Job Summary
New River Community and Technical College is seeking a full-time, 9-month Instructional Specialist in
Electrical Distribution Engineering Technology (EDET). The successful candidate will have extensive
experience in the electrical line service industry, including power transmission and distribution, pole
top and bucket operations, climbing and rigging techniques, transformer connections, system
protection, and underground/overhead maintenance. Responsibilities include instruction, curriculum
development, assessment, safety compliance, and student advising. The instructor will train students
to become entry-level line workers and electrical distribution technicians, equipping them with the
technical skills and professional knowledge required for employment in the electric utility or
construction industry.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to safety culture, student success, and
continuous improvement, and will maintain close partnerships with regional utilities and industry
stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and program growth.
This position will play a key role in expanding the Electrical Distribution Engineering Technology
(EDET) program into the communications and broadband industry by developing an Advisory Board
composed of regional partners and industry representatives. Through this collaboration, the
Instructional Specialist will help design and implement a second-semester curriculum or Certificate of
Applied Science (CAS) to support emerging workforce needs in fiber optics and telecommunications.
The position requires the ability to travel.
Nature of Work
The Instructional Specialist reports directly to the Dean of Workforce, Technical, and Community
Education and works cooperatively with the Department Chairperson and program faculty. The
position is responsible for teaching, developing, and maintaining a full range of courses in electrical
line service and distribution systems. Instruction may include both classroom and field-based learning
at heights, using climbing gear, bucket trucks, digger derricks, and simulated pole yards. This position
may require day, evening, or weekend teaching assignments and travel between campuses or training
sites.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Performs other functions as required or assigned. Also complies with all Policies and Standards.
Summary of Responsibilities:
• Works independently under broad supervision.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of industry safety standards (OSHA, NESC, DOT, and utility
best practices).
• Maintains professional relationships with electric utilities, contractors, and regulatory
agencies.
• Participates in recruitment, outreach, and program promotion activities.
• Develop, revise, and maintain syllabi that clearly outline course requirements, safety
expectations, goals, and objectives.
• Instruct students in classroom, lab, and outdoor pole yard environments in accordance with
industry safety standards.
• Teach core competencies including: electrical theory, climbing, rigging, rescue, transformer
and metering applications, distribution equipment operation, underground and overhead
construction, switching, grounding, and safety procedures.
• Evaluate student learning through tests, performance demonstrations, and skills assessments.
• Maintain accurate attendance, academic progress, and credential documentation.
• Advise and mentor students in career pathways, certifications, and professional conduct.
• Participate in the EDET Advisory Board to ensure the curriculum reflects current industry
needs.
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of training yard facilities and equipment.
• Recommend and maintain instructional tools and materials needed for training delivery.
• Participate in college committees, faculty meetings, and professional development.
• Support recruitment efforts and represent the program positively to prospective students and
employers.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and teamwork consistent with the college's
mission and values.
Position may require travel between campuses.
Professional Development
• Maintain currency with electrical distribution industry practices, OSHA regulations, and utility
safety standards.
• Attend training through recognized bodies such as NCCER, OSHA, FEMA, and utility training
consortia.
• Complete required institutional compliance training and participate in ongoing professional
development.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
Skills/Abilities
• Excellent instructional skills
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• The ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.
• Ability to supervise, coordinate, and evaluate industrial training programs.
• Must possess excellent communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to market the program and classes to industry stakeholders and
potential clients.
• Principles of supervision, including employee training and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with diverse populations coming from varied cultures,
backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite and D2L Brightspace systems to teach
traditional, hybrid, or online courses, as well as other technologies used in an instructional
setting.
• Ability to work with and present various curriculum concepts to a wide range of students with
diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
Education
The education, experience, aptitudes, skills, etc., for instructional positions differ by type of academic
or vocational program. Refer to job announcements for specific job specifications.
Experience
In addition to the knowledge/education, the following related work experience is typically required for
this position. An equivalent combination of education and recent, related experience may be
acceptable.
Five Years - Proven full-time employment experience related to electrical/communications distribution and line esrvice technology. - Required
Ten Years - Ten Years or more of field experience, or prior teaching /instructional experience, preferably at a community college level - Preferred
License or Certification
Valid Driver's license - required
Valid CDL - required
Certificate of Applied Science (or equivalent) in the field of line service technology - Required
NCCER Instructor, OSHA 10,30 - Preferred
Ten Years of experience in the line service industry - Preferred
Teaching experience, preferably at the community college level - Preferred
Expectations
Employees are responsible for their actions while on the job. You are to always conduct yourself
professionally and responsibly. A productive and safe workplace is everyone's responsibility.
Employees are expected to adhere to the Mission, Values, and Vision of the College. Each employee's
position has attributes that contribute to the achievement of these goals.
Mission
New River Community and Technical College provide accessible, affordable, quality education and
workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves.
Values
Shared values guide New River Community and Technical College in fulfilling its mission. These values
influence thoughts, guide decisions, mold policies, and determine courses of action. Our employees
are expected to support and enact these values in our daily work.
RESPECT
• Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions and perspectives of all individuals.
• Involve a diverse range of voices and perspectives in decision-making.
• Ensure everyone feels they are an integral part of the College.
HONESTY
• Communicate openly and truthfully.
• Take responsibility for one's actions.
• Provide accurate and transparent reporting of data.
• Make decisions based on ethical principles.
EDUCATION
• Encourage and support a culture of continuous learning.
• Facilitate the sharing of information.
• Offer access to a diverse range of educational resources.
• Encourage curiosity.
• Regularly assess educational programs and supporting services.
• Cultivate a workforce of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled leaders.
COMMUNITY
• Actively engage with the local community.
• Partner with local businesses, organizations, and non-profits.
• Meet the educational needs and interests of the local community.
• Encourage and facilitate civic engagement among students, staff, faculty, and
administration.
VISION
New River Community and Technical College will improve students' lives and will enrich
communities as an increasingly integral part of the educational and economic landscape of
southern West Virginia.
Disclaimer
This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by
the position incumbent. Justification for information provided in the job description may be
requested. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related
activities assigned by their supervisor.
All requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable
accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who
pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other
employees, or the general public.