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The HVAC Trades Instructor delivers instruction using the Apex curriculum to help students develop foundational and advanced HVAC trade skills. Responsibilities include facilitating classroom, virtual, and hands-on instruction through theory-based lessons, demonstrations, and practical application of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The instructor prepares students for entry-level employment by promoting technical competency, workplace professionalism, troubleshooting skills, and safety awareness aligned with industry standards.

Compensation: 

$51,432.00/yr 

Responsibilities 

• Instruct students in both HVAC theory and hands-on training within classroom and lab/shop environments.
• Deliver engaging instruction through lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, blueprint reading, and supervised hands-on HVAC projects.
• Teach students the fundamentals of heating systems, air conditioning systems, refrigeration cycles, ventilation systems, electrical controls, piping, brazing, recovery procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Provide instruction related to HVAC system installation, maintenance, diagnostics, refrigerant handling, airflow principles, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Teach students to safely use HVAC tools, gauges, meters, recovery machines, vacuum pumps, torches, and other industry-standard equipment.
• Determine the most effective methods for delivering training and prepare all necessary instructional materials, tools, equipment, supplies, and lab activities accordingly.
• Explain and demonstrate HVAC jobs, tasks, tools, and procedures in accordance with current industry standards and safe work practices.
• Emphasize and enforce all HVAC and workplace safety procedures, including proper PPE usage, refrigerant safety, ladder safety, electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, and OSHA regulations.
• Review applicable job safety analyses and ensure students understand and comply with all safety requirements and shop protocols.
• Organize, schedule, and provide supplemental instruction, tutoring, refresher training, and make-up sessions as needed.
• Ensure all HVAC tools, trainers, machinery, and lab equipment are properly maintained, cleaned, secured, and stored to support safety and operational efficiency.
• Guide, assign, supervise, and evaluate student work to ensure successful completion of curriculum objectives and hands-on HVAC competencies.
• Monitor student progress and provide timely feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations based on curriculum standards and learning outcomes.
• Maintain accurate attendance, grading, competency tracking, and student records in accordance with state, accreditation, and institutional requirements.
• Ensure students maintain professional conduct, proper safety practices, and compliance with all school policies and expectations.
• Participate in required faculty meetings, professional development sessions, curriculum updates, and accreditation-related activities.
• Maintain HVAC certifications and licenses as required by state and accrediting standards, including EPA certification where applicable.
• Serve as a professional representative and ambassador of Apex Technical School within the skilled trades community.
• Contribute to organizational success by accepting new assignments, assisting team members, learning new technologies, and continuously improving instructional outcomes.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical school certification, apprenticeship completion, or related HVAC trade education preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in the HVAC trade required.
• Experience in residential and/or commercial HVAC systems preferred.
• Prior teaching, mentoring, or training experience is a plus.

 

Equipment 

• Thorough understanding of the safe operation and maintenance of HVAC tools, gauges, meters, recovery equipment, vacuum pumps, brazing equipment, and related HVAC systems and machinery.
• Ability to safely use and demonstrate appropriate PPE and HVAC safety equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Strong understanding of HVAC theory, refrigeration cycles, heating and cooling systems, electrical controls, airflow principles, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Working knowledge of HVAC codes, EPA regulations, OSHA safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC system issues and demonstrate practical problem-solving techniques.
• Strong oral, written, classroom management, and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and supervisors.
• Ability to teach and motivate a diverse student population with varying educational backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles.
• Strong organizational, time management, and conflict resolution skills.

Apex Technical School is an adult vocational technical school located in Long Island City, New York, that provides top-tier vocational training in high-growth trades. Founded in 1961, Apex serves about 1,400 students annually with seven 900-hour certificate courses in skilled trades including refrigeration, automotive service, auto body, welding technology, electrical and advanced electrical, plumbing and construction. Apex certificate programs are highly regarded and have been shown to have a substantial positive impact on economic mobility-leading to entry level careers.
Apex is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and licensed by New York State Department of Education Apex offers job placement assistance, financial aid and work-study jobs to those who qualify.