Technical Training and Equipment Instructor

Industrial Trades Trainer - ONSITE in Westland, MI

Vertex Professional Services (VPS) is seeking a career-level Instructor to lead our Safety and Equipment training programs. This is not a "peer-to-peer" coaching role; we are looking for a professional educator who specializes in adult learning methodologies and has a proven track record of managing full-time classroom and field-based technicians.

As an Instructor, you will be responsible for the end-to-end educational experience-from lesson planning and classroom management to formal competency assessments. You will bridge the gap between technical equipment operation, maintenance and high-level regulatory safety standards, ensuring every learner meets rigorous certification benchmarks.

This role is full-time salary exempt role

* Salary: $65k - $85k based on experience

Travel:

* Up to 20% of travel

Key Responsibilities:

* Professional Instruction:
Deliver high-impact, competency-based curriculum to diverse learner groups, maintaining the pace and rigor of a full-time academic environment. Curriculum may be taught in the classroom, outdoor locations, and/or online.

* Curriculum Management:
Adapt and refine instructional materials to ensure they align with the latest industry regulations and adult learning principles.

* Safety and Standard:
Emphasize and demonstrate strict adherence to safety protocols, company policies, and government regulations (OSHA, etc.).

* Professionalism:
Establish and maintain positive, professional, and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners including co-workers, employers, and professional organizations.

* Assessment & Evaluation:
Conduct formal, objective assessments of learner performance in both classroom settings and hands-on equipment operation. Accurately record and report participant learning and assessment results so that participant records are consistently up to date and recorded in the company learning management system.

* Subject Matter Mastery:
Maintain an expert-level understanding of light-duty equipment operation, maintenance, and safety protocols through continuous self-directed study. Examples include Commercial tractor with trailer, overhead Hoisting Equipment, Flex Track Tractor/Dozer, Skid Steer, Aerial Work Platform (AWP), Forklifts, Hand/Power Tools, etc.

* Independent Leadership:
Manage the learning environment autonomously, ensuring all training documentation and safety standards are met without direct supervision.

Required Qualifications:

* Proven Teaching Tenure:
Extensive experience as a dedicated, full-time instructor. You should be comfortable managing a classroom and leading hands-on field training as your primary professional function.

* Adult Learning Expertise:
Deep understanding of how to engage adult learners, manage different learning styles, and facilitate "hands-on" technical training safely and effectively.

* Equipment Proficiency:
Expert-level background in the safe operation and preventative maintenance of light-duty equipment.

* Regulatory Knowledge: A strong foundation in industry safety standards and the ability to translate complex regulations into digestible, actionable lessons.

Other requirements:

* Must be at least 21 years of age.

* Possess a valid driver's license that has been in continuous effect for not less than 5 years immediately preceding the application.

* Two (2) years of verifiable CDL-A driving experience within their classification in the last three (3) years.

* No record of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license in the last five (5) years.

* Must pass or provide a current criminal history and driving record check.

Required

Education:

* Associates degree in related field OR degree equivalent based on verified work experience in the occupation combined with applicable education and training.

* 2 years (4,000 hours) of recent, related occupational experience outside the field of education.

This position requires a U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required Export Authorization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in both classroom and shop/lab settings. Working in shop/lab areas may involve exposure to various automotive fumes, fluids, noise, smells, sharp edges and bump hazards that require continuous use of personal protective equipment, i.e., safety glasses, gloves, and head protection. Classroom work may involve standing, sitting, walking, occasional lifting (overhead, waist level) from floor, bending, frequent near vision use for reading and computer use.

PYHSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 35 pounds on a regular basis such as automotive components and equipment, as well as papers, files, boxes, computers, etc. Less frequent requirements for moving materials weighing over 35 pounds do exist with the assistance of lifting and moving equipment, i.e.,…