Title: Associate Instructor of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Employee Classification: Faculty

Institution: TCAT-Knoxville

Department: HVAC

Campus Location: TCAT Knoxville - Instructional Service Center at Ruth and Steve West Workforce Development Center

Job Summary

Are you a skilled HVAC/R professional ready to share your expertise with the next generation of technicians? The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is seeking a full-time Associate Instructor of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration to support our Dual Enrollment partnerships with high schools in Blount County and full-time program locations.

At TCAT Knoxville, our mission is to prepare students for successful careers in high-demand technical fields, and our HVAC/R program is a cornerstone of that work. As an Associate Instructor, your primary responsibility will be delivering high-quality instruction to dual enrollment high school students in Blount County, with additional instruction in the College’s adult HVAC/R programs as needed. The program prepares students to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain residential and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, humidifiers, and electrical and gas heating, along with the fundamentals of electricity, electric motors, and controls. You will work alongside a supportive faculty team with strong industry partnerships, and you will have the opportunity to teach what you love while making a lasting impact in your community.

This is a full-time position working 7.5 hours per day, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with a thirty-minute lunch. The position offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive State of Tennessee benefits package, and the rewarding experience of helping students launch rewarding careers.

BENEFITS
As a TCAT Knoxville employee, you will have access to the comprehensive Tennessee Board of Regents benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plan plus optional deferred compensation savings; paid annual and sick leave, and paid state holidays; educational assistance programs, including tuition discounts for employees and eligible dependents; wellness plan; and optional benefits such as flexible spending accounts and short- and long-term disability.

Job Duties

• Instruction & Student Learning
  • Provide classroom and laboratory instruction in HVAC/R to dual enrollment high school students in Blount County and assist with instruction in the College’s adult HVAC/R programs as needed.
  • Apply a multi-method instructional approach — including demonstrations, lectures, hands-on shop activities, and worksite experiences — to prepare students for employment in the HVAC/R industry.
  • Adapt teaching methods to meet the diverse needs, interests, and learning abilities of secondary and adult students.
  • Develop and administer accurate, objective assessments to measure student learning and ensure mastery of program competencies.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and professional shop and classroom learning environment. - (Essential)
• Dual Enrollment & Partner Engagement
  • Serve as the College’s instructional representative at partner high schools in Blount County, maintaining positive, professional relationships with school administrators, counselors, teachers, students, and parents.
  • Coordinate with high school partners on scheduling, student recruitment, orientation, and program requirements.
  • Support the transition of dual enrollment students into TCAT Knoxville adult programs and the workforce. - (Essential)
• Program & Industry Engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with area employers to facilitate the referral, placement, and employment of students.
  • Cooperate with outside agencies, work with the program advisory committee, conduct visits to business and industry, and maintain positive public relations on behalf of the College.
  • Work cooperatively with other departments and the community to expand employment and training opportunities for students.
  • Maintain accurate records and conduct surveys and reports of program graduates. - (Essential)
• Communication & Compliance • Communicate professionally, tactfully, and courteously with students, employees, faculty, and the general public. • Ensure all activities are conducted within the established guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). • Perform all assigned duties safely and in accordance with established practices, procedures, techniques, and standards, with minimal supervision. • Work to meet and exceed COE accreditation standards and TBR performance expectations. - (Essential)
• Professional Development
  • Acquire, maintain, and apply knowledge of current best practices in student services, workforce education, and campus administration.
  • Attend scheduled college and department professional development activities, in-service trainings, and TBR-required programs.
  • Support and participate in related professional organizations, including those focused on student affairs and workforce development. - (Essential)
• Service to the College & Community
  • Assist in the recruitment and selection of college personnel as assigned.
  • Participate in accreditation, institutional assessment, and performance funding processes.
  • Provide input and assistance with institutional planning and budgets.
  • Attend convocation, commencement exercises, and mandatory college programs.
  • Develop and maintain positive, cooperative relationships with colleagues across all TCAT Knoxville campuses and partner high schools.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or administration, on and off campus. - (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and a graduate of an accredited HVAC/R technical program, or an Associate degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
• Three years of current work experience in all phases of industrial, residential, and commercial HVAC/R systems, including installation and service.
• EPA Universal Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• NATE and/or HVAC Excellence Certification
• Teaching experience
• Knowledge of Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) policies and procedures
• Skill in managing deadlines and working in a team-oriented environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and communication skills are necessary to be an effective instructor of adult and secondary learners.
• Ability to apply a multi-method instructional approach (demonstration, lecture, hands-on, and worksite-based learning) to varied student needs and abilities.
• Ability to develop curriculum, lesson plans, and assessments aligned with program competencies and industry standards.
• Ability to manage a classroom and shop environment, including enforcing safety practices, maintaining tools and equipment, and managing student behavior and progress.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage deadlines, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements with accuracy.
• Computer skills, including general proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability to learn the College's learning management system (LMS) and student information systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA.
• Ability to travel between assigned high school sites in Blount County and TCAT Knoxville campuses as needed.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Environment: Work is performed in classroom and HVAC/R shop/lab settings at partner high schools in Blount County and at TCAT Knoxville campuses, with frequent interruptions. Approximately 30 hours per week are spent in direct instruction, with the remaining 7.5 hours used for grading, recordkeeping, lesson preparation, and student meetings. Travel between instructional sites is required.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a classroom and shop setting; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 30 lbs.; to operate standard equipment and tools; to stand and climb ladders; and to effectively communicate to exchange information.

In accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines, within the range of $56,263 - $67,517.

Applicants for this Associate Instructor position may be considered for hire at the Instructor rank if they meet the qualifying criteria for that rank, including three (3) years of full-time higher education teaching experience in the occupational discipline, and required work experience and education. Final rank placement will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications at the time of hire.

To be considered for a position at TCAT Knoxville, you must create and submit an online application that includes uploads of your required documents. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using what is recorded on your application. Please be sure to include the complete beginning and end dates under your employment history. Scan and attach the required documents to the online application in Word or PDF format. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Resume
Educational transcripts
Industry licensure and/or certifications

Applications are open until July 25, 2026, or until the position is filled.

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Current federal law requires identification and eligibility verification prior to employment. Only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States may be employed. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.