Temporary Drone Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $65,000.00 - $68,000.00 Annually
Location : Tech Center, 5550 Winchester Ave, Martinsburg, WV
Job Type: 12 month faculty
Job Number: 2700588
School/Division: Workforce Development & Engineering Technologies
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Position Summary
Meeting community needs and improving teaching and learning are among Blue Ridge Community and Technical College's highest priorities. We are seeking a highly skilled, safety-focused, and experienced UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Flight Instructor/Trainer to assist our team in expanding our Drone Technology education program. As a technical Instructor, you will play a crucial role in training and developing aspiring professionals in an expanding local market.
This position is located at the Technical Center with the opportunity for a flexible schedule that includes both in person and remote work. This position is grant funded.
Duties and Responsibilities
This position works with a mixture of teaching degree-seeking students, career advancement short courses, and advanced technical training for local and regional employers. Workload will vary depending on the type of project work planned per month or semester.
Teaching needs may vary from semester to semester; however, this position will integrate teaching and assessment into a combination of the following:

• Curriculum Development: Develop and update instructional materials, lesson plans, and course content that aligns with industry standards and regulations, ensuring relevance and accuracy.
• Classroom Instruction: Conduct classroom sessions covering aviation mechanical theory, principles, and best practices that align with industry standards.
• Hands-on Training: Provide practical, hands-on training in aviation mechanical and maintenance procedures that encourage students to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Safety Compliance: Emphasize safety protocols and industry regulations, instilling a strong commitment to safety practices among students.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Design, administer, and evaluate assessments to measure student progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide constructive feedback.
• Industry Updates: Stay current with advancements in UAS Drone technology, drone manufacturing, aviation technology, regulations, and industry trends and standards and integrate updates into the curriculum.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues, industry professionals, and employers to enhance the quality of relevant instruction in the program.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance of training equipment, ensuring that all tools and machinery used in the program are in optimal working condition.
• Professional Development: Pursue continuous professional development opportunities to stay informed of industry changes and enhance personal instruction skills.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, Aviation Technology, or a related technical field.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must hold active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
• Any combination of military and education experience may be considered.

Experience

• Two years' experience in commercial drone piloting.
• Prior teaching or training experience is preferred.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, electrical systems, mechanical maintenance preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of aviation and safety regulations, such as those set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration, or other relevant aviation authorities.

• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and industry partners in a team-oriented environment
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to evolving industry standards, technologies, and teaching methodologies. Must be able to work outside and stand for extended periods of time.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in using relevant software and technology for instructional purposes. Experience with GIS platforms and mapping software.

Licensure/Certification Required

• Must hold active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
• Any industrial certifications will be considered.
• Must have an active driver's license.

