Geology Technician

at  California State University Long Beach

Job no: 543191
Work type: Staff
Location: Long Beach
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Full Time

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the department chair this position will maintain the Department of Earth