The HVAC Trades Instructor delivers instruction using the Apex curriculum to help students develop foundational and advanced HVAC trade skills. Responsibilities include facilitating classroom, virtual, and hands-on instruction through theory-based lessons, demonstrations, and practical application of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The instructor prepares students for entry-level employment by promoting technical competency, workplace professionalism, troubleshooting skills, and safety awareness aligned with industry standards. Compensation: $51,432.00/yr Responsibilities • Instruct students in both HVAC theory and hands-on training within classroom and lab/shop environments. • Deliver engaging instruction through lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, blueprint reading, and supervised hands-on HVAC projects. • Teach students the fundamentals of heating systems, air conditioning systems, refrigeration cycles, ventilation systems, electrical controls, piping, brazing, recovery procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. • Provide instruction related to HVAC system installation, maintenance, diagnostics, refrigerant handling, airflow principles, and preventive maintenance procedures. • Teach students to safely use HVAC tools, gauges, meters, recovery machines, vacuum pumps, torches, and other industry-standard equipment. • Determine the most effective methods for delivering training and prepare all necessary instructional materials, tools, equipment, supplies, and lab activities accordingly. • Explain and demonstrate HVAC jobs, tasks, tools, and procedures in accordance with current industry standards and safe work practices. • Emphasize and enforce all HVAC and workplace safety procedures, including proper PPE usage, refrigerant safety, ladder safety, electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, and OSHA regulations. • Review applicable job safety analyses and ensure students understand and comply with all safety requirements and shop protocols. • Organize, schedule, and provide supplemental instruction, tutoring, refresher training, and make-up sessions as needed. • Ensure all HVAC tools, trainers, machinery, and lab equipment are properly maintained, cleaned, secured, and stored to support safety and operational efficiency. • Guide, assign, supervise, and evaluate student work to ensure successful completion of curriculum objectives and hands-on HVAC competencies. • Monitor student progress and provide timely feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations based on curriculum standards and learning outcomes. • Maintain accurate attendance, grading, competency tracking, and student records in accordance with state, accreditation, and institutional requirements. • Ensure students maintain professional conduct, proper safety practices, and compliance with all school policies and expectations. • Participate in required faculty meetings, professional development sessions, curriculum updates, and accreditation-related activities. • Maintain HVAC certifications and licenses as required by state and accrediting standards, including EPA certification where applicable. • Serve as a professional representative and ambassador of Apex Technical School within the skilled trades community. • Contribute to organizational success by accepting new assignments, assisting team members, learning new technologies, and continuously improving instructional outcomes. Qualifications Education • High School Diploma or equivalent required. • Technical school certification, apprenticeship completion, or related HVAC trade education preferred. Experience • Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in the HVAC trade required. • Experience in residential and/or commercial HVAC systems preferred. • Prior teaching, mentoring, or training experience is a plus. Equipment • Thorough understanding of the safe operation and maintenance of HVAC tools, gauges, meters, recovery equipment, vacuum pumps, brazing equipment, and related HVAC systems and machinery. • Ability to safely use and demonstrate appropriate PPE and HVAC safety equipment. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities • Strong understanding of HVAC theory, refrigeration cycles, heating and cooling systems, electrical controls, airflow principles, and troubleshooting techniques. • Working knowledge of HVAC codes, EPA regulations, OSHA safety standards, and industry best practices. • Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC system issues and demonstrate practical problem-solving techniques. • Strong oral, written, classroom management, and presentation skills. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and supervisors. • Ability to teach and motivate a diverse student population with varying educational backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles. • Strong organizational, time management, and conflict resolution skills.