Job Title: Agriculture and Animal Sciences Instructor

Department/School/Program: Careerline Tech Center, Holland, MI

Reports To: Director of Careerline Tech Center

Job Type: Full-Time (school year)

Start Date: July 2026

FLSA: Exempt

Careerline Tech Center, located in Holland, Michigan, is seeking a full-time Agriculture and Animal Sciences Instructor. We are looking for an innovative educator who can deliver high-quality instruction across agriculture, plant sciences, animal systems, and natural resource structures. The ideal candidate will cultivate student leadership through hands-on learning, managing an on-site barn and greenhouse, and actively advising the school's FFA chapter.

Essential Job Functions

• Deliver Core Instruction: Teach comprehensive concepts in animal health, nutrition, anatomy/physiology, veterinary skills, plant sciences, greenhouse management, and agribusiness to high school juniors and seniors.
• Facility & Lab Management: Oversee the daily operations, safety compliance, and maintenance of the program's barn, livestock areas, and greenhouse facilities. Manage chores associated with raising broiler chickens, laying hens, breeding pigs, and other livestock rotations.
• FFA Chapter Leadership: Serve as an active advisor for the FFA chapter. Train and coach students for FFA leadership and skills contests (including livestock judging, floral, crops, and meats), and coordinate student involvement in conventions.
• Curriculum Alignment: Refine and align the curriculum to Michigan’s CTE competencies for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) and post-secondary articulation agreements.
• Community Partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with local veterinary clinics, agricultural businesses, and post-secondary institutions (such as Michigan State University) to facilitate work-based learning, internships, and student transitions into college or careers.
• Student Support: Guide students in developing professional "soft skills," ethical practices, and post-secondary transitions into college or the workforce.
• Compliance: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and performance in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Support Work-Based Learning: Collaborate with local companies/entities to arrange internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships. Maintain an active Program Advisory Committee to ensure program relevancy.
• Account Record-Keeping: Coordinating and keeping records of the agriculture accounts for both the classroom and FFA projects.
• Engage in Professional Development: Participate in continuous professional growth to maintain instructional permits and certifications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with a CTE endorsement in 1.0000 Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences OR
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with a CTE endorsement in one of the following: 01.0301 Agriculture Production, General, 02.9999 Agriculture Science and Natural Resources  OR
• 4,000 hours of recent and relevant industry experience within the past 6 years, which can be documented and verified.
• Experience working with high school students in classroom and lab or agricultural settings is preferred.

Certifications and Qualifications

• Experience leading or participating in FFA programs and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE).
• Strong practical background in animal husbandry, veterinary assistance, or greenhouse operations.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to accuracy
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Patience, empathy, and flexibility
• Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking
• Willingness to accept and apply feedback
• Regular and predictable attendance

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and work comfortably in a barn, greenhouse, and various outdoor environments.
• Must be safely able to lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., feed sacks, equipment, or livestock animals) with or without mechanical assistance.
• Visual, auditory, and fine motor acuity required to safely handle, evaluate, and care for domestic animals, monitor plant health, and operate agricultural tools or machinery.

Compensation and Employment Details

• Pay Range: Starting Per CTCTA Master Agreement
• Schedule: Full-time, Full Year Balanced Calendar, 183 days per year
• Employee Group: Union Salary
• Benefits: Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. MPSERS provided retirement plan.

Notices:

Job Description Changes: Job descriptions may be subject to change based on the OAISD’s needs. This is meant to describe a basic overview of qualifications, role, and duties.  It is not an exhaustive or fully comprehensive list, as other duties may be assigned.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for the OAISD. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources department.

The Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at OAISD, 13663 Port Sheldon St., Holland, MI 49424, to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures.  Telephone (616) 738-8940 Ext: 4091.