Chair, Welding and Skilled Trades

Owens Community College • Toledo, OH

19d

About The Position

The Chair of Welding and Skilled Trades provides academic and operational leadership for programs and initiatives in the skilled trades within the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Reporting to the Dean of STEM, the Chair oversees multiple credit programs and certificates that serve both traditional students and regional apprentices through partnerships with business and industry.The Chair ensures that programs maintain academic rigor, industry relevance, and compliance with accreditation and safety standards. This position also provides direct supervision for faculty, lab technicians, and instructional spaces that support hands-on training in welding, machining, electrical, HVAC, and related skilled trade areas. The anticipated start date of this position is July 1st, 2026.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation within the trades.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to access, and the mission of a comprehensive community college.
• Leadership and team management across academic and technical environments.
• Knowledge of workforce development, apprenticeship models, and industry certifications.
• Safety and compliance management in lab and shop settings.
• Employer and community partnership development.
• Strategic planning and resource management.
• Dedication to student-centered learning and applied education.
• Bachelor’s degree in Welding, Industrial Technology, Engineering, or a closely related field required
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in skilled trades education, training, or industry.
• Experience supervising faculty, technical staff, or lab operations in an academic or industrial setting.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coordination, and supervision of all Welding and Skilled Trades academic programs, courses, and personnel.
• Lead curriculum development, revision, and assessment to maintain compliance with College, state (including Ohio Guaranteed Transfer and ITAGs), and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate the scheduling of classes, assignments of faculty, and allocation of instructional and lab resources.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of welding, machining, HVAC, electrical, and related laboratory environments.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, and lab technicians in collaboration with the Dean.
• Participate in school and college-wide planning, budgeting, and policy development activities.
• Promote innovation in instructional delivery and integration of emerging technologies across Skilled Trades programs.
• Serve as a liaison for regional employers engaged with Welding and Skilled Trades programs.
• Develop and maintain partnerships that strengthen work-based learning pathways.
• Collaborate with Workforce and Community Services to coordinate union and apprenticeship, non-credit and customized training opportunities aligned with industry demand.
• Convene and engage program advisory committees to ensure curricula reflect current workforce trends and employer expectations.
• Represent the programs and the College at community, business, and educational events.
• Oversee the review and approval of syllabi, course outlines, and instructional materials.
• Support and promote faculty professional development in teaching, assessment, and use of technology.
• Ensure instructional alignment with industry-recognized certifications and credentialing standards.
• Lead assessment of student learning outcomes and use results to inform program improvement.
• Promote equitable access, inclusion, and excellence in all academic and technical instruction.
• Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and safety of all Welding and Skilled Trades laboratories and instructional spaces.
• Supervise lab technicians and ensure that all lab facilities meet OSHA and College safety requirements.
• Manage inventory, acquisition, and preventive maintenance of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Coordinate capital improvement projects and technology upgrades in collaboration with the Dean and Facilities Services.
• Support faculty in advising, retention, and student engagement initiatives.
• Foster a learning environment that emphasizes applied skills, professionalism, and workforce readiness.
• Promote student recruitment and outreach in collaboration with Enrollment Management and Marketing.
• Ensure that students in apprenticeship-aligned and traditional programs receive equitable support and career preparation.

Benefits

• A competitive benefit package and challenging work environment allows Owens to attract the most qualified individuals to support the College's mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time