All faculty positions are lecturer rank with temporary classification at entry.
Position open until filled.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, or religion in admission, employment, or educational programs and activities; nor does it discriminate based on genetic information in employment or employee health benefits. Faculty, staff, students, and applicants are protected from retaliation for making complaints or assisting in investigations of discrimination.
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the job application, pre-employment testing, interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact Megan Stoner, Talent Acquisition & Development Coordinator at 304-260-4380 or email
PEIA INSURANCE
The WV Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) offer a preferred provider benefit plan (PPB) for employees and their dependents. Employee premiums are based on annual base salary, coverage type (single or family), and the plan selected. Tobacco-free insured's receive a preferred monthly premium rate. Coverage is effective the first of the month following the month of enrollment. Premiums are taken on a pre-tax basis. PEIA Website: www.wvpeia.com
PEIA offers four PEIA PPB Plans.
THE HEALTH PLAN
The Health Plan is a state and federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization. HMO's/HIC's contract with various physicians and facilities to provide medical care to their members. The Health Plan became an option for coverage in the Eastern Panhandle July 1, 2011.
Employee premiums are based on annual base salary, coverage type (single or family), and the plan selected.
Coverage is effective the first of the month following the month of enrollment. Premiums are taken on a pre-tax basis. Health Plan website is www.healthplan.org
LIFE INSURANCE
Active members receive basic term life insurance ($10,000) at no cost and may purchase optional life insurance coverage with pre-tax earnings through MetLife. Non-Medicare retirees and Medicare retirees may purchase basic and optional life insurance from MetLife.
MOUNTAINEER FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLANS are sponsored by the Public Employees Insurance Agency, and administered by Fringe Benefits Management Company. The FBMC website is www.fbmc-benefits.com
Flexible Spending Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) The IRS approved tax-free account that saves you taxes on eligible medical and dependent care expense. You authorize per-pay-period deposits to your FSA from before tax salary. As eligible expenses are incurred, you request tax-free withdrawals from your account to reimburse yourself, (saving federal, state and Social Security Taxes).
Sun Life Dental Insurance - Offers 4 plan options for employees
Vision Care-- Humana/Eye Med offers two plans to help pay for eye care needs.
Hearing Health Care
The EPIC Hearing Service Plan provides easy access to hearing health professionals, primary physicians and audiologists. The EPIC Hearing Plan's 5 basis steps to good hearing include: pure tone hearing test, functional assessment, hearing aid evaluation, fitting and programming, and therapy and training.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Employees participating in a high deductible health plan may enroll in a HAS on a pre-tax basis. This option allows you and your family to take greater responsibility for our medical care to reduce your insurance premiums and save money for future health expenses. Unlike money in a FSA the funds do not have to be spent in the plan year they are deposited.
LIMITED--USE MEDICAL FSA
A Limited-Use Medical FSA is designed specifically for employees who wish to take advantage of a Health Savings Account (HSA), while continuing to enjoy the tax savings expected from a FSA. Funds are set aside from your salary before taxes are deducted, allowing you to pay your eligible expenses tax free. However these funds can only be used for dental, vision, and preventive care expenses not covered by your high deductible health plan.
LONG -TERM DISABILITY INCOME PLANS
Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance can help safeguard your family's lifestyle when you are unable to work. The monthly LTD benefits are based on your earnings. The group insurance policy refers to these earnings as pre-disability earnings.
SHORT- TERM DISABILITY INCOME PLAN
The weekly Short-Term Disability (STD) benefit is 70% of your pre-disability, reduced by deductible income. There is a 30-day benefit waiting period. The maximum weekly benefits is $750. The minimum benefit is $15.
GROUP LEGAL PLAN
When faced with a legal situation you can simply pick up the phone and call a knowledgeable client service representative to assist you in locating a Plan Attorney near you. A brief summary of the Legal Plan and definitions of covered services can be found at info.legalplans.com. This is a post-tax benefit.
THE STANDARD
Long Term Disability-- this policy has a benefit amount of 60% of your Basic Monthly Earnings to a $6,000 maximum and Standard will continue to make payments to the employee's annuity, up to the set amount. Approved LTD claim is payable at the end of the 180-day benefit waiting period. Coverage also provides participant with 24 hour access to counseling services through unlimited telephone and internet access as well as up to 3 face to face counseling sessions.
BASIC RETIREMENT
The State of WV requires participation in a tax-sheltered 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. The Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) makes decisions regarding the offered programs. Benefits eligible employees contribute 6% of their gross pay, which is matched at 6% by Blue Ridge CTC. The 401(a) Plan contributions and any earnings are always 100% vested (including rollovers from previous employers).
Great-West Retirement Services
The Great-West family of companies ranks as one of the oldest and largest financial institutions in North America. Wide arrays of core investment options are available through your Plan. Once you have enrolled, investment option information is also available through the website at www.gwrs.com.
TIAA-CREF
Founded for employees in education and research to build secure financial futures, TIAA-CREF is one of the world's largest retirement systems. TIAA-CREF charges no sales loads, has low expense charges, and offers many annuity and mutual fund accounts and life cycle funds.
Once you have enrolled, investment option information is also available through the website at www.tiaa-cref.org
Supplemental Retirement
Supplementalsavings and investment programs are available through GreatWest and TIAA-CREF.
This program enables employees to save additional retirement money through tax deferral. Participation is voluntary, and contributions are not matched. Maximum contribution amounts are limited by law. Some options are:
Supplemental Retirement 403(b)
This program enables employees to save additional retirement money through tax deferral. Participation is voluntary, and contributions are not matched. Maximum contribution amounts are limited by law. Upon separation from service or at age 59 1/2 participants may begin annuity income or make cash withdrawals from supplemental monies. Loans are also available.
Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b)
A nonqualified, tax-deferred compensation plan offers tax advantages to employees. Employees can contribute to both a 403(b) plan and a 457(b) plan. Higher wage earners will benefit by having both plans. The 457(b) public plan has no triggering events; upon termination of employment, monies are available despite age with no penalties.
Annual Leave
All full-time regular employees shall be eligible for annual leave with pay on the following basis:
2 days accrual per month
Accumulated leave for continuing employees may not exceed twice the amount earned in any twelve month period.
Sick Leave
Sick leave may be used by an employee who is ill, injured or when a member of the immediate family is seriously ill as defined by the treating physician or when a death occurs in the immediate family. For the purpose of administering this leave policy, the immediate family is defined as: father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, husband or wife, mother in law, father in law, brother in law, sister in law, son in law, daughter in law, grandmother, grandfather, granddaughter, grandson, stepmother, stepfather, stepchildren, or others considered to be members of the household and living under the same roof. Sick leave may also be used for employee medical appointments which are approved in advance by the supervisor.
Accumulation of Sick Leave