Job description

Salary: $72,073.00 – $84,774.00 Annually

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2026-00014

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Department: Workforce Education

Closing: Continuous

Job Summary

Wenatchee Valley College invites applications for a full-time welding faculty position to support and advance high-quality workforce education aligned with regional industry demand. This full-time, multiple-year non-tenure track faculty appointment is designed to strengthen instruction, expand industry-aligned curriculum, and support student success in welding and metal fabrication pathways.

The successful candidate will teach a range of welding and metal fabrication courses that may include oxy-acetylene welding (OAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), thermal and mechanical cutting processes, structural steel fabrication, production welding environments, custom metal fabrication, repair fabrication, blueprint-driven fabrication, blueprint reading, welding inspection fundamentals, and code interpretation.

This position provides leadership in curriculum development and program alignment in response to regional industry needs. The faculty member will collaborate with the program advisory committee and guide curriculum proposals through institutional approval processes.

Instruction in the welding program emphasizes hands-on learning and project-based fabrication.

Students apply welding and fabrication skills through real-world builds and applied shop projects while developing foundational and advanced welding competencies. Faculty work directly with students in the welding and fabrication lab to demonstrate processes, guide fabrication work, and develop practical workforce skills.

Industry experience is highly valued, and the program seeks an instructor who enjoys mentoring the next generation of welders while remaining connected to modern fabrication and welding practices.

Industry professionals interested in transitioning into teaching are encouraged to apply. Wenatchee Valley College supports new faculty through mentoring and professional development as they develop instructional skills.

Faculty maintain close partnerships with regional employers and advisory committees to ensure students graduate with the skills needed for today’s welding and fabrication careers.

Essential Functions

• Teach lecture and laboratory-based welding and metal fabrication courses consistent with program outcomes and current industry standards.
• Provide safe, high-quality instruction in welding processes, fabrication techniques, layout, fit-up, and shop practices.
• Lead curriculum development, program alignment, and course updates based on industry demand, American Welding Society standards, Washington Association of Building Officials requirements, and advisory committee recommendations.
• Initiate and guide curriculum proposals through the college Curriculum Committee approval process.
• Integrate welding documentation, inspection principles, fabrication codes, and quality assurance practices into instruction.
• Maintain accurate student records, grading, and communication through institutional learning platforms.
• Facilitate and actively engage with program advisory committee members to ensure workforce alignment.
• Maintain a safe and organized welding and fabrication laboratory environment, including equipment oversight and material management.
• Contribute to program review, workforce initiatives, and regional employer partnerships.
• Engage in shared governance, professional development, and college service activities.

This is not intended to be an exclusive list of all duties and responsibilities. Related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Industry-Aligned Welding and Fabrication Standards and Outcomes

Instruction and curriculum leadership are expected to align with contemporary welding and fabrication industry standards and measurable workforce outcomes, including the ability for students to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in structural welding processes consistent with American Welding Society expectations and Washington Association of Building Officials standards.
• Apply fabrication layout, joint preparation, fit-up techniques, and dimensional accuracy consistent with industry tolerances.
• Apply welding procedure specifications and interpret fabrication drawings to produce welds meeting industry acceptance criteria.
• Evaluate weld quality using visual inspection techniques, measurement tools, and applicable code requirements.
• Apply safe work practices, hazard recognition, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment in welding and fabrication environments.
• Demonstrate understanding of welding metallurgy, joint design, heat input control, distortion management, and fabrication sequencing.
• Interpret welding symbols, fabrication blueprints, and inspection documentation to industry standards.
• Perform cutting, forming, and fabrication techniques aligned with modern manufacturing and construction practices.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication consistent with workforce expectations.
• Apply quality assurance practices and documentation processes used in inspection and fabrication settings.
• Prepare students for entry-level welding certification pathways aligned with regional employer needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum five years of professional experience performing welding and fabrication in industrial, construction, manufacturing, or custom fabrication environments.
• Industry-recognized certifications or demonstrated advanced skill across multiple welding processes.
• Proficiency in OAW, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, thermal and mechanical cutting processes, structural and production fabrication, blueprint reading, and welding inspection fundamentals.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach applied welding and fabrication skills in a hands-on shop environment.
• Knowledge of welding blueprints, fabrication drawings, and welding inspection concepts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to student success and workforce preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector credential strongly preferred.
• Experience with Washington Association of Building Officials welding inspection standards and Washington State code environments.
• Experience in structural steel fabrication, production welding environments, custom fabrication, repair fabrication, or equipment fabrication.
• Prior teaching, training, mentoring, or apprenticeship instruction experience.
• Experience leading program alignment with industry partners or advisory committees.
• Background supporting competency-based or short-term workforce training programs.
• Experience working with diverse student populations in a community or technical college setting.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

