The Diesel Technology: Heavy Equipment Prison Education Program Instructor delivers high-quality, industry-aligned training in diesel systems and heavy equipment maintenance while ensuring students develop the technical competencies, safety practices, and workforce-ready skills required by the program. The instructor maintains current curriculum, creates realistic lab environments suited for a correctional setting, and collaborates with institutional partners, industry, and campus colleagues to support program quality, student success, and workforce relevance. For more information regarding this position, please contact the hiring manager, Jason Merritt, at 605-367-7671.

• Academic Excellence & Instructional Effectiveness
  1. Deliver high-quality, industry-aligned instruction that prepares students to meet program outcomes, workforce expectations, and licensure requirements.
  2. Develop, update, and deliver curriculum and instructional materials including syllabi, labs, and hands-on activities that reflect current industry standards and support student skill development.
  3. Use effective instructional strategies and technologies to promote student engagement and achievement.
  4. Design, administer, and evaluate assessments to measure learning and technical competency, using results and student feedback to improve instruction and curriculum.
  5. Maintain accurate academic records, grading, and documentation in compliance with institutional and accreditation requirements.
• Service to Program and Institution
  1. Contribute to program success through student recruitment, advising, retention initiatives, and outreach activities.
  2. Participate in program development, accreditation activities, advisory committees, and continuous improvement processes.
  3. Serve on institutional committees, workgroups, or task forces as assigned.
  4. Collaborate with colleagues across departments to support interdisciplinary learning, student success initiatives, and institutional priorities.
  5. Build and maintain partnerships with industry, K-12 schools, community organizations, and employers to enhance program visibility and workforce alignment.
• Professional Development & Industry Engagement
  1. Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain technical expertise, instructional effectiveness, and industry credentials as required by the program.
  2. Participate in workshops, conferences, certifications, trainings, or coursework relevant to teaching, technology, and the instructor’s discipline.
  3. Apply new knowledge, skills, and best practices to instruction, curriculum, and program improvement.
• Institutional Values & Professional Conduct
  1. Demonstrate Southeast Technical College’s Core Values through instructional practices, service, and professional interactions.
  2. Comply with college policies, accreditation requirements, safety standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Program-specific Functions
  1. Provide hands-on demonstrations and supervised practice in diesel heavy equipment systems, including diagnostics and repair procedures in engines, powertrains, fuel systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and preventative maintenance specific to heavy-duty equipment used in industry.
  2. Teach safe operation, servicing, and troubleshooting of heavy equipment components, such as braking systems, drivetrains, suspensions, emissions controls, and shop-grade testing tools commonly used in diesel technology.
  3. Develop and maintain realistic lab scenarios that mirror workforce practices in diesel equipment maintenance—such as simulated work orders, equipment inspections, fault identification, and repair planning—using tools and materials approved for DOC settings.
  4. Ensure students master industry-aligned competencies, including reading technical manuals, interpreting diagnostic codes, completing repair documentation, and applying OSHA-aligned shop safety practices tailored to a correctional environment.
  5. Advise on equipment, tools, and facility needs for the program.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  1. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of student success, program quality, and the mission of Southeast Technical College.

• Education: AAS in Diesel Mechanics or verified tested experience in diesel and heavy-duty mechanics required
• Experience: 5 years experience, Minimum of 3 years of industry experience in diesel heavy equipment mechanics.
• Other requirements:
  1. Communication: ability to actively listen and to effectively communicate with others through written and oral communication
  2. Leadership: ability to make decisions, delegate tasks, be innovative, negotiate, problem solve, build teams through coaching and development, resolve conflicts, hold yourself and other accountable, and work under pressure.

Preference to candidates with industry or state certifications/qualifications in Heavy Equipment Repair, operation, and maintenance.
Work is performed primarily in a classroom and a lab within the South Dakota State Penitentiary, with occasional travel for industry visits, professional development, and campus meetings.