ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

FLSA Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Compensation:

$32-35/hr

Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals

SECTION II – THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.

The Entry-Level Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) provides safe, professional, and effective flight and ground instruction to students enrolled in the CMU Tech Aviation Program. The instructor prepares students for successful FAA practical tests while developing safe operating practices, sound aeronautical decision-making, and professional aviation skills.

The CFI supports student progression through the flight training curriculum and contributes to the development of safe, competent, and professional aviators. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, instructional excellence, and student success.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

The Certified Flight Instructor will:

• Provide safe, professional, and effective flight instruction in accordance with FAA regulations, Colorado Mesa University policies, aircraft operating procedures, and approved flight training standards.
• Conduct ground instruction and individualized training sessions to prepare students for FAA knowledge examinations, practical tests, and professional flight operations.
• Prepare students for successful FAA practical tests through structured instruction, performance evaluation, and targeted skill development.
• Provide instruction in designated training aircraft, including:
  • Cessna 172
  • Piper Pilot 100i
• Maintain accurate and timely student training records, lesson documentation, endorsements, and progress evaluations using Flight Schedule Pro and other approved systems.
• Provide constructive feedback to students regarding flight performance, knowledge development, safety practices, and overall progression through the flight curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, Part 141 requirements, Colorado Mesa University policies, and flight training procedures.
• Maintain instructor currency, required endorsements, and proficiency in instructional techniques, aircraft systems, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in FAA, university, and flight training provider standardization activities to maintain consistency and quality across the training program.
• Attend required instructor meetings, safety meetings, training events, and professional development activities.
• Promote a strong safety culture by modeling professionalism, effective risk management, hazard identification, and sound aeronautical decision-making.
• Encourage students to develop safe operating habits and professional standards expected of aviation industry professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and protected educational information in accordance with applicable university policies and regulations.
• Represent Colorado Mesa University professionally during aviation-related activities and interactions with students, faculty, staff, and industry partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Aviation Program.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability. 

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) privileges.
• FAA Instrument Airplane Rating.
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate.
• Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate or higher.
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Ability to meet all Colorado Mesa University and aviation program employment requirements.

Flight Experience Requirement:
No minimum flight time requirement beyond the experience required to obtain the required FAA certificates and ratings.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII) Certificate.
• FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
• Associate degree or higher, preferably in aviation, aeronautics, education, or a related field.
• Previous flight instruction experience.
• Experience working within a Part 141 flight training environment.
• Experience teaching college-age aviation students.
• Experience using electronic flight training management systems.

Student Population

The Certified Flight Instructor will provide instruction to a diverse population of Colorado Mesa University Aviation Program students at various stages of flight training.

Students may include those progressing through:

• Private Pilot training
• Instrument training
• Commercial Pilot training
• Advanced flight training courses

The instructor will adapt instruction to individual student needs, learning styles, experience levels, and training objectives.

Safety and Compliance Expectations

The CFI is expected to:

• Maintain strict compliance with FAA regulations, university policies, aircraft operating procedures, and approved training standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture through professional conduct and effective risk management.
• Teach students to identify hazards, assess risk, and make appropriate aeronautical decisions.
• Encourage students to develop safe and professional aviation behaviors.
• Immediately report safety concerns, operational issues, or training deficiencies through appropriate channels.

Schedule Expectations

This position offers a flexible schedule based on student training needs, aircraft availability, weather conditions, and program operational requirements.

The instructor may be expected to:

• Provide instruction during weekdays and occasional weekends.
• Maintain availability during early morning and evening hours to support flight scheduling needs.
• Adjust availability based on student demand, enrollment, weather, aircraft utilization, and operational requirements.

As a part-time contract position, hours are not guaranteed and may vary based on program needs.

Employment Conditions

This is a part-time contract position. Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, certifications, and instructional background.

Desired Candidate Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to aviation safety and risk management.
• Professionalism and ability to serve as a positive role model.
• Effective communication skills with students, faculty, staff, and aviation personnel.
• Patience and ability to teach students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team-oriented attitude and willingness to collaborate with aviation program personnel.
• Commitment to student success and instructional excellence.
• Adaptability and effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in a dynamic flight training environment.

Physical and Operational Requirements

The Certified Flight Instructor must be able to:

• Safely enter, exit, and operate within training aircraft.
• Sit for extended periods during flight operations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in a cockpit environment.
• Conduct instruction in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Safely handle routine flight equipment, including flight bags and instructional materials.
• Maintain the physical capability required to perform flight instruction duties.
• Maintain required FAA medical certification and aviation safety standards.

Professional Expectations

The Certified Flight Instructor is expected to:

• Maintain instructor proficiency and FAA currency requirements.
• Participate in CMU aviation standardization training and safety initiatives.
• Utilize Flight Schedule Pro for scheduling, documentation, and student training records.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Conduct themselves professionally when representing Colorado Mesa University Aviation.
• Maintain separation between personal flight instruction activities and responsibilities performed while representing CMU Aviation.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.