HVAC-R Instructor

Position

Renton Technical College (RTC) is seeking a full-time, non-tenure track HVAC-R Instructor to support the launch and delivery of a new HVAC-R Technician Certificate (3 quarters) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree (6 quarters) program. Reporting to the Dean of Advanced Manufacturing, the instructor will be responsible for developing and teaching a state-approved curriculum aligned with industry standards and licensure requirements.

This position provides evening instruction, Monday through Friday, and includes hands-on training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. In addition to teaching, the instructor will maintain regular office hours for student support, engage in program development, participate in industry partnerships, and contribute to RTC’s mission of providing equitable, high-quality workforce education.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include

• Deliver effective in-person instruction in HVAC-R fundamentals, system installation, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, including residential and commercial applications.
• Teach topics aligned with Washington State licensure pathways, emphasizing safety, code compliance, and hands-on skills. Learn and use technology to enhance teaching.
• Assist in curriculum development for both certificate and AAS degree pathways, incorporating industry best practices and evolving technologies such as energy efficiency and climate control systems.
• Participate in the recruitment and placement of students.
• Collaborate with the program’s advisory committee and industry partners to maintain curriculum relevance and promote job placement opportunities.
• Ensure that appropriate safety practices are used at all times, students are knowledgeable of safety techniques and all equipment is maintained in a safe working condition.
• Evaluate student progress toward course and program competencies; provide timely, constructive feedback and academic support.
• Attend faculty meetings, contribute to program improvement efforts, and participate in college-wide initiatives.
• Support RTC’s values of equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning in all classroom, lab, and professional activities.
• Maintain professional competency through industry certifications, continued education, and professional development.
• Communicate effectively with students, peers, and stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience with persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working / learning environment.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC-R systems, including electrical controls, heat pumps, refrigeration cycles, gas heating, energy efficiency technologies, and blueprint reading.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and evaluate HVAC/R theories effectively.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and industry developments.
• Knowledge of advanced troubleshooting techniques, diagnostic tools, and best practices in HVAC/R systems maintenance and repair
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of EPA 608 certification requirements and Washington State specialty electrical licensing for HVAC-R professionals (such as 06A or 07 specialty licenses).
• Experience with hands-on training and lab instruction in a technical or trades setting preferred.
• Proficiency in or willingness to learn Canvas LMS and other instructional technologies.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to teaching excellence, workforce relevance, and student achievement.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to work professionally and effectively with students, faculty, staff, colleagues, and community partners.
• Demonstrate attention to detail maintain accurate records, manage multiple tasks, while planning and organizing work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 month of hire) the production of accessible content, whether print or electronic.
• Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion and courtesy.
• Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, and Chinese).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Either hold, or be eligible for, vocational instruction certification. To be certifiable one must:
  • Have five or more years of recent successful work experience as an operating engineer or HVAC Technician.
  • Hold a degree in a relevant field, a Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic License, or an equivalent combination of professional licensure and education.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position is active in nature and requires standing, lecturing and demonstration of processes in a classroom environment. The job also requires some sedentary time when performing administrative program functions. Work and meetings may take place across campus. May drive/travel to trainings, conferences, and/or college events. This is mostly an in-person/on-campus position.

Terms of Employment

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Renton Technical College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

Degree Stipend:
Master’s or Doctorate degree stipends are paid annually.

• Master's $967
• Doctorate's $1,935

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EEO STATEMENT: Renton Technical College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veterans or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Re-authorization Act and Washington State Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. The following college official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX / EEO Coordinator, Vice President of Human Resources 3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA 98056 (425)235-7873, titleix@rtc.edu.

Jeanne Clery statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Renton Technical College reports the mandate information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Renton Technical College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at: https://rtc.edu/about-rtc/campus-resources/campus-security/annual-security-report.phpFor information on how to access the RTC Daily Crime Log follow this link:https://rtc.edu/about-rtc/campus-resources/campus-security/daily-crime-log.php

We acknowledge that RTC sits uninvited on the ancestral land of the Puget Salish people, including the Duwamish, Suquamish, Snoqualmie, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. We are grateful to the original inhabitants of this land, upon which we gather and dialogue. We also acknowledge our increasingly virtual world, in which RTC’s work is done across multiple indigenous lands, in some cases, away from Puget Salish territories. We thank the original caretakers of our local lands and waters, who are still here.

Beyond acknowledgment, we each have an obligation to learn about and support our local tribes. Find out how on our resources page, which includes scholarships for Indigenous students.