Trades Instructor - HVAC and Refrigeration (BAS and Controls)

Industrial HVAC/R Instructor – HVAC, refrigeration, controls

Reports to: Director of Technical Services

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Technical Trades Instructor to join our team in Seattle, Washington. This role specializes in commercial refrigeration, HVAC systems, and building automation/controls and is ideal for a dynamic professional who thrives on teaching, engaging learners, and developing high‑impact technical training programs.

The successful candidate will bring extensive industry experience along with strong instructional expertise and deep knowledge of digital and analog I/O, BAS/EMS platforms, and HVAC/R control programming. This position supports a Boeing facilities technical training program and includes up to 25% travel to support regional teams, training centers, and field operations.

This position is based in the Seattle area supporting a Boeing facilities technical training program.  It includes travel up to 25% to support regional teams, training centers, and field operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver Technical Instruction: Lead engaging classroom and hands‑on training focused on commercial refrigeration, HVAC systems, and building controls, including BAS/EMS platforms, digital and analog I/O, and HVAC/R programming.
• Develop Training Programs: Design, update, and maintain technical training curricula aligned with industry standards, emerging technologies, and operational needs across HVAC/R, controls, and energy management.
• Lead Hands‑On Learning: Facilitate lab‑based instruction emphasizing diagnostics, troubleshooting, system optimization, control logic, and programming for HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Adapt Instructional Methods: Tailor teaching approaches to support diverse learning styles and varying technical skill levels.
• Assess Learner Progress: Evaluate trainee performance through written assessments, practical exams, and hands‑on demonstrations.
• Collaborate with SMEs: Partner with internal subject matter experts and field technicians to ensure training content reflects current tools, technologies, and best practices.
• Maintain Technical Currency: Stay current on HVAC/R technologies, refrigerants, energy efficiency standards, BAS/EMS platforms, and related programming disciplines.
• Ensure Compliance: Ensure all training activities meet applicable regulatory, licensing, and safety requirements, including EPA Section 608 and ASHRAE guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and controls, including 5+ years in technical training or instructional roles.
• Controls Expertise: Advanced knowledge of BAS/EMS platforms, digital and analog I/O, and HVAC/R control programming.
• Instructional Capability: Demonstrated ability to deliver effective, engaging instruction in both classroom and lab environments.
• Program Development: Proven success designing and maintaining technical training programs, particularly in diagnostics, system integration, and controls.
• Teaching Availability: Ability to instruct a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Passion for Training: Strong commitment to mentoring technicians and fostering a positive, skills‑based learning environment.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 25% in support of training initiatives.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Trade License in HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, or plumbing.
• Certifications such as EPA 608, NATE, or HVAC Excellence.
• Hands-on experience with building automation and energy management systems (BAS / EMS).
• Familiarity with digital learning tools, simulation platforms, or blended learning environments.
• Background in corporate technical training or accredited technical education institutions.
• Chiller and Boiler experience, a plus

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of commercial HVAC/R systems, refrigeration, building automation systems (BAS/EMS), and mechanical controls.
• Controls & Programming Proficiency: Strong understanding of digital and analog I/O, sequences of operation, HVAC control logic, and BAS/EMS programming fundamentals.
• Instructional Effectiveness: Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical, and job‑ready learning experiences.
• Hands‑On Training Delivery: Skilled in leading lab‑based training focused on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and real‑world system performance.
• Curriculum Development: Strong capability to design, standardize, and continuously improve technical training programs.
• Communication Skills: Clear, confident presenter with strong facilitation, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Learning Adaptability: Ability to adjust instructional approaches based on learner needs and experience levels.
• Safety & Compliance Focus: Demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
• Collaboration: Effective partner with SMEs, field technicians, and operations leaders.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Actively stays current with evolving technologies and instructional methods.
• Professionalism & Reliability: Well‑organized, dependable, and capable of managing instructional schedules independently.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and instruct for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in lab or workshop environments for hands-on training sessions involving HVAC/R equipment and control systems.

ABOUT CITY FM 

City Facilities Management (US) LLC is a leader in end-to-end integrated facilities management for some of the top retailers and grocers across the nation. Through our unparalleled self-performance team of highly skilled technicians, customer service gurus, energy experts and more, City FM delivers exceptional service quality and cost savings using a holistic, data-driven approach to facilities management.  

With offices in Jacksonville, FL and Burlington, MA since 2016, City FM is part of the GDI Ainsworth family founded 90 years ago. Ainsworth is Canada’s leading integrated multi-trade services provider with over 4,000 team members across US and Canada.   

WHY SHOULD YOU WORK AT CITY FM? 
City FM is part of a global network of leading facilities management, professional services, and data-driven sustainability solutions, for starters. Also, we offer a generous benefits package that includes 28 days of PTO along with a 401(k) match with immediate vesting and company match.  

We don’t just hire anyone at City FM; we’re looking for loyal team members with a deep sense of responsibility and a thirst for constant learning and growth with a willingness to always lend a helping hand.   

When you join City FM, you’re committing to making a difference. We make a commitment to you too – helping you embark on a career with purpose! Whether through our world-class training programs, over 1,500 e-learning classes through City University or Leadership Development framework – City FM cares passionately about the people we hire and ensures that growth is always on the horizon.  

Wondering if your values align with ours? If you put clients first, care passionately about what you do and are committed to working on a team that respects each other, you will fit right in!  

So, if you’re ready to get started, we’re ready for you.  

City FM is An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company has a Drug-Free Workplace Policy in effect that is strictly adhered to.