Job Title:

Trades-Based Instructor Location:

Vista Charter School (Montrose, CO)

Start Date:

October 5, 2026

Schedule:

Monday - Thursday, 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM (VCS Calendar)

Application Contact:

Send cover letter and resume to info@vistacharter.org

Application Deadline:

Until filled Primary Purpose Vista Charter School is seeking a passionate Trades-Based Instructor to deliver hands-on, career- and project-based education to trauma-informed, at-risk high school youth. This role covers any combination of industrial arts and trades disciplines, STEM based education, integrated with facilitating off-site experiences and community partnerships. The instructor will build strong relationships with local Montrose companies and trade organizations to establish student internships, maintain strict safety protocols, and actively help design a newly remodeled industrial technology space during the upcoming summer facility update. Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or High School Diploma/GED with equivalent wage-earning experience in an applicable trade.

Certification:

Valid Colorado teaching license for technology education or similar or trades-based disciplines with appropriate endorsements/licenses, or eligibility for certification waivers based on verified work experience.

Professional Engagement:

Active membership or involvement in a recognized trade or trades-based professional organization.

Skills:

Hands-on teaching expertise, strong classroom management, local networking capability, and organizational skills in tool and shop safety management.

Experience:

Experience working with trauma-informed, at-risk youth. Key Responsibilities Instruction & Project-Based Learning

• Lead hands-on, project-based classes across various industrial arts and trade disciplines tailored to high school students.
• Help students build practical trade skills, problem-solving abilities, and work-readiness habits.
• Guide student Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAP) and portfolio development. Community & Career Engagement
• Facilitate student visits to local job sites and industry facilities to explore career paths.
• Build and maintain strong community partnerships with local trade organizations and businesses.
• Actively develop and sustain professional relationships with local businesses to support student internships, field experiences, and mentorship opportunities.
• Supervise and evaluate off-site student experiences to ensure alignment with educational goals. Safety & Facility Design
• Strictly adhere to and enforce all school and industry safety procedures and protocols.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of safety tests, equipment maintenance, and student tool usage clearances.
• Collaborate with school leadership on the layout and equipment design for the new industrial technology space during the summer remodel. Professionalism & Administrative
• Maintain weekly parent contact logs within Infinite Campus.
• Attend faculty meetings, participate in professional development, and follow district policies. Compensation & Benefits

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Salary Schedule:

VCS Teacher Exempt (range $52k - $98k) based on the 26/27 salary schedules, experience and education/certification)

Benefits:

Our benefits package includes a choice of health insurance plans with employer contribution, including dental and vision insurance, Telehealth, a $50,000 life insurance policy with optional additional coverage, employer-paid short term and long term disability coverage, PERA retirement contribution, supplemental insurance options, retirement options including 401K employer match, flexible spending options, paid time off and holidays based upon the position, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Pay:

$52,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person