- Must successfully pass a background check in accordance with Dorsey College policies.
Working and Physical Demands
- Evening or weekend hours may be required to meet deadlines and meet with prospective students.
- May be exposed to refrigerants, field-related gases, HVAC equipment, noise, and varying temperatures in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to navigate and use Canvas LMS and other digital platforms required for instruction and recordkeeping.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during classroom and laboratory instruction.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during online instruction and administrative work.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and work in confined spaces as required by course content.
- Sufficient manual dexterity to operate HVAC tools, testing equipment, and computer equipment.
- Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly to deliver instruction and maintain laboratory safety.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
