Rooted in the Bronx, New Settlement stands with community members to break systemic barriers, advance justice, promote leadership, and strengthen neighborhoods. By ensuring agency around education, employment, housing, wellness, and creative expression, we help cultivate an equitable society where individuals and families have the power to use their voice to create the change they wish to see.
Since New Settlement’s inception in 1989 as a settlement house rooted in the Bronx, our organization has been a responsive community partner. Originally established to revitalize abandoned buildings into affordable housing, New Settlement has since evolved into a multi-generational, forward-looking organization. We support 15,000 members of the community annually by providing organizing in housing and schools, and programs in education, college access, youth development, arts, workforce development, wellness, and more. EEO/AA
JOB SUMMARY: The construction instructor serves as the lead expert on construction trades and training for New Settlement’s YouthBuild program. This role is responsible for the design, instruction, and coordination of a comprehensive 10-month construction training curriculum that prepares students (ages 17–24) for entry into the construction industry. The construction instructor provides classroom instruction, hands-on lab and worksite training, and ensures student readiness through a mix of soft and hard skill development. The ideal candidate will build strong relationships with contractors and sub-contractors to secure meaningful worksite opportunities, while upholding the highest standards of safety, mentorship, and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Instruction
- Develop and implement a robust, industry-aligned 10-month construction training curriculum incorporating the NCCER Core Curriculum, classroom-based instruction, and hands-on construction lab and worksite training.
- Provide high-quality instruction across multiple trades, including but not limited to: demolition, rough framing, roofing, drywall, finish carpentry, sheet metal, electrical, plumbing, painting, and masonry.
- Participate in or be willing to obtain certification as an NCCER trainer to support program goals.
- Support integration of soft skills and work-readiness competencies alongside technical instruction.
Training & Supervision
- Coordinate, supervise, and assess the daily work and progress of trainees on construction sites and in training labs.
- Promote and enforce safety protocols and ensure proper use of tools, materials, and techniques at all times.
- Serve as a mentor and role model, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a supportive attitude toward young adults.
- Support youth in learning to navigate challenges, problem-solve effectively, and meet high expectations.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Assist in evaluating student progress, skills acquisition, and readiness for employment in the construction field.
- Maintain accurate records for student attendance, skills progression, certifications, and participation.
- Document project-based learning activities and maintain detailed files of construction projects.
- Develop and maintain a system to track inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
Operations & Partnerships
- Order, organize, and manage supplies, tools, and materials for training activities.
- Cultivate relationships with contractors, sub-contractors, and industry partners to secure training sites and employment opportunities for students.
- Represent New Settlement YouthBuild in professional and industry-related spaces as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the construction industry or a closely related field.
- Certification as an NCCER Construction Trainer preferred; willingness to obtain certification required.
- Experience working with opportunity youth or young adults from low-income communities preferred.
- Strong knowledge of current construction standards, tools, and industry demands.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct, mentor, and support youth with diverse needs and backgrounds.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Flexible, positive, and team-oriented with a sense of humor and a nonjudgmental, youth-centered approach.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- Bilingual (English-Spanish) strongly preferred.
Additional Position Requirements
- Must pass and maintain clearance through the NYC Department of Education fingerprinting process.
- If supporting Summer Camp or After School Programs, must also be cleared by NYS DOH and DOE fingerprinting, NYS Central Registry background check, Staff Exclusion List (SEL), and provide a physical exam with updated TB test and three professional references.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
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The ability to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
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The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
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The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
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Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/notebook computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones, and calculators.
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The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Employment is at will and employees will undergo 45- and 90-day check-ins during their 90-day probationary period.
NOTICE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the environment and level of work being performed by this job. This job description in no way states or implies that the duties and responsibilities listed are the only tasks to be performed by the employee in this job. The employee will be required to follow other instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description supersedes prior job descriptions. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity.
New Settlement is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.
This job description indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of you as an employee. You may be asked to perform other duties as required.
