Upper Midwest HERC

Dunwoody College of Technology currently has the need for a lab assistant that will transition to a full time instructor within its HVAC & Refrigeration Technology program, which is housed in the Construction Sciences & Building Technology department. 

Dunwoody’s HVACR program provides students the essential information required to start an entry-level position in the residential and commercial HVACR industry. At Dunwoody College of Technology, the HVAC & Refrigeration Technology program focuses on the foundational skills and theoretical knowledge needed to design, estimate, install, and maintain residential, light, and large-scale commercial and industrial Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) systems. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in the field, but also means they’re prepared to take on a variety of roles as they advance in their career. Students develop a fundamental knowledge of thermal science, residential and commercial furnace and air conditioning preventative maintenance, and fabrication and installation of HVACR duct fittings. Students also earn multiple credentials, including their OSHA10, EPA 608 Certification and multiple HVAC Excellence certifications.   

The lab assistant will be responsible for assisting with basic electrical and refrigeration systems, preparing lab materials and maintaining a safe, clean and organized lab space. The lab assistant will support students and faculty during fall semester. In Spring semester, this position will transition to a full time instructor. 

The HVAC & Refrigeration Technology instructor will be responsible for delivering and maintaining curriculum in line with HVAC Excellence and current industry standards and practices, advising students, and building and maintaining relationships with industry. Faculty utilize existing curriculum to share their own industry experiences in the labs and classroom and must be able to deliver content to students effectively.  

Primary Objective: 

Lab Assistant key responsibilities:  

• Prepare, set up, and organize materials, tools, and equipment for lab sessions. 

• Maintain inventory of supplies and identify needed materials for lab activities. 

• Communicate effectively to students to facilitate a positive learning experience.  

• Ensure lab equipment is in proper working order and perform minor maintenance as required. 

• Assist students and instructors during lab sessions. 

• Promote and ensure safe practices in the lab.  

• Clean and organize lab space.  

Faculty key responsibilities: 

• Facilitates learning activities so that students learn the principles, theory, skills, and work ethic necessary to become proficient for entry level positions. 

• Creates a positive learning environment. 

• Monitors, assesses and advises learners on technical and academic progress and performance. 

• Uses current academic and industry practices in assigned courses of instruction. 

• As part of the team, develops and updates lesson material, training aids and maintains equipment within assigned courses of instruction. 

• Assists in the recruitment and placement of learners. 

• As part of the team, maintains equipment and recommends new equipment purchases. 

• Attends various meetings as course scheduling allows.  

• Participates in monthly Open Houses. 

• Develop and maintain industry and/or professional organizations to support the program.  

• Activity participates in Program Advisory Committee.  

• Maintains industry specific credentials.  

   

   

  CORE COMPETENCIES 

  Strategic Skills: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level. Makes good decisions. Provides sound advice and problem solutions. Provides honest and in-depth analysis on problems and issues. Effectively presents creative ideas of others. Has good judgment about which creative ideas and suggestions will work. 

  Operating Skills: Makes decisions in a timely manner. Provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments. Holds frequent development discussions. Provides individuals information so that they can make accurate decisions; is timely with information. Clearly assigns responsibility for tasks and decisions. Sets clear objectives and measures. Monitors process, progress, and results. Is committed to continuous improvement through empowerment and management by data. Creates a learning environment leading to the most efficient and effective work processes. 

  Courage: Has difficult conversations as necessary. Provides current, direct, complete, and “actionable” positive and corrective feedback to others.   

  Energy and Drive: Is action oriented and full of energy for challenging tasks/issues. Not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning. Is constantly and consistently one of the top performers. Steadfastly pushes self and others for results. 

  Organizational Positioning Skills: Can maneuver through complex situations effectively and quietly. Is sensitive to how people and organizations function. Anticipates where the land mines are and plans his/her approach accordingly. 

  Personal/Interpersonal Skills: Relates well to all kinds of people.  Builds constructive and effective relationships. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all. Treats direct reports equitably. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose. Adheres to Dunwoody’s core values. Is widely trusted - Keeps confidence and admits mistakes. Practices attentive and active listening. Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself. 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, or ability to earn Associate’s degree in HVACR or related degree within 18 months of hiring 

• 5 years recent and relevant industry experience 

• Current industry credentials and certifications: 

• Holds current EPA 608 Universal credential, or ability to earn within 12 months of hiring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team 

• This position is intended to transition from a lab assistant in Fall 2025 to a FT instructor by Spring 2026. 

All HVAC & Refrigeration Technology must meet the standards required by HVAC Excellence within six months of employment: 

https://www.escogroup.org/documents/hvac/accreditationmanual/html5forpc.html?page=24&bbv=0&pcode= 

About Dunwoody College

Founded in 1914, Dunwoody College of Technology is a private, not-for-profit, endowed institution of higher education. It is one of the few institutions of its kind in the nation, and has been a champion of applied education throughout its history. Its mission is to provide students with a high-quality technical education that result in an immediate job and a fulfilling career.Located in the Lowry Hill neighborhood next to downtown Minneapolis, Dunwoody College offers bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in a variety of technical fields. The College maintains strong ties to local business and industry and values a diverse faculty, support staff, and student body and their unique contributions to an inclusive Dunwoody community. As articulated by our founder William Hood Dunwoody, the College's vision is to provide "for all time" a place where people of diverse backgrounds receive learning opportunities that prepare them for "the better performance of life's duties."

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