Title: Director of Aviation Technology Program

Department: External Affairs

Number of Positions: 1

Position #: 356760

Type of Appointment: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application: Resume, transcripts and three professional references.

Position Summary: 

The Director of Aviation is responsible for providing strategic direction, administrative leadership, and operational management for the Aviation Technology program. This role involves overseeing the Aviation curriculum for the College, ensuring that all associated programs align with the institution's vision, mission, and goals. The Director also develops, directs, and leads special projects and initiatives that support the growth and future success of the programs, in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including Federal Aviation Regulations. Additionally, the Director collaborates with faculty and staff, manages the program's budget, and ensures the effective delivery of instructional content. 

Essential Functions:

35% Responsible for the overall operation and outcome of the aviation program including conducting and presenting classroom/laboratory instruction, and oversight of the program. Oversee the curriculum development process, including facilitating the development and maintenance of course syllabi and updating departmental curricula.

25% Responsible for maintaining all correspondence with FAA.  Ensures applicable FAA Operation Specification(s) [OpSpec]. Interprets and applies Federal Aviation Regulation as it is related to compliance and operation of the Aviation Technology Program. In conjunction with Administration, obtain and maintain FAA A&P Certification for school.

15% Supervises faculty and staff employees.  Ensures faculty and staff are trained and appropriately certified in areas of instruction.  Prioritizes and assigns work, conducts performance evaluations; makes hiring, termination and disciplinary actions in conjunction with supervisor/ dean of the department, Human Resources, and the VP Academic Affairs. Plans, develops, implements, and monitors teaching schedules for academic program. Maintains and provides updates to VP of External Affairs; VP of Academic Affairs; Dean of Math Engineering and Technology Division.

5% Organize and participate in at least two advisory committee meetings per year where curriculum, facilities, equipment, and enrollment will be discussed.

5% Participate in an ongoing manner in the development, implementation evaluation, and updating of state standards for the program, including curriculum, facilities, equipment, and enrollment as well as make curriculum change proposals to the Curriculum Development Committee as needed.5%

5% Collaborates with program faculty, directors and other supportive and contributing personnel to ensure the success of the students and the program.

5% Develop, administer, and monitor budget, implement and allocate resources following budget approval; and approve expenditures.

5% Perform varied administrative duties as necessary, including attending meetings, holding meetings, and interacting with other departments and divisions of the College, TBR, and the community.

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

• Insurance Options Health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA Wellness Incentive Program, if  enrolled in health plan
• Educational Assistance Fee Waiver Spouse/Dependent discounts Audit/Non-Credit Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement options Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS) 401k with $50 company match/457/403b
• Employee Discount program with over 900+companies
• 13 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
• Sick Leave Bank
• Longevity Pay
• Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer

If you have any problems or questions please contact Human Resources at Pellissippi State Community College’s Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at recruiting@pstcc.edu.

Formal Training:

The successful candidate will be expected to teach Associate of Applied Science-level AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) classes and laboratories, create instructional materials and laboratory experiences, promote the Aviation program through local, regional and national engagement, participate in program assessment activities related to accreditations (e.g. SACSCOC, FAA), certification and grant parameters, perform student advising, and complete other departmental services as required. 

The successful candidate must have:

• FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings(A&P). Relative Associate’s degree/bachelor’s preferred from an accredited college or university in Aviation Technology concentration or a closely-related field from a regionally accredited college or university and professional experience sufficient to meet SACSCOC criteria.
• Promotion and Tenure will be contingent upon successful candidate obtaining an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology or a related field within 3 years of start of employment
• A minimum of 5 years paid work experience in Aviation Maintenance, within the last seven years. Work experience must include the competencies, knowledge, and skill levels included in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
• Higher education teaching experience or industry training experience
• Evidence of strong oral and written communication, computer and presentation skills; A teaching demonstration will be required at the interview
• A commitment to student success; and
• Motivation to develop partnerships with industry.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate appropriate technical expertise to teach fundamental courses such as general fundamentals, Airframe and Powerplant.  
• 5 years paid work experience in Aviation Maintenance within the last 7 years.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Skills/Abilities:

• Expertise in Aircraft Systems: An A&P instructor must have a comprehensive understanding of both airframe (structure, hydraulics, landing gear) and powerplant (engines, fuel systems, propellers) systems. This includes the ability to explain complex concepts and procedures in a way that students can easily understand.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems is crucial for demonstrating techniques and providing real-world examples in the classroom.
• Curriculum Development: The ability to design and organize lesson plans, lab exercises, and assessments that align with industry standards and FAA regulations is key to providing effective instruction.
• Adaptability in Teaching Methods: An A&P instructor must be capable of using various instructional techniques to address different learning styles, including lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and the use of technology-based tools.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Strong skills in evaluating student performance, providing constructive feedback, and adjusting instructional approaches based on student needs are essential for fostering student success.
• FAA Regulations: A thorough understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, especially those related to A&P certification and maintenance practices, is necessary to ensure students are being trained according to current standards.
• Industry Trends: Staying informed about the latest developments in aviation technology and maintenance practices is important for keeping the curriculum up-to-date and relevant.
• Patience and Empathy: Teaching often requires patience, especially when students are struggling with challenging concepts. An instructor must be supportive and empathetic, helping students overcome obstacles to learning.
• Mentorship: Beyond teaching, an A&P instructor serves as a mentor, guiding students in their professional development and helping them prepare for their careers in aviation maintenance.
• Emphasis on Safety: Instilling a safety-first mindset in students is a critical responsibility. An instructor must emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols and industry standards in all aspects of aircraft maintenance.
• Able to engage in the college’s mission and values.

Physical Demands:

The Director, Aviation Technology requires a balance of administrative responsibilities and physical engagement with aviation facilities. Mobility, manual dexterity, and sensory acuity are important, particularly during inspections, travel, and interactions with training environments. The role may also require occasional exposure to challenging environmental conditions, such as noise, dust, fumes, and inclement weather. Proper precautions, safety measures, and ergonomic considerations are crucial for ensuring the Director can effectively perform all aspects of the job while maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Hazards:  

While the Director, Aviation Technology’s role is primarily administrative, there are potential risks for physical injury or illness when engaging with operational aspects of the program. These risks include slips, trips, falls, manual handling injuries, and exposure to noise, chemicals, and respiratory irritants. The frequency of exposure to these risks is generally low to moderate, with proper safety protocols and PPE significantly reducing the likelihood of injury or illness. However, stress-related conditions are a moderate concern, given the demands of the position, and should be actively managed through appropriate support and resources.