Physics&Astronomy Instructional Support Technician, Arcata

Physics&Astronomy Instructional Support Technician

Under the Lead Work Direction of the Department Chair and General Supervision of the Dean of CNRS, this position provides comprehensive support services for the faculty and teaching staff of the Department of Physics and Astronomy by designing or assisting in the design of and fabrication of the equipment used in lecture demonstrations and laboratory and activity experiments, as well as maintain, repairing, and, when necessary, updating this equipment. The position also involves the purchase of supplies and equipment and maintaining inventories of supplies and equipment as needed for the curriculum of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, as well as the maintenance of bookkeeping and CMS documentation to support the review of Department budgets. The position provides computer hardware and software support for both the teaching component and the faculty and staff of the Department. The position is also responsible for the maintenance and repair of equipment at Cal Poly Humboldt's Fickle Hill Observatory.Key responsibilities include maintenance, preparation, and issuance of materials and equipment for undergraduate laboratory and activity sessions; design and construction of demonstrations and displays; supervision and maintenance of the Cal Poly Humboldt Fickle Hill Observatory and observatory equipment; purchasing and bookkeeping; and departmental informational technology support.Knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position include knowledge of principles of providing support services, knowledge of the common principles, methods, and techniques related to the instruction of experimental physics and astronomy, knowledge of the materials, supplies and equipment and their uses related to physics and astronomy, ability to evaluate the materials and supplies used, ability to learn to adjust and make minor repairs on scientific equipment, ability to operate scientific or highly technical equipment and to interpret results, ability to plan activities and prepare schedules, and ability to use methods, techniques and skills related to the discipline in preparing specialized materials.Minimum qualifications include equivalent to two years of experience providing instructional support services for a unit or discipline, acting as a student assistant, or in producing materials or supplies related to the discipline. Preferred qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Physics or an undergraduate degree in a physical science.