Foundations Instructor

The Foundations Instructor is responsible for delivering the Foundations curriculum to Job Corps students, providing 

the core construction and facilities knowledge, safety awareness, and basic skills students need before advancing into 

Career Technical Training. This position utilizes classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to 

teach jobsite safety, construction vocabulary, hand and power tool use, measurement and construction math, and an 

introduction to the Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, and Painting trades. The Instructor also delivers safety and 

equipment training, including Introduction to OSHA, Flagger, and Forklift Operator training, ensuring consistent, 

high-quality instruction that supports students' successful transition into their chosen trade.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver Foundations instruction in accordance with established curriculum, Center procedures, and Job 

Corps requirements, using classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to engage 

students.

• Provide an Introduction to OSHA, teaching students to recognize workplace hazards, understand worker 

rights and employer responsibilities, and apply safe work practices on construction sites and in facilities.

• Teach construction vocabulary, including general construction terminology as well as terms specific to the 

Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, and Painting trades.

• Instruct students in the identification, safe operation, care, and storage of common hand tools and power 

tools, demonstrating proper techniques and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Teach measurements and construction math, including reading a tape measure and rule, working with 

fractions and decimals, unit conversions, and calculating area, volume, and material quantities.

• Provide an introduction to each trade (Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, and Painting), giving students an 

overview of the work performed, tools and materials used, safety considerations, and career pathways in 

each trade.

• Deliver Flagger training, instructing students in work zone traffic control procedures, proper signaling 

techniques, and flagger safety.

• Deliver Forklift (Powered Industrial Truck) Operator training, including classroom instruction, hands-on 

practice, and operator performance evaluations, in accordance with OSHA standards; maintain Forklift 

Trainer Certification.

• Teach basic construction and facilities knowledge, including building components and systems, common 

construction materials, and general facilities maintenance practices.

• Instruct students in jobsite safety, scaffolding safety and awareness, and Green Building concepts, 

including energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and waste reduction practices.

• Assess student comprehension and skill development through written tests, hands-on evaluations, and 

observation, providing additional support and reinforcement as needed.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom and training area; regularly inspect tools and equipment, 

including the forklift, and report needed repairs or replacements.

• Maintain and update training materials in collaboration with the Counseling/CPP Manager to ensure 

curriculum compliance and alignment with industry safety standards.

• Monitor student attendance and participation, maintaining accurate records of student progress, training 

completions, and certifications earned for reporting purposes.

• Collaborate with Career Technical Training instructors, Counseling staff, and other departments to ensure a 

smooth and consistent transition for students from Foundations into their trade.

• Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning and respectful of the diverse backgrounds of 

students.

• Stay current on Job Corps policy updates, OSHA regulations, and industry best practices relevant to 

construction safety and the Foundations curriculum.

• Provide feedback to the Counseling/CPP Manager on curriculum effectiveness and recommend 

improvements based on classroom observations.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as 

needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills

• High energy level and ability to engage students

• Demonstrated knowledge of effective instructional strategies, classroom management and content field

• Working knowledge of the construction trades (Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, and Painting), 

construction math, and the safe use of hand and power tools

• Thorough knowledge of OSHA construction safety standards, scaffolding safety, forklift operation, and 

Green Building practices

• Ability to quickly learn Job Corps methodologies and strategies

• Ability to use different methods and mediums in delivering course material

• Ability to effectively respond to student issues as they arise

• Proficient in the use of common computer software (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.).

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

• One year of related experience in construction, facilities maintenance, or a skilled trade preferred; 

instructional or training experience preferred.

OTHER:

• Must possess valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Must possess, or obtain within 90 days of hire, Forklift (Powered Industrial Truck) Trainer Certification.

• Flagger Instructor certification preferred, or ability to obtain.

• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction certification preferred.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to 

reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose 

serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose an undue hardship on the company.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the 

essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability 

who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.