Instructor- Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Title: Instructor- Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Salary Range: $60,000.00

Contract Term Length: 12 Months

Standard Hours: 37.50

Work Location: On-Site

FLSA Status: Exempt

College: Somerset Community College

Campus Location:  Somerset Community College-Valley Oak Center, 580 Valley Oak Road Somerset, KY

Department: Workforce Solutions

Total Rewards

Somerset Community College offers a competitive benefits package and an attractive work environment that supports excellence, innovation, and creativity including:

• Exceptional health care, vision, dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

Somerset Community College is accepting applications for an experienced and dedicated Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Instructor to join our team and lead our Heavy Equipment Operations program at the Valley Oak Center. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and delivering instructional materials and hands-on activities that prepare students for careers in the heavy equipment industry. This role includes instructional duties, program development, student recruitment, equipment maintenance, and strong industry engagement.

Job Duties:

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver engaging instructional materials and activities that teach students how to safely and effectively operate various types of heavy equipment.
• Provide instruction using a mix of classroom theory and hands-on lab activities.
• Recruit students into the HEO program through outreach and promotional activities.
• Purchase materials, supplies, and fuel necessary for program operation.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom and practice yard to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Conduct routine maintenance and ensure proper functioning of all heavy equipment.
• Enforce all safety protocols and classroom rules to protect students and staff.
• Coordinate the delivery, pickup, and servicing of equipment with third-party vendors.
• Complete all required purchasing paperwork and documentation.
• Participate in program reviews, submit resource requests, and complete planning documents as required.
• Attend annual professional development training to enhance both teaching methods and technical skills.
• Stay current with industry standards, technologies, and certifications to ensure program relevance and quality.
• Advise students on academic and career pathways within the heavy equipment operations field.
• Conduct two HEO Advisory Board meetings each year to gather feedback and strengthen program outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local employers and industry stakeholders.
• Organize job fairs at the conclusion of each course to connect students with employment opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in related field from a regionally accredited college or university and eight years of related work experience operating heavy equipment or ten plus years related work experience operating heavy equipment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• NCCER Level I Heavy Equipment Operations Certification (or the ability to obtain).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience operating heavy equipment in a construction or related setting, utilizing GPS technology.
• Prior teaching or instructional experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of equipment maintenance and safety practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Good computing skills (or the ability to obtain) and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to build strong partnerships with industry employers and community stakeholders.
• OSHA 10 Certification for Construction (or ability to obtain).

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.