Automotive Instructor

Description

Helena College University of Montana a comprehensive two-year college, provides access to and support of high quality lifelong educational opportunities for our diverse community. Helena College is seeking qualified applicants who wish to become part of a dynamic and creative team for a full-time position as an Automotive Instructor.

Helena College seeks a full-time, tenure-track Automotive Instructor for the Airport Campus, beginning August 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

This position is for a full-time, tenure track, Automotive faculty member within the Career Technical Education division. Faculty members are professional educators with the primary responsibility of providing a quality education for all Helena College students.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

The instructor will teach Automotive Technology curriculum consisting of 8 areas of study as defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

This position reports to the Executive Director of Career Technical Education and Dual Enrollment, and will be responsible for teaching 30-32 credits in the academic year.

This position will be responsible for:

• Teaching in the classroom and the shop/lab setting.
• Course preparation, remaining current in the area of expertise, and updating course content when appropriate to reflect the current levels of knowledge in the discipline.
• Developing, implementing, and reviewing – at least annually – an effective learning process that incorporates appropriate methodology, technology, and other tools.
• Developing a system for ongoing evaluation of both teaching and learning, including course competency expectations and student outcome measures.
• Working in partnership with the Career Technical Education Division Chair, through a formal system of evaluation of instruction, to identify strengths and weaknesses in the instructional process and identify professional development activities that will lead to effective student learning.
• Maintaining an appropriate schedule to allow for student access and inquiry.
• Working in partnership with student services personnel on student advising, orientation, recruitment, and marketing.
• Participating in necessary institutional functions such as, but not limited to, college committees, club sponsorship, and facilitation of advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, budget development, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.
• Other professional responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5-10 years recent experience working in the automotive industry, or a degree in Automotive Mechanics (2 or 4 -year degree); or an equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the hiring authority.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, evaluate/assess, and continuously improve instruction.
• Ability to use various teaching methods to enhance student learning, including lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and individual tasks.
• Ability to use teaching methods that best serve individual students’ needs, interests, and learning styles.
• Willingness to collaborate with faculty and other stakeholders on program and curriculum development.
• Commitment to Helena College mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Preferred:

• Previous teaching experience.
• Experience using technology in the workplace/classroom.
• Familiarity with current issues and trends in higher education, specifically in two-year education.
• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

Additional Information

Work Schedule: The regular work week is a 5-day work week, typically Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, to conduct the business of the college; however, the days and times may vary depending on the needs of the academic program. The obligations of teaching faculty members for an academic year begin four days prior to the beginning of classes starting fall semester and extend until two days after the completion of commencement ceremonies at the end of the spring semester. For more information about the full-time faculty member professional responsibilities included in the regular work schedule, please refer to the Helena Teachers’ Union CBA, section 4.8.

Benefits: Includes a comprehensive group insurance benefits program including medical plan options with prescription drug and dental plan, vision exam coverage, an employee assistance program (EAP), retirement plan, life and disability insurance options, flexible spending and dependent care account options, and optional long-term care insurance. Additional information on benefits can be found by visiting: https://choices.mus.edu/employees.asp

Union Affiliation: Helena Teachers’ Union: https://www.mus.edu/hr/cba/helena-teachers-union_2025-2027CBA.pdf

Priority Application Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application Includes:

• Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
• Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
• Transcript - (Unofficial transcripts acceptable with application) Official transcripts due upon hire
• Three (3) professional references - names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.