Job Summary

The primary function of the Instructional Support Technician II is to provide technical and advisory support for physics laboratory courses and student/faculty research projects and assist with demonstration equipment. Under general supervision, the incumbent of this Instructional Support Technician II position with independent application of knowledge and experience, prepares laboratories for instruction, including equipment installation, maintenance, minor repair, and modification, in all cases employing a comprehensive knowledge of both scientific and technical principles.

This is a full-time temporary 6 month + 1 day position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement.

Department Summary

The Physics Department is a major academic unit within the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM), and is one of the largest Physics departments in the CSU. Its primary purpose is to offer courses which are required by other technical/science majors such as Engineering, Architecture, Biological Sciences and Agriculture, as well as courses which satisfy GE requirements for other majors. Most courses have laboratory components. The department offers two Physics degrees, the BS and the BA, with a total of about 180 majors and offers three minors in Physics, Astronomy and Geology. The department teaches courses in Astronomy, Geology, Physics and Physical Science. The department is currently composed of a rotating Department Chair, 29 tenured faculty, 7 probationary faculty, 16 full-time lecturers, and 5 part-time faculty (which varies). The department has clerical and administrative support provided by two positions, technical support for labs and shops provided by 3 positions, and about 40 student employees working as tutors, graders and research assistants. For more information about the Physics Department, please see https://physics.calpoly.edu/.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of performing instructional support services in a related technical discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of the discipline of physics with a comprehensive understanding of the laboratory techniques, methods, and suitability of materials for related instructional needs.
• Ability to apply knowledge of physics principles and content to anticipate instructional needs, adapt laboratory setups to curriculum objectives, and support faculty in delivering effective hands-on learning experiences.
• Ability to exercise knowledge and judgment related to the discipline in evaluating kinds or qualities of materials and equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable safety regulations and demonstrated ability to properly acquire, handle, store, and dispose of radioactive sources, compressed gases, hazardous chemicals, and cryogenic fluids in compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair scientific equipment, applying comprehensive knowledge of technical and scientific principles to diagnose and resolve complex issues.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned;
• OR equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
• Or equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,876 - $75,696 annually

Classification Range: $55,140 - $80,328 annually 

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

 Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Please watch the video linked here to learn more about the CSU system. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.