Process Technology Instructor - Annualized (Plant/Process Operator Training Instructor) at Bellingham Technical College – Bellingham, Washington

Bring your process industry expertise to the classroom and help shape the next generation of skilled technicians. As a Process Technology Instructor at Bellingham Technical College, you’ll teach hands-on, industry-driven coursework in a program. This is your chance to make a lasting impact through applied learning, safety, and real-world problem solving.

Salary: $74,408-$107,187

Process technology is defined as the study and application of the scientific principles associated with the operation and maintenance of the chemical processing industry. This position will teach courses that are part of the Process Technology two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program. Teaching content includes such subjects as process technology science, equipment, instrumentation, dynamic process control, quality control, troubleshooting, and safety. The program has strong support from local industry.

• Provide high-quality student-centered instruction to PTEC program students
• Effectively deliver, develop, revise, and teach classroom, lab and online curriculum in a team-oriented setting
• Develop, plan, implement, and revise new and existing courses, curriculum, and lesson plans as needed
• Apply necessary components of math, human relations, communications, and cultural competence as embedded soft skills in the technical curriculum
• Develop and maintain appropriate lab equipment and environment for training
• Develop and implement measures of program outcomes and effectiveness
• Keep current with industrial practices and technology
• Work with local industry representatives
• Consult with other College faculty and staff on issues relevant to student success
• Develop, plan, implement and maintain the program budget
• Advise students
• Participate in program management
• Participate in student recruitment activities
• Monitor and document student performance
• Work with the program advisory committee
• Manage and requisition of instructional records, supplies, materials, and equipment
• Work with industry representatives, program advisory committee, and employers to facilitate job and internship opportunities
• New instructors must complete industrial first aid/CPR and maintain vocational certification as required by the Washington State Law and Bellingham Technical College rules
• Participate in campus events
• Participate in continuing professional development
• Serve on campus-wide committees
• Hold office hours
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with diverse students, colleagues, staff and a community who represent a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, ethnicities, and educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain program systems and equipment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and teambuilding skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Bellingham Technical College's Mission; contribute to college-wide goals and activities
• Ability to work independently and on a variable schedule that may include evenings

Minimum Qualifications:

• A.A.S. degree in a related field AND five years of full-time experience in the processing industry; OR seven years full-time experience in the processing industry
• Current knowledge and experience in industry standards and best practices including safety
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population
  • Prior to final hire, a pre-employment background, including criminal history and signed declaration statement as it pertains to sexual misconduct per Washington State Law (RCW 28B.112.080) will be conducted. Employment is contingent on passing the background check and signed declaration per RCW 28b.112.080 satisfactory to the college. Information from the background check and declaration will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position has access to children under the age of 18 as part of the State of Washington Running Start Program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Eight years or more in plant operations experience
• Supervisory and/or management experience
• Teaching and/or training experience in the petroleum refinery operations and process simulation software applications
• Safety or safety management experience
• Practical hands-on experience as a Process Operator in a petroleum refinery, pulp and paper mill, chemical/petrochemical plant, food manufacturing, waste water treatment plant or as a process engineer.

Compensation, Work Schedule and Benefits:

Salary $74,408-$107,187 based on a 173-day annual contract

Final placement is determined according to the current negotiated CBA and based on an evaluation of education and work and/or teaching experience.

• Additional optional compensation may be paid above the 173-day contract rate subject to terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Additional summer contract and compensation would be paid for summer quarter if program is in session and an assignment is available.
• Additional compensation includes up to $4,000 for doctoral stipend
• Access to professional development pool

This is not guaranteed year to year and is subject to legislation and Collective Bargaining. The work schedule will vary based on student and college needs. Some evening hours are expected.

Benefits:

This position will receive prorated leave based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA):

• Receive 90 hours of frontloaded sick leave per academic year (based on 7.5 hours per month)
• 2 non-cumulative personal leave days per academic year
• 3 non-cumulative family illness days per academic year

Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including selecting one of:

• 6 medical options
• 3 dental plan options
• 3 vision plan options

Include:

• Life insurance
• Long-term disability

Retirement benefits package including one of:

• Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 3
• SBCTC Retirement 403(b)

Two voluntary investment (not matched) programs

• TIAA (403b)
• State Deferred Compensation (457) plan

Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in:

• Medical Flexible Spending plan
• Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Discounts for automobile and homeowner insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Up to 21 days of military leave
• Up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave
• Paid civil/jury duty
• Bereavement leave
• Ability to participate in a shared leave program

Bargaining Unit:

• The position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Association (BEA) Benefits are subject to the CBA.

Work schedule:

This position’s hours will vary, Monday through Friday, primarily between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on campus. The PTEC program participates in Competency Based Education (CBE) model which allows students flexible hours in the labs to maximize students’ success.

Application Procedures and Deadline:

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online at www.btc.edu/jobs and received by 5 p.m. on 4/17/2026 for priority consideration. Application materials received after this date and time may be considered until the position is filled.

More information about Bellingham Technical College is at www.btc.edu or contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 752-8354. At this time, BTC is not sponsoring H-1B Visas.

Required Online Application Materials:

(Attachments in Word or PDF file only)

• Complete the BTC online application and supplemental questions.
• Resume
• Candidates selected for interviews will be provided with a topic for a 15-minute teaching demonstration at the time interviews are scheduled
• Official transcripts of any degrees listed and copies of licenses will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for May 13-15th with 2nd interviews occurring May 20-22, 2026 after reference checks.

Estimated Start Date: September 1, 2026, for Fall Quarter