Agriculture Mechanics Teacher (Welding & Construction Focus) (No Sponsorship Available)

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.