About this role
Job Description
Agriculture Mechanics Teacher (Welding & Construction Focus)
Position Overview
The Agriculture Education Teacher provides rigorous classroom, laboratory, and experiential instruction in agricultural mechanics, engineering, welding, wood/metal construction, and related Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. The primary goal is to prepare secondary students for post-secondary education, industry certifications, and direct workforce employment through an integrated instructional model.
- Work Unit/Location: Secondary School Sites (Grades 7–12)
- Reports To: Site Principal / CTE Coordinator
- Classification: Exempt / Full-Time
Core Responsibilities
- Instructional Delivery & Curriculum Management
- Technical Instruction: Deliver structured lessons, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experiences in agricultural mechanics, focusing explicitly on gas/arc welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW), oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and agricultural construction principles.
- Construction & Trades: Teach foundational construction techniques, including blueprint reading, structural design, carpentry, masonry, and basic electrical/plumbing systems applied to agricultural structures.
- Academic Integration: Blend core academic principles—specifically mathematics, literacy, and applied sciences—into the agricultural mechanics curriculum to meet NMPED CTE standards.
- Shop Management & Safety Compliance
- Facility Supervision: Manage and maintain safe operations within the agricultural mechanics shop, tool rooms, welding booths, and storage yards.
- Safety & PPE: Strictly enforce personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, OSHA safety protocols, and proper equipment operation procedures.
- Inventory Control: Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and inventory of welding machines, power tools, machinery, and raw materials.
- FFA Leadership & Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE)
- FFA Chapter Advising: Serve as the active advisor or co-advisor for the school's FFA Chapter, coaching leadership development teams and career development events (CDEs) specifically tied to Ag Mechanics.
- SAE Supervision: Direct and assess students' individual Supervised Agricultural Experiences, ensuring field-level projects align with modern industry standards.
Required Qualifications & Licensure
- Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Sciences, Mechanical/Industrial Technology, or a related field.
- Primary License: Must hold or be eligible to obtain a valid NMPED Secondary Vocational-Technical (7-12) Teaching License or a Secondary (6-12) license with an Agriculture Endorsement.
- Testing: Completion of NMPED testing requirements, including the Praxis Agriculture Content Knowledge Exam (5701) or a state-approved alternative portfolio pathway.
Preferred Qualifications
- Math Endorsement (Preferred): An existing or obtainable NMPED Math Endorsement to satisfy applied math framework requirements.
- Industry Certifications: Active certifications from recognized industry bodies, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder or National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications.
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid certification.