Natural Resources Paraprofessional/Program Assistant

Natural Resource instructor at HACTC to ensure that students experience a safe, hands-on, enriching, and productive learning environment. The Paraprofessional supports daily classroom, shop, and lab activities under the direction of the Program Instructor. Overall employee expectations are supervised by the Assistant Director and Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are specific to supporting students in the Natural Resources program; other duties may be assigned: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students to support their success in both technical and academic areas, helping them build confidence and skills for future careers in the automotive field. Support safety compliance in the shop and lab areas Monitor the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, chaps). Supervise and correct unsafe behaviors or conditions during Assist in conducting safety checks of tools, machines, and student workspaces. Ensure accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 Plans are implemented, particularly during hands-on tasks and assessments. Maintain shop and classroom standards to ensure they remain structured, respectful, and conducive to learning and safe skill development. Communicate openly with the instructor and other support staff, helping to identify areas where students may need extra help or guidance. Help prepare materials and equipment for daily demonstrations or labs. Support students individually or in small groups during learning activities. These activities often take place outside in all types of weather. Assist with field trips or offsite work-based learning opportunities, ensuring student safety and engagement. Greet students at the start and end of the day, helping to build a positive, professional culture in the shop. Document student learning through photographs or other means (with instructor permission), encouraging students to reflect on their own skill development. Report concerns about student progress or behavior to the Program Instructor, Special Needs Coordinator, and/or administration as appropriate. Participate in professional development to improve performance in a technical learning environment. Attend staff meetings and school-wide events as assigned. Provide substitute coverage for instructors as assigned by the Assistant Director, including basic classroom management and monitoring of safe shop procedures. Adhere to district, state, and federal policies and safety regulations relevant to a technical education setting. Assist with administrative tasks: phone calls, organization of classroom and shop, emails Technical Skills: