HVACR & Heat Pump Technology Instructor, (Multiple Positions Available)

Company Description:

Located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and founded in 1967, Springfield Technical Community College is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. Digital Multimedia, IT Security, Nursing, Robotics, Sonography, Mechanical Engineering Technology (Advance Manufacturing) and dozens of other career programs produce potential employees each year. STCC's highly-regarded transfer programs in Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Science and Technology continue to provide the most economical option for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of over 6,500, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity and justifiably proud of our designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Respect, is one of the Core Values of the College and we strive to nurture mutual respect among faculty, staff and students. With respect, we embrace differences to create an inclusive environment for all. Together, we support students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

Job Description:

Springfield Technical Community College Division of Workforce Development is seeking passionate and knowledgeable in person instructors as it is expanding its non-credit training offerings in HVAC-R, Heat Pump, and High Efficiency Energy Systems. These programs equip both entry-level and incumbent workers with the skills needed to succeed in careers focused on clean energy, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and advanced HVAC technologies.

Training modules are stackable, preparing students for employment, advancement, credential attainment, and seamless transition into STCC's Energy Systems Technology associate degree programs. Instructors will teach one or more of the following modules, depending on certification, professional background, and demonstrated technical expertise.
Applicants may qualify to teach multiple modules and are encouraged to apply regardless of whether qualifications align to one or several program areas.

All training modules will incorporate knowledge of Heat Pumps and Clean Energy systems, as required by program funding objectives.

1) Bridge to High Efficiency Energy Systems

The Bridge to High Efficiency Energy Systems program prepares entry-level learners for advanced HVAC-R and clean energy training by introducing renewable and clean energy technologies with a strong foundation in modern heat pump systems. Students explore solar, wind, geothermal, and high-efficiency heating equipment while developing essential academic, digital literacy, and workplace readiness skills. The module ensures students understand the role of heat pumps in today's clean energy workforce and are prepared for deeper technical heat pump training in subsequent modules.

2) Oil Burner Technician Test Prep & Certificate (BPV & 527 CMR 01)
This module prepares students for the Massachusetts Oil Burner Technician requirements, with robust instruction in combustion systems, fire safety code, electrical diagnostics, and troubleshooting. To align with current industry standards and clean energy priorities, the curriculum integrates heat pump and mini-split fundamentals?ensuring learners understand how traditional oil heating compares and connects to high-efficiency heat pump systems. Students gain the cross-technology perspective needed in a workforce increasingly transitioning toward heat pump adoption. The instructor must demonstrate hands-on competencies in combustion testing, burner wiring, and preventive maintenance of oil and gas systems.

3) Refrigerant & Coolant (EPA 608 Certificate)
This module develops strong technical knowledge in refrigeration systems, refrigerant handling, environmental regulations, and diagnostic procedures while preparing students for the EPA 608 exam. Given that heat pumps rely on the same refrigeration cycle and refrigerant principles, the curriculum explicitly connects refrigerant behavior, system efficiency, and environmental considerations to heat pump performance. Students leave with refrigerant skills that directly support heat pump installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

4) Heat Pump & Mini-Split Installation

This module provides comprehensive hands-on instruction in heat pump and mini-split installation, operation, diagnostics, efficiency optimization, and maintenance. Students gain practical experience with modern heat pump systems, refrigerant charging, wiring, airflow, and system commissioning to prepare for industry-recognized heat pump credentials. The instructor must demonstrate hands-on competencies in piping (brazing/soldering), system diagnostics, measurement, and equipment commissioning.

5) NATE CHP-5 Test Prep & Certificate

The NATE CHP-5 module prepares students across all five domains?fundamentals, electrical and controls, comfort and airflow, installation, and service?with a strong focus on integrating heat pump-specific concepts into each area. Students learn how heat pumps operate within broader HVAC system design, how controls and airflow impact heat pump performance, and how installation and service procedures differ from traditional systems. This ensures CHP-5 candidates are fully aligned with industry demand for heat pump-ready technicians.

6) Future Trades Entrepreneurship with OSHA-30/10

This module gives learners the business, management, and operational skills needed to start or support a contracting or HVAC business, with explicit emphasis on the rapidly growing heat pump and clean energy service sector. Coursework includes cost estimating, project management, marketing, contracts, and financial planning, paired with OSHA certification. Students explore entrepreneurial opportunities directly tied to heat pump installation, maintenance, and high-efficiency energy services?aligning their business training with the clean energy workforce transition.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Deliver hands-on, competency-based instruction in HVAC-R and clean energy across all content areas.
• Reinforce OSHA, EPA, BPV, and other regulatory compliance standards within instruction.
• Prepare students for industry-recognized credential exams (EPA 608, BPV, NATE, ESB, OSHA).
• Integrate contextualized academics, including math, digital literacy, and employability (soft) skills.
• Support laboratory and field-based instruction with a strong emphasis on safety practices.
• Design and implement engaging, student-centered learning activities that promote active participation.
• Adjust instructional practices based on feedback from students and supervisors.
• Encourage and motivate students to complete coursework and attend office hours for additional support.
• Provide individualized 1:1 academic and professional guidance to support student success.
• Ensure students are registered for certification exams prior to course completion.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, grading, and exam readiness.
• Safeguard student information and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Adhere to FERPA and all institutional policies and standards.
• Collaborate with advisors and staff to support student persistence, completion, and job placement.
• Participate in required professional development and team meetings to support continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered environment with individuals of varying learning styles, cultures, identities, and life experiences.
• Relevant certification(s) or equivalent industry experience aligned with assigned HVAC-R or clean energy modules.
• Field experience in HVAC-R, clean energy systems, energy efficiency, construction, or a related industry.
• Current knowledge of OSHA, EPA, BPV, and HVAC-R safety and compliance standards.
• Experience teaching, training, or delivering instruction in HVAC-R or a related technical field.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to monitor and track student progress effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in English.
• Ability to work with second-language learners and translate technical concepts into accessible, lay terms.
• Ability to integrate academic, digital literacy, and workforce readiness skills into instruction.
• Experience using instructional technology tools and web-based Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Preferred Qualifications

2+ years of technical teaching experience (in English).
Ability to provide bilingual instruction in Spanish and English.
Associate's degree in energy systems or a related technical training program.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT:

Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

Additional Information:

Salary: $50 - $75 per hour of instruction commensurate on experience and education.
Benefits: No, Part Time position
Union: Non-Union
Grant Funded: Yes
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. Springfield Technical Community College is not sponsoring H1B Visa.

INFORMATION AWARENESS SECURITY TRAINING:

Candidates for employment should be aware that all STCC employees are required to complete Information Awareness Security Training within thirty days of their orientation date and annually thereafter.

Application Instructions:

All available positions are located at: www.stcc.edu/about-stcc/employment which applicants must apply online by submitting a cover letter**, resume and three (3) professional references.

**Cover letter must demonstrate how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

STCC conducts a pre-employment screening. Initial and continued employment is dependent upon meeting National Background Check, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and/or Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check and if applicable, Physical and Alcohol/Drug Testing requirements. Screening also includes verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history. Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

POLICY STATEMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & DIVERSITY:

Springfield Technical Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions, gender identity, sex characteristics, sex stereotypes or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits Sex-Based Harassment. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, or retaliation shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action Officer and/or Title IX Coordinator, Kathryn C. Senie, Ed.D, J.D. at 413.755.5642 or via email at kcsenie@stcc.edu, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

STCC's personnel and academic decisions, programs and policies are formulated and conducted in a manner, which will ensure equal access for all people and prevent discrimination. As part of this effort, a College will ensure that employment and academic decisions, programs and policies will be based solely on the individual eligibility, merit or fitness of applicants, employees and students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, military service, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation or political or union affiliation.