Associate Instructor of NextGen Drone Technology

Location: TCAT-McMinnville Coffee County Campus, 2790 Woodbury Highway, Manchester, TN 37355

Reports to: Vice President, Academic and Student Success

About the Role

The primary responsibility of the instructor role is to deliver high-quality instruction that fosters student learning and cultivates a positive educational environment. The focus will be on teaching and assessing students in both classroom and laboratory settings. This position requires a commitment of 7.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, totaling 37.5 hours per week, with a 30-minute lunch break.

Program Summary

This program provides comprehensive training in Next Gen Drone Technology (NGT) and drone technologies, equipping students with the skills to operate, maintain, and apply unmanned aircraft systems across industries such as construction, agriculture, utilities, and emergency response. Emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and real-world applications, the program prepares graduates for careers in the evolving aviation and drone workforce.

Qualifications

• Part 107 drone license
• Minimum of 3 years of drone experience
• Knowledge, experience, and certifications necessary to instruct in a variety of areas where drones are used
• Strong customer service skills, including effective oral and written communication
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with students, colleges, business and industry, faculty, staff, and the general public
• Evidence of strong work ethic related to timeliness, oversight of multiple projects, and teamwork
• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to deal tactfully with students, the public, and co-workers; exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions
• Passionate belief in the power of education and desire to help students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals
• Valid TN driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher or Diploma from an accredited training program
• Prior teaching experience

Skills & Abilities

• Strong hands-on technical background in all aspects of drone technology
• Organizational and communication skills necessary to be an effective teacher
• Commitment to remain current in the field of drone technology
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer skills and ability to utilize technology to enhance teaching
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with students, the public, and other employees
• Skill in managing deadlines and working in a team-oriented environment

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a commitment to student success
• Teach skills appropriate to the occupational area that will prepare students to become an economic asset
• Guide students in selection, perception, and performance of suitable learning activities
• Organize class time effectively and efficiently to accomplish learning activities
• Examine, evaluate, and select textbooks and reference materials for the course
• Start and end class at designated times
• Utilize individual and/or group instructional procedures appropriate to students’ needs
• Supervise student conduct to ensure a safe, orderly, and productive environment
• Maintain a well-organized, safe, and clean lab and/or classroom
• Advise students on the importance of safety in relation to machinery, tools, and equipment
• Investigate and report every accident on the day it occurs using the “Preliminary Accident Report Form”
• Be responsible for equipment, tools, and supplies assigned to the shop and/or classroom
• Maintain an inventory of equipment, control storage, repair, and usage of materials to minimize loss or abuse
• Stay connected with business and industry by making a minimum of 5 industry visits each year to update curriculum
• Establish an Occupational Advisory Committee comprised of a minimum of seven industry leaders to advise on program aspects, meeting at least once each year
• Strive for the highest completion, placement, and licensure rates possible in support of student success
• Maintain and share continuously updated records of attendance and competencies acquired by students
• Evaluate each student’s progress at multiple intervals during each trimester and complete permanent records
• Assist in follow-up evaluations of graduates and their programs as directed by administration
• Help students with job placement opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment
• Requisition equipment, supplies, materials, and instructional aids as needed within school guidelines and available funds
• Attend and participate in school functions such as graduation, open houses, and other assigned events
• Participate as a member of various faculty/staff committees
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences
• Meet deadlines for yearly mandated training
• Perform other duties as assigned

Equipment and Software

Utilize current College and department information technology, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Banner, Teams, and office machines such as telephones, fax machines, and copiers.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The conditions herein represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

• Environment: Work is performed in a classroom and shop setting with frequent interruptions and distractions. The majority of work (30 hours per week) will be instructing and training students, with the remaining 7.5 hours utilized for grading, recording attendance, and individual student meetings.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a classroom and shop setting, lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 30 lbs., operate standard equipment and tools, stand and climb ladders, and effectively communicate to exchange information.

Pay

$51,149 - $61,379

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, or as needed to fulfill duties of the position.