CDOC - State Teacher - Welding Instructor; Buena Vista

Job Overview

This position provides entry‑level marketable job skills to inmate students by delivering career and technical welding educational instruction and assessment within an adult educational correctional system/facility. Instruction is conducted in accordance with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and/or the Colorado State Licensing Board, as applicable.

• Teach and mentor inmate students individually or in group classrooms, promoting occupational, academic, and transitional performance skills.
• Determine educational needs of inmate students to develop short‑ and long‑term goals.
• Plan course content and develop instructional methods.
• Develop and implement competency‑based teaching aids such as instructional software, multimedia visual aids, or study materials.
• Provide hands‑on training to teach and demonstrate welding skills, techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Lecture on welding theories, concepts, principles, and terminology.
• Select and administer appropriate oral, written, and performance assessments to measure progress and evaluate training effectiveness.
• Ensure security, supervision, and monitoring of inmate students and maintain safety and inventory of tools, equipment, keys, and hazardous materials in accordance with CDOC regulations.
• Maintain and prepare reports on inmate student grades, attendance rosters, and training activity details.
• Observe and evaluate inmate students’ work, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
• Document inmate vocational achievements, competencies, and contact hours toward certification requirements.
• Justify accuracy and use of budget requests.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and training sessions to stay current and integrate relevant information into training programs.
• Commit to teamwork and collaboration with fellow teachers to promote mutual guidance and continuous improvement.
• Actively contribute to the safety and security of the facility through effective inmate management and conflict resolution.
• Encourage and promote critical thinking, self‑discipline, and self‑motivation for the inmate student population to facilitate reintegration into society.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree in welding or a related field of study
** and
* * completion of 4,000 hours of verified occupational experience in a welding related field within the last seven (7) years, as required by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS).

• Substitution #1:
  In lieu of an Associate’s Degree, possession of a current State of Colorado, national, industry, military, or union license/certification appropriate for the welding industry skill or related trade area
  ** and
  * * completion of 4,000 hours of verified occupational experience within the last seven years.
• Substitution #2:
  Graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree in welding or a related field
  ** and
  * * completion of 2,000 hours of verified occupational experience within the last seven years.

All experience must be described in detail on the application; teaching experience is not included in occupational experience.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong self‑motivation and organization.
• Attention to detail and customer service orientation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience teaching or training in a welding field and with adult learners.
• Ability to remain alert, composed, and resilient in stressful or potentially violent situations.
• Capacity to read and comprehend English and communicate fluently in both verbal and written formats.
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines for technical content.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in welding.
• Experience training and mentoring within a welding industry environment.
• Commitment to ongoing program evaluation and improvement.
• Connections to the welding industry workforce.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, or any other protected status.