Part-Time Faculty, Trail Technician

Job description

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is seeking knowledgeable, adaptable, and student-centered individuals to join our team as Part-Time Faculty Members within the Trail Technician Programs. Faculty may teach credit courses, accelerated skills training courses, workforce training, or community education offerings. Successful candidates will demonstrate expertise and flexibility in one or more areas of trail industry instruction, including sustainable trail construction, trail maintenance and operations, heavy equipment operations, welding, and related technical skills. Faculty may be assigned to teach online, hybrid, or in-person courses and must be available to support evening and weekend instruction as program needs evolve. Faculty may teach across multiple disciplines within the program, including but not limited to: • TRAL 1003 Introduction to Sustainable Trails • TRAL 1013 Trail Planning and Design • TRAL 1023 Trail Construction • TRAL 1033 Trail Maintenance and Management • TRAL 2003 Trail Operations and Regulations • TRAL 2711 Heavy Equipment Operations for Trails • TRAL 2811 Welding for Trails • TRAL 2911 Small Engine Repair for Trails The ideal candidate is an experienced trail industry professional who is passionate about workforce development, hands-on instruction, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Essential Duties: Provide high-quality, industry-relevant instruction across classroom, laboratory, shop, field-based, hybrid, and online learning environments Teach assigned courses in day, evening, weekend, and accelerated formats in accordance with program and institutional needs Develop, maintain, and update instructional materials, demonstrations, assessments, and hands-on learning activities to support program outcomes and industry standards Utilize learning technologies and learning management systems to support instruction, communication, and student achievement Foster an inclusive, supportive, and student-centered learning environment that promotes engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, and technical skill development Assess student performance, provide timely and constructive feedback, and maintain accessibility to support student success in both in-person and online settings Ensure safe instructional practices and compliance with applicable standards when working with tools, heavy equipment, welding equipment, and field-based activities Collaborate with faculty, staff, and industry partners to enhance curriculum, support new coursework and certifications, and expand experiential learning opportunities Maintain current industry knowledge, participate in professional development, and complete required administrative responsibilities in accordance with college policies and established timelines Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the department and college Rate of Pay: $765 per credit hour Completed applications received by 6/15/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position Minimum Qualifications: Relevant industry credentials, certifications, licenses, or documented professional expertise in one or more instructional areas, including trail construction and maintenance, heavy equipment operations, welding, small engine repair, or related fields A minimum of two years of professional work experience in the trail industry or related technical trades Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field Previous teaching or training experience in higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, or industry settings. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the community college mission and a demonstrated commitment to student success, inclusive instruction, and professional conduct Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to students with diverse backgrounds, skill levels, and learning needs Skill in designing and delivering instruction that incorporates hands-on, field-based, online, and technology-supported learning strategies Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, industry partners, and community stakeholders while maintaining strong organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills Ability and willingness to maintain safe instructional practices and teach across multiple formats, schedules, and trail technician disciplines in support of program needs Physical Activities: The physical activities described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may frequently: Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and navigate uneven outdoor terrain Use hands and fingers for keyboarding, operating tools, equipment, and machinery Carry, move, position, and demonstrate trail-building tools, welding equipment, and related instructional materials Operate or instruct the use of heavy equipment and technical machinery The employee will constantly: Communicate verbally and in writing Hear and respond to environmental and instructional cues Perform repetitive motions associated with instructional and technical tasks Close visual acuity is required for preparing instructional materials, using computers, inspecting tools and equipment, reading technical documents, and monitoring student work and safety procedures. Environmental Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Work environments include classrooms, online instructional settings, welding and equipment labs, workshops, and outdoor field locations. Outdoor instruction may occur in varied terrain and weather conditions. Noise levels may range from moderate to high depending on instructional activities and equipment use. NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.