General Qualifications:

Wenatchee Valley College seeks faculty who will help move the college into the future. We see our role as assisting students to achieve their individual goals and to serve the community and its needs for an educated workforce. We expect all faculty to strive for excellence both in the classroom and in their broader role as cooperative members of the college. Beyond the stated minimum and preferred qualifications, the following abilities are important to fulfilling our mission and goals:

• Mastery of discipline, demonstrated through earned degrees, continued professional education, employment in the field and other relevant education and experience.
• Teaching skills, demonstrated through prior teaching assignments, graduate teaching assignments, professional training and other relevant experience.
• Knowledge, understanding and support of the mission and purpose of a comprehensive community college.
• Flexibility to adapt to the dynamically changing arena of American post-secondary education, including the ability to perceive opportunity and assist the college in moving in new directions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Technology literacy and the willingness to make effective use of technological resources in support of the classroom.
• Commitment to working effectively with students, colleagues, staff and a district community who represent a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, ethnicities, and educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

The Successful Candidate will Demonstrate:

• Professional and courteous interactions with students, faculty and staff.
• Flexibility to effectively accomplish the instructional and general responsibilities of the position.
• Dynamic, non-traditional delivery methods to teach students of widely varying levels of proficiency and from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
• Experience using technology as an instructional aid to enhance learning.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Competency and experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender and racial/ethnic backgrounds and those with physical, emotional and/or learning disabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; including establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with students and community partners.
• Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgement.
• Willingness to collaborate with faculty colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to align instruction and curriculum with industry certification standards and workforce expectations.
• Commitment to maintaining rigorous shop safety and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and institutional procedures.
• Skill in evaluating weld quality using inspection tools and accepted industry criteria.
• Ability to support students with varied learning styles and skill levels.
• Collaborative mindset with faculty, staff, and regional industry partners.

Additional Information

Terms of Employment:

This is full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position. The salary for the position is determined by placement on the Wenatchee Valley College full-time faculty schedule (currently $72,073 to $84,774*) for a 9-month, 175-day contract). Class assignments may include day, evening and distance courses. This position is scheduled to begin fall quarter (September 2026).

*does not include an expected general wage increase for 26-27.

Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance’ life and long- term disability insurance plans; sick leave and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our benefits website at: https://www.wvc.edu/humanresources/benefits.html.

Conditions of Employment:

• An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the College to sponsor an H-1B visa. Wenatchee Valley College only employs U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show proof of identity, and eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• All offers of employment are subject to background checks. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Finalists are required to complete the sexual misconduct disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080.
• A valid Washington state driver’s license may be required.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Association for Higher Education. Faculty workload, compensation and job expectations are defined by a contract negotiated between the faculty union and the WVC Board of Trustees.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the human resources office by calling 509-682-6440. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state’s free telecommunication access service.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process.

Equity Statement:

Research suggests that women, gender diverse, BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

• To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, (509) 682-6445, [email protected].
• To request disability accommodations: Student Access Director, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: Dial 711, [email protected].

This recruitment announcement may not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified at any time.

How to apply

To apply, please visit