Adjunct Faculty - UMS (Manual Flight and Maintenance)

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) is a reputable two-year institution of higher education that serves the Virginia Peninsula region, including Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York. As a part of the statewide Virginia Community College System, VPCC is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to a diverse student population. The college plays a critical role in workforce development, academic transfer, and lifelong learning opportunities within the community it serves. The role of Adjunct Faculty in Unmanned Systems (UMS) with a specialization in Manual Flight and Maintenance offers a unique opportunity to contribute to VPCC's growing program in emerging technologies. This is a part-time, exempt position that involves teaching up to 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and up to 8 credit hours in the summer semester, based on student enrollment and staffing needs. Teaching assignments may take place during the day, evening, or on weekends and could be located at the Hampton and/or the HT campuses. As an Adjunct Faculty member, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in courses such as Manual Flight (UMS 111) and Maintenance (UMS 177). The position demands not only teaching excellence but also strong student engagement and effective communication with students, staff, and administrators. You will maintain an adequate on-campus presence to support student learning and provide timely grading and assessment of student work. This role is vital in preparing students for careers in the unmanned systems field by equipping them with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to operate, maintain, and analyze unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). Candidates for this role must have FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and be well-versed in the requirements of operating sUAS in various controlled airspace environments. The role includes planning and implementing manual and autonomous sUAS missions, operating as a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), and managing crew, maintenance, repair, sensor integration, troubleshooting, and data analysis. In addition to technical expertise, the ideal candidate should demonstrate a passion for unmanned systems and a student-centered teaching philosophy dedicated to supporting a diverse learner population. VPCC values candidates with instructional versatility, including experience or interest in online and hybrid teaching modalities. The college encourages applicants with a two-year associate degree in science, engineering, or technology, though a bachelor’s degree and prior community college teaching experience are regarded as advantageous. Faculty members are expected to employ effective teaching strategies that accommodate varied learning styles, assess student progress accurately, and maintain high academic standards. Overall, this adjunct faculty position at VPCC offers a chance to contribute to an innovative educational program within a supportive community college environment. The institution is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to a welcoming and student-focused academic culture. VPCC also provides a work environment characterized by professional development opportunities, collegial support, and a commitment to student success.

• Associates degree in any field in science, engineering or technology
• Currently possess FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
• Knowledge of pre-flight training requirements
• Ability to plan and conduct manual and autonomous sUAS missions
• Understanding of sUAS operations in controlled airspace
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures for sUAS operations
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work at all campus locations
• Willingness to modify instructional methods to meet diverse student needs
• Ability to evaluate student performance fairly