Building Trades Instructor

SUNY Sullivan

Building Trades Instructor

Position Description

About Us:

SUNY Sullivan is a forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York offering over 40 degree programs, certificates, and micro-credentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

Learn more about SUNY Sullivan's employee benefits and 405-acre campus on our website.

Job Summary:

SUNY Sullivan Workforce Development is seeking a skilled, hands-on Construction Technology Instructor to deliver a 10-week practical training program designed to prepare adult learners for immediate employment in residential and light commercial construction in the Hudson Valley and Sullivan County region. The instructor will teach foundational construction skills, including the use of tools and safety, framing, interior/exterior systems, commercial specialties, concrete, building codes, and jobsite readiness.

The ideal candidate possesses real-world construction experience, enjoys teaching adult learners, and is dedicated to helping students develop job-ready skills for local employers.

Qualifications:

• Required:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in residential or commercial construction, carpentry, remodeling, or building maintenance OR equivalent trade experience.
• Ability to demonstrate proper and safe use of hand tools, power tools, ladders, and equipment.
• Strong knowledge of framing, drywall, flooring, decks, stair layout, commercial installations, and jobsite safety.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to train adult learners.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe working and learning environment.
• Preferred:
• Prior teaching, training, or supervisory experience.
• Experience with OSHA safety training or site supervision.
• Knowledge of local Hudson Valley/Sullivan County employer needs.
• Experience in estimating materials and managing small-scale projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instruction & Training
• Deliver instruction aligned with the 10-unit Construction Technology curriculum, including:
• Tools & safety training (OSHA-based principles)
• Material identification and construction drawings
• Concrete forms and basic foundation concepts
• Wood framing (walls, doors, windows)
• Drywall installation and finishing
• Flooring, cabinets, interior specialty installations
• Exterior projects such as decks, stairs
• Building codes, inspections, and jobsite expectations
• Employability skills and capstone project
• Lead hands-on shop activities, demonstrations, and safety briefings.
• Ensure proper use, maintenance, and storage of program tools, materials, and equipment.
• Student Support & Workforce Readiness
• Foster a supportive environment for adult learners with varying skill levels
• Provide individualized coaching as needed to build tool proficiency and confidence
• Evaluate student performance based on attendance, participation, safety, and skills assessments
• Program Operations
• Assist with setup and breakdown of training materials for each session.
• Maintain a safe learning environment and enforce SUNY Sullivan and OSHA-aligned safety practices.
• Coordinate with Workforce Development staff to track student progress, attendance, and outcomes.
• Participate in instructor meetings, curriculum updates, and quality improvement activities.
• Provide input on materials, equipment, and supply needs (including dismantling the capstone build after each cohort).

Salary:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Hourly rate to be determined by SUNY Sullivan Workforce Development based on instructor background and program enrollment $40-50 per hour. A comprehensive list of benefits associated with this role is accessible at

Application Process:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Hourly rate to be determined by SUNY Sullivan Workforce Development based on instructor background and program enrollment $40-50 per hour.