HVAC Faculty Instructor, St. Louis, MO

Role Overview

Excelon Associates is recruiting a full-time HVAC Faculty Instructor for a public higher education client in the St. Louis, Missouri area. The role pays $57,000 to $69,000 per year and is based at the client's campus at 3400 Pershall Road in Ferguson, Missouri. Candidates qualify with an associate degree in a relevant field, five years of professional HVAC experience, or a current HVAC license or equivalent credential. Only one of the three is required.

This position is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related technical disciplines while supporting student success, curriculum development, and the broader academic mission of the institution. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on HVAC experience, a commitment to workforce education, and the ability to translate technical knowledge into engaging, practical instruction for students preparing to enter or advance within the skilled trades.

What Does an HVAC Faculty Instructor Do?

In this role, the instructor provides assigned instructional contact hours during the Fall and Spring semesters, develops and grades assessments, advises students on academic planning, contributes to curriculum design, and participates in department and campus service. The position sits at the intersection of the trades and the classroom: real-world installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting experience is translated into structured learning that leads to industry credentials and employment.

Primary Responsibilities

Instruction and Course Delivery

• Provide assigned instructional contact hours during the Fall and Spring semesters
• Deliver engaging, student-centered instruction in HVAC and related technical subject areas
• Create interactive learning experiences that combine classroom instruction, hands-on training, and appropriate learning technologies
• Prepare and plan instruction in accordance with established course objectives and curriculum requirements

Assessment and Student Feedback

• Develop, administer, assess, and grade examinations, projects, laboratory work, and other student assignments
• Provide timely feedback and guidance to students regarding academic performance and skill development
• Schedule and conduct student conferences to review individual progress and address academic concerns
• Assist students with academic advising and educational planning

Curriculum and Instructional Materials

• Participate in the selection of textbooks, instructional equipment, tools, classroom supplies, library resources, and other instructional materials
• Contribute to the development, evaluation, and revision of course objectives, curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment methods

Department and Institutional Service

• Participate in departmental, divisional, campus, and institution-wide faculty meetings and activities
• Support departmental, campus, and college-wide service initiatives

Additional Faculty Responsibilities

Depending on departmental and institutional needs, additional responsibilities may include:

• Provide guidance and support to adjunct and part-time faculty
• Assist with student recruitment and outreach efforts
• Support students in identifying employment, internship, apprenticeship, or work-based learning opportunities
• Collaborate with curriculum, assessment, and registrar teams on articulation agreements, transfer reviews, course equivalencies, and related academic matters
• Sponsor or support student organizations, clubs, and activities
• Participate in institutional ceremonies and special events
• Engage with employers, industry partners, and community organizations
• Participate in professional development and continuing education activities
• Maintain current knowledge of HVAC technologies, equipment, industry standards, and workforce trends
• Perform other appropriate professional responsibilities consistent with a full-time faculty appointment

What Are the Qualifications?

Candidates must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

• Associate degree in a relevant field
• Five years of professional HVAC or related industry experience
• Current HVAC license or equivalent industry credential

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Machining, HVAC Technology, or a related field
• Previous teaching, training, mentoring, or apprenticeship instruction experience
• Significant hands-on experience installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing HVAC systems
• Experience working with commercial and/or residential HVAC equipment
• Relevant industry certifications or licensure, such as EPA Section 608 certification
• Familiarity with workforce development, career and technical education, or community college environments

Salary and Schedule

The HVAC Faculty Instructor position pays $57,000 to $69,000 per year, based on qualifications and experience. The teaching schedule is built around assigned instructional contact hours during the Fall and Spring semesters, which gives experienced field technicians a more predictable calendar than typical service or contracting work.

Demand for HVAC instruction remains strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, and college HVAC programs are a primary pipeline into those careers. Instructors who can pair field credibility with classroom skill are consistently among the hardest faculty hires for community and technical colleges to make.

Who Thrives in This Role?

This position fits an experienced HVAC professional who wants to bring real-world industry knowledge into the classroom and help prepare the next generation of skilled technicians. Strong candidates tend to share a few traits:

• Deep hands-on experience with residential and commercial systems, and the patience to break that knowledge into teachable steps
• A genuine interest in mentoring, from first-semester students to adjunct faculty
• The organization to manage grading, advising records, and curriculum work alongside lab instruction
• Active connections to local employers and the regional trades community

The successful candidate will join an institution committed to accessible education, workforce development, and strong connections between academic programs and regional employers.

About Excelon Associates

Excelon Associates is a retained and contingency executive search firm founded in 2007, serving higher education, healthcare, skilled trades, and other specialized markets. We manage faculty, staff, and leadership searches for colleges and universities nationwide, and we publish our search fees and engagement terms so both clients and candidates know how we work. You can view every current search on our job board.

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Excelon does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.