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Associate Instructor of NextGen Drone Technology

Title:                         Associate Instructor of NextGen Drone Technology – 12 Month

Classification:   Full-Time Faculty, Exempt

Location:               TCAT-McMinnville Coffee County Campus, 2790 Woodbury Highway, Manchester, TN  37355

Hours:                     Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:00pm, or as needed to fulfill duties of the position.

Reports To:          Vice President, Academic and Student Success

Salary:                     $51,149 - $61,379

POSITION SUMMARY: The primary responsibility of the instructor role is to deliver high-quality instruction that fosters student learning and cultivates a positive educational environment. The focus will be on teaching and assessing students in both classroom and laboratory settings. This position requires a commitment of 7.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, totaling 37.5 hours per week, with a 30-minute lunch break.

NextGen DRONE PROGRAM SUMMARY: This program provides comprehensive training in Next Gen Drone Technology (NGT) and drone technologies, equipping students with the skills to operate, maintain, and apply unmanned aircraft systems across industries such as construction, agriculture, utilities, and emergency response. Emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and real-world applications, the program prepares graduates for careers in the evolving aviation and drone workforce.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Part 107 drone license
• Minimum of (3) years of drone experience.
• Possess the knowledge, experience and certifications necessary to instruct in a variety of  areas where drones are used.
• Strong customer service skills: must possess effective oral and written communication skills to accurately convey information and to effectively present information
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with students, colleges, business and industry, faculty, staff, and the general public;
• Evidence of strong work ethic as it relates to timeliness of reporting, oversight of multiple on-going projects, and the ability to work with others;
• Proficient computer skills;
• Ability to deal tactfully with the students, public, and co-workers; to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions;
• Passionate belief in the power of education along with the desire to help students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals, and;
• Possess a valid TN driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree or higher or Diploma from an accredited training program
• Prior teaching experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Skill in managing deadlines and working in a team-oriented environment
• Must have a strong hands-on technical background in all aspects of drone technology.
• Must possess the organizational and communication skills necessary to be an effective teacher.
• Must commit to remain current in the field of drone technology.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must possess computer skills and the ability to utilize technology to enhance teaching.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with students, the public, and other employees
• Strong customer service skills

TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The NextGen Drone Technology Associate Instructor is responsible for the following:

• • Demonstrate a commitment to student success.
  • Teach skills appropriate to the occupational area that will prepare students to become an economic asset.
  • Guide students in selection, perception, and performance of suitable learning activities.
  • Organize class time effectively and efficiently in order that learning activities can be accomplished.
  • Examine, evaluate, and select textbooks and reference materials commensurate to the course being taught.
  • Start and end class at designated time.
  • Utilize individual and/or group instructional procedures appropriate to the requirements of the assigned activities and the students’ needs.
  • Supervise student conduct to ensure that the potentially hazardous shops/labs/classrooms provide an orderly environment conducive to productivity.
  • Maintain a well-organized, safe, and clean lab and/or classroom.
  • Advise students on the importance of safety in relation to machinery, tools, and equipment.
  • Investigate and make a full report on every accident on the day the accident occurs, using the “Preliminary Accident Report Form.”
  • Be responsible for equipment, tools, and supplies assigned to shop and/or classroom.
  • Maintain an inventory of equipment, controls storage, repair, and usage of materials to minimize loss or abuse.
  • Stay connected with business and industry by making a minimum of 5 industry visits each year so that the curriculum can be updated to reflect changes in a high-tech society.
  • Establish an Occupational Advisory Committee comprised of a minimum of seven (7) industry leaders who advise on all aspects of the program and meets once each year.
  • Strive for the highest completion, placement, and licensure rates possible in support of student success (the accrediting body has minimal standards that must be met for the program to remain operational).
  • Keep and share with students continuously updated records of attendance and competencies acquired during their enrollment.
  • Evaluate each student’s progress at multiple intervals during each trimester and complete permanent records.
  • Assist, as directed by administration, in follow-up evaluations of graduates and their programs.
  • Help students, as opportunities become available and known, in job placement for both full-time and part-time employment.
  • Requisition equipment, supplies, materials, and instructional aids as needed, working within the perimeters of school guidelines and available funds.
  • Attend and participate in various school functions such as graduation, open houses, and other functions as assigned.
  • Participate as a member of various faculty/staff committees.
  • Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences.
  • Meet deadlines for yearly mandated training.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE: Utilize current College and department information technology, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Banner, Teams, etc., office machines such as telephones, fax machines, and copiers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT (ADA Requirements): The conditions herein represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

• Environment: Work is performed in a classroom and shop setting with frequent interruptions and distractions. The majority of work (30 hours per week) will be instructing and training students, with the remaining 7.5 hours utilized for grading, recording attendance, and individual student meetings.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a classroom and shop setting, lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 30 lbs., operate standard equipment and tools, stand and climb ladders, and effectively communicate to exchange information.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION & REVIEW: To be considered for a position at TCAT-McMinnville, you must create and submit an online application that includes 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/diploma
• Industry licensure and/or certifications

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.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a covered veteran, or genetic information in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Stephanie Griffitts, Human Resources and Compliance, 241 Vo-Tech Drive, McMinnville, TN  37110, 931-473-5587, and stephanie.griffitts@tcatmcminnville.edu