Workshop Instructor

The Reuse Center at BBR is a mission-driven nonprofit that inspires, educates, and empowers homeowners to increase the efficiency and value of their homes. We work in the circular economy at the intersection of sustainability and housing affordability with a direct and positive impact on our community. Good-quality used and surplus building materials are received, processed, and then made available for purchase to the public and members at our retail storefront and through internet channels. Our prices are discounted for low-income folks, which results in greater housing stability, wealth creation, and stronger communities.

Workshop Instructors are the heart of BBR's growing education program. Instructors share hands-on skills and practical knowledge that help community members maintain, repair, and improve their homes with confidence. Instructors are essential to sustaining and expanding that reach. The workshop program has grown substantially in recent years, and this role is a chance to be part of that growth.

Position Summary

Workshop Instructors deliver hands-on educational workshops for the public, covering topics such as basic carpentry, tiling, tool use, remodeling, drywalling, creative reuse, and related home-improvement skills. Instructors may teach BBR's existing “core” curriculum or propose and develop new workshop content in their area of expertise. 

This is a non-exempt, as-needed engagement (not a standard full-time or part-time staff role). Workshop Instructors report to the Director of Education. Workshops are held at BBR's facility in Roxbury Crossing and may be scheduled on weekdays, evenings, or weekends depending on the course.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, safe, and well-organized hands-on instruction to workshop participants of varying skill levels (Intro, Intermediate, or Advanced). 
• OR - Deliver engaging, knowledgeable, and well-organized seminar course in your area of expertise.  
• Prepare thoroughly for each session, including reviewing curriculum (for core classes) or developing original curriculum and materials (for proposed classes). 
• Ensure all workshop activities are conducted safely, and that tools, equipment, and materials are used, stored, and handled properly. 
• Set up and break down the classroom/shop space for each session, leaving it clean and organized for the next use. 
• Communicate clearly with participants during the workshop, answering questions and adapting instruction to the group's skill level. 
• Flag curriculum or supply needs to the Director of Education before they become a problem.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on skill in the subject area being taught (e.g., basic carpentry, tiling, tool use, remodeling, or creative reuse techniques). 
• Reliability in preparing for and attending scheduled sessions as committed.
• Basic computer/email literacy sufficient to communicate with BBR staff and complete any required paperwork.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical or hands-on skills clearly to learners with little or no prior experience. 
• A team player who brings a positive, goal-oriented approach to their work and represents BBR with the highest standards. 
• Comfort and confidence working in a shop/classroom environment, including demonstrating tool use safely. 
• Passion for education (accessibility), sustainability, and affordability – the BBR mission. 
• Patience and adaptability when working with participants of varying skill levels.
• Prior teaching, training, or coaching experience is a plus but not required.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Compensation

BBR is a nonprofit organization that relies on a combination of earned revenue, fundraising, and volunteer time; income from Reuse Center sales and workshop fees covers only a portion of operating costs. Donation of professional services may be eligible for tax deductions. Optional compensation reflects this model and is structured as follows:

• Workshops: $75/hour at full enrollment
• Enrollment cost sharing:
• 7 days before the course date, attendance will be reviewed. For sessions with less than 50% enrollment, instructors will be offered the option to cancel the course or teach at a 50% compensation rate. 
• Courses with 51% or more will be run at full compensation. 
• Instructors are encouraged to promote their workshop; BBR provides marketing support and materials to help instructors fill their sessions.
• Teach Two, Take One Free: instructors who teach two workshops in a season may take one workshop of their choice at no cost. Course duration agnostic.

Compensation is optional. Many instructors choose to donate some or all of their time in support of BBR's mission and to help sustain the education program's budget. Whether a given session is paid or donated is confirmed with the Director of Education at the time an instructor signs on to teach it.

About Boston Building Resources

Serving over 5,000 individuals annually, Boston Building Resources is a vibrant community hub with a mission to empower people to build equitable, sustainable, and strong communities through material reuse and education. BBR enables our members to make important home repairs and keep reusable materials out of the waste stream while directing them back into the circular economy.  BBR includes a consumer co-op and a nonprofit Reuse Center.

The Reuse Center takes in donations of good-quality used and surplus building materials and sells them at steeply discounted prices. Additional discounts are offered to those who meet income guidelines. Reusable materials are spared from the landfill and sold at prices everyone can afford. The nonprofit also teaches educational workshops and hosts community events.

Boston Building Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity among our employees and customers, and we strive to create an inclusive, thriving workplace that values each member of our team. 

How to Apply / Get Involved 

Interested instructors should reach out to workshops@bostonbuildingresources.com

Include your name, phone number, a resume and a brief description of what you are interested in teaching.

You can review past workshops on our Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/68577736203