Position Title
Heavy Machine Operator Adjunct Instructor
Class Summary
Deliver classroom and hands-on instruction in the operation, maintenance, and safety of heavy equipment including (but not limited to) dozers, excavators, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, and dump trucks.
Employment Status
Part Time
Minimum Education/Training/Experience
Journeyman-level or equivalent experience in heavy equipment operation
Minimum 3-5 years of recent, relevant industry experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment.
High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or higher preferred
Valid driver’s license; CDL Class A preferred or required for some positions
Preferred Education/Training/Experience
Previous teaching or supervisory experience
Computer literacy and ability to use instructional technology
Experience with equipment maintenance and minor repairs
Minimum Knowledge & Skills
Maintain training equipment and ensure it is safe and operational; report or perform minor repairs as needed
Coordinate and manage classroom/lab activities, ensuring a clean and organized learning environment.
Stay current with industry trends, equipment technology, and regulatory requirements
Preferred Knowledge & Skills
Ability to develop and implement lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments in accordance with industry
Demonstrate and supervise the proper use of equipment, emphasizing safety procedures, PPE, and OSHA regulations
Participate in curriculum development, program improvement, and professional development activities
Job Duties
Instructor is responsible for teaching and training students in the safe and effective operation of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, backhoes, and related machinery. The instructor develops and delivers curriculum, ensures compliance with safety standards, and prepares students for industry certifications and employment
Licensing/Certification Requirements
National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
Specialized Equipment Certifications
Technical Skills Assessment Program (TSAP) Certification
Forklift Operator Certification
Physical Requirements
Instructors should be physically capable of operating equipment, performing demonstrations, and assisting students in a hands-on setting
Operators must be able to exert 50–100 pounds of force occasionally, 25–50 pounds frequently, and 10–20 pounds constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects such as tools, equipment parts, and construction materials
The job requires frequent bending, stretching, twisting, reaching, and climbing in and out of machinery
Operators must be able to move through a full range of motions and maintain balance and coordination while operating equipment, sometimes on rough or uneven terrain
Heavy machine operators must be physically fit to endure strenuous work, including standing, walking, or sitting for long periods, and working in extreme weather and challenging environments
Excellent hand-eye and foot coordination are necessary for manipulating multiple controls, steering, and operating various machines safely and efficiently
Fine and firm grasping, as well as the ability to make fast, repeated movements, are required
The role often involves exposure to vibration, noise, dust, and outdoor elements, as well as occasional risks from working around moving equipment and hazardous materials
