Construction Vocational Instructor

Cambridge, MA

POSITION SUMMARY:

Do you enjoy working with youth of all backgrounds, abilities, and needs? Do you have a desire to pass along what you’ve learned in the construction industry to young people considering a career in the trades? Would you enjoy project planning and leading a team of trainees to complete new build and renovation projects throughout the Boston Metro North area?

YouthBuild Just A Start is seeking a full-time Construction Vocational Instructor (CVI), reporting to the Director of Youth Program Pathways, to provide pre-apprenticeship level construction training to YouthBuild students. This individual will have significant experience in the construction industry, and will provide quality hands-on training and supervision to YouthBuild students in our program woodshop, as well as worksites throughout Boston Metro North. In addition to classroom and hands-on instruction, the CVI will assist in identifying new projects that meet contractual obligations, and communicate with General Contractors and external partners to ensure adequate work quality and projects are completed on time.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

Just A Start’s mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. Founded in 1994, YouthBuild Just A Start is a comprehensive youth academic and workforce development program that empowers low-income, out-of-school youth (ages 16 - 24) to reclaim their education, build their careers, and become leaders in their communities.

This program is part of the Education and Training department at Just A Start. Just A Start’s other programs include affordable housing and comprehensive support services, spanning Cambridge and beyond. Just A Start believes that access to stable housing and sustainable careers are the essential building blocks of equitable communities. 

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

This is a 37.5 hour per week in-office position. 

JOB DETAILS:

  • Location: 430 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 
  • Work Hours: 8:00 - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday) 
  • Compensation: $65,000 – $70,000 annual salary plus benefits 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Program Pathways, and in collaboration with the Construction Vocational Instructor team, you will facilitate the execution of YouthBuild Just A Start’s Construction Training Track. You will be responsible for preparing hands-on classroom and worksite experiences that give youth trainees the opportunity to learn basic carpentry and construction skills, identify and use tools and materials correctly, and work safely independently and as a group. You will also help identify and execute construction projects that enable the program to meet funder and contractual obligations. Finally, in collaboration with the full YouthBuild Just A Start team, you will mentor students and provide career pathway guidance leading to industry job and training placements.

  1. Project Coordination and Completion

  • Support the Director of Youth Program Pathways to meet all Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) deliverables, develop realistic budgets, scopes and timelines, and communicate changes to work plans in a timely manner.
  • Work collaboratively with Construction Team members to research, identify, and execute new construction projects, field trips, and guest speaker engagements.
  • Stay in constant communication with General Contractors and external partners to ensure that projects are completed on time and to professional quality standards in conformance with contracts and MOUs.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships (e.g. Housing Authorities, NGOs, and JAS Real Estate) that lead to exceptional trainee outcomes and completion of funder and contractual obligations.

2. Hands-On and Classroom Training

  • Maintain an organized and safe work environment for trainees in the YouthBuild Woodshop and community worksites. 
  • Clearly communicate policies and procedures to trainees, enforcing expectations and standards at all times.
  • Facilitate hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to earn their Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training (PACT) and OSHA 10 - Construction credentials.
  • Teach basic carpentry and construction training skills, including (but not limited to): 
    • framing and sheathing
    • painting, patching, drywall, and insulation
    • stairwork, fencing and deck work
    • rough demolition, carpet removal, and sub-floor work
    • installing pre-fabricated cabinets, exterior windows, bathroom, and kitchen hardware.
  • Work closely with Case Management and Counseling to identify both positive and concerning trainee behaviors, and respond in accordance with trauma-informed and positive youth development best practices.
  • Coordinate with the Youth Employment Specialist to provide career mentorship and guidance to construction trainees, leading to successful employment and training placements.

3. Data Collection and Project Administration

  • Track and record student progress and achievements in Salesforce, PACT Litmos, and other internal data systems.
  • Complete quarterly and funder-specific narrative and outcomes-focused grant reports.
  • Maintain organized records of lesson plans, class assignments, and hands-on activities.
  • Ensure that project management spreadsheets are correct and up-to-date. 

QUALIFICATIONS / KEYS TO SUCCESS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency credential.
  • A minimum of 3 - 5 years of professional construction experience, or equivalent.
  • Additional experience in electrical, HVAC, or plumbing trades desirable, not required.
  • Ability to connect and mentor young people from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Demonstrates a growth mindset, student-centered outlook, and reliable work ethic.
  • Equity-centered professional with a familiarity of the systemic barriers that opportunity youth may face.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
  • A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required for transporting students, materials, and equipment to and from worksites.
  • Acceptable CORI/SORI.
  • Familiarity with Google Workspace, Zoom, and Salesforce (or other CRM) preferred.

TO APPLY / WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please submit a resume and complete a short written response to one prompt question to begin sharing your interest and qualifications for the role. Qualified candidates may expect the following interview process:

  • Step 1: 45 minute Zoom screen w/ Director of Youth Program Pathways (direct supervisor) and Construction Vocational Instructor;
  • Step 2: 60 minute in-person interview, including the facilitation of a short activity for YouthBuild student representatives, check-in with our ‘Director of Youth and Alumni Services’ and ‘Director of People and Culture’, and tour our training facility / Woodshop;
  • Step 3: Reference checks (3) and verification of prior employment;
  • Step 4: Background check (via Checkr).

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This is a 37.5 hour per week position with a salary range of $65,000 - $70,000. In addition to a competitive salary, Just A Start offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, transportation benefits, early release at 2:00 PM every Friday, 20 PTO days in the first year, 13 paid holidays, volunteer time off, employee assistance program, and a 401k savings plan with a 3% employer contribution.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Duties are performed in a woodshop, at external worksites (indoors and outdoors, in all seasons), and in a standard office setting. The role requires operating standard office equipment (including a computer), standard construction equipment, driving program vehicles (a 15-passenger van and a pickup truck), and engaging in verbal and written communication in person, by phone, and by email. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Noise levels can range from quiet to loud depending on the work location and activity.

ABOUT JUST A START

Just A Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our staff represent a wide range of ages, races, interests, and backgrounds coming together in pursuit of common goals. Together, we strive to provide an environment that values diversity and promotes an inclusive culture. Applications from women and candidates of color are strongly encouraged. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

Get Updates

Are you interested in hearing about new opportunities at Just A Start in real time? Enter your email address to be notified automatically when new positions are posted.