Entry Level Green Building Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summary 

At Mission Services of Silicon Valley (MSSV), a subsidiary of Goodwill of Silicon Valley (GWSV), our purpose is simple and powerful: to help people build skills, find meaningful work, and thrive in our community. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been a trusted partner in connecting opportunity with people’s potential. By working hand in hand with local experts, employers, and community members, we create pathways to education, employment, and lasting economic mobility. 

As a team, we are committed to: 

• Empowering one another to do our best work and grow together. 

• Building strong partnerships and serving as a driving force for economic opportunity in Silicon Valley. 

• Modeling teamwork, integrity, and cultural intelligence in everything we do. 

• Acting with mutual respect—for each other, our community, and the environment we share. 

MSSV’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program provides adults facing barriers to employment—including justice involvement, chronic underemployment, disability, or housing instability—with a pathway to stable, long-term employment and personal and professional growth through no-cost, short-term, entry-level skills training. CTE program graduates are equipped with the skills they need to launch careers as construction workers, electricians, HVAC technicians, Medical Assistants, and other similar and related professions. The CTE training programs are designed to provide a safe, professional, and productive learning environment for all students.  

We’re seeking an experienced HVAC and Facility Maintenance professional to join our CTE team as an Instructor who will help us become a leading provider of career training in the green and clean tech fields. This person will be responsible for teaching up to four HVAC/Heat Pump Installation cohorts and up to four Facility Maintenance cohorts per year and contributing their expertise to the development of our clean tech training program. As this program matures, the HVAC and Facility Maintenance Instructor will have the opportunity to grow their role and influence, to include training other instructors and leading program direction and expansion. In the process, this instructor will play a key role in helping adults from marginalized communities enter promising careers in the clean tech sector which have the potential to be transformative for themselves and their families. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Curriculum Development and Delivery: 

• Deliver instruction in an engaging manner and using a range of methods appropriate for learners with employment barriers, as follows: 

• Learn and deliver pre-designed curriculum on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning components and systems, including the installation of Heat Pumps for energy efficiency 

• Design and deliver curriculum to prepare adult learners for employment in Facility Maintenance roles, including a basic overview of residential and commercial construction, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical systems; and building upkeep such as cleaning, painting, and window and door maintenance 

• Deliver excellent classroom and laboratory instruction, demonstrating proper use of tools and equipment, and teaching practical skills 

• Guide trainees through practical exercises and demonstrations 

• Prepare students in both HVAC/Heat Pump Installation and Facility Maintenance courses to successfully pass the EPA certification exams (Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III) 

• Maintain lab inventory and equipment procurement and maintenance schedules 

Student Assessment: 

• Assess student learning through various methods, monitor progress, and provide feedback to support improvement.  

• Alert CTE staff to students’ attendance, comprehension, or performance challenges and any needs for additional support 

Safety and Compliance Leadership: 

• Emphasizing workplace safety, teach students about industry regulations and codes, and ensure a safe learning environment.  

• Develop and enforce safety protocols 

• Create and maintain safety assessment tools and incident prevention strategies 

Student Guidance and Mentorship: 

• Provide coaching and guidance to students, helping them develop strong academic and career advancement habits 

• Provide feedback on students’ resumes and job search efforts 

Field Partnership Development: 

• In partnership with the Employer Engagement Manager(s), develop partnerships with HVAC contractors for job placement 

• Coordinating field training opportunities for work-based learning (internships) 

• Invite representatives from local companies to speak to the students and share “real-world” experiences and needs 

Professional Development: 

• Stay current with industry trends and advancements, maintain and update training materials as needed 

• Recommend updates and enhancements to course curriculum as appropriate 

General 

• Effectively coordinate and collaborate with GWSV staff to support the achievement of the mission and goals of the CTE program 

• Contribute to the development of a leading clean tech career training program 

• Nurture a collaborative relationship with instructors of other related courses at GWSV; help create a cohesive learning environment for students in all related programs 

Qualifications: 

Subject Matter Expertise: 

• A strong background in residential and commercial maintenance fields, including at least four years of hands-on field experience 

• Expertise in solar HVAC integration, building electrification strategies, and smart home HVAC technology 

• Familiarity and comfortability with online learning and testing resources in HVAC and facility maintenance fields 

• Completion of three electrification certifications from EverBlue, or equivalent certifications provided by another organization of similar status, will be required within employee’s first three months in this role: 

• NATE Certification (https://everbluetraining.com/get/nate-certification/) 

• Introduction to Heat Pumps Certification (https://everbluetraining.com/get/introduction-to-heat-pumps/) 

• BPI AC and Heat Pump Professional Certification (https://everbluetraining.com/get/bpi-ac-heat-pump-professional/) 

• A current or recent relevant Contractor license through the California State License Board highly desired 

• EPA Section 608 Universal certification and OSHA safety training certification highly desired 

Excellent instructional and communication skills: 

• Proven classroom instruction and management experience  

• Demonstrated ability to deliver engaging training programs and to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences while maintaining a positive learning environment 

Organizational and Planning Skills: 

• Ability to plan lessons, manage classroom environments, and maintain accurate records of student attendance and performance 

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record. 

Success Metrics May Include: 

• At least 90% of students in each cohort obtaining EPA 608 Universal certification 

• At least 80% of students in each cohort successfully securing employment in the field 

• At least 80% satisfaction rate among employers who hire program graduates 

Values and Culture Fit 

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care 

• Demonstrated ability to work in a mission-driven, collaborative environment 

• Personal alignment with MSSV’s belief in the power of work to change lives 

• Embodiment of MSSV’s core values: Integrity (honesty), collaboration, respect, and mutual empowerment 

Work Environment and Support 

•  In-person participant meetings, team meetings, and community events 

• Supportive team culture focused on shared learning and innovation 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

 Goodwill of Silicon Valley is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience related to our mission. 

Equipment used: 

• Computer, projector, printer, and copy machine  

• HVAC brazing and soldering equipment  

• HVAC installation and technical repair equipment; heat pumps and related equipment 

• Hand tools, power tools, cleaning and maintenance equipment as needed for instruction of facility maintenance 

Aptitudes/skills/temperament: 

• To possess good oral and written communication skills, good observation skills and mature judgment. 

• Ability to interface with all populations and demonstrates sensitivity to socio-economic and ethnic make-up of the program. 

• Demonstrates willingness to offer and receive suggestions 

• Ability to maintain order of the classroom. 

• Desire to work with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds 

Physical Demands: 

• The job involves frequently standing in front of a class and sitting for an extended period of time. 

• This position may require lifting objects up to 40 lbs. 

Emotional Effort 

• Moderate: Occasional short deadlines. The work environment is occasionally hectic with occasional high activity, with great emphasis on teamwork. 

Job Setting: 

• Location: Goodwill of Silicon Valley's headquarters in San Jose. There is regular contact with the public, business, and community agencies. The position requires minimal supervision.  

• Responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally either orally or in writing. 

Mission Services Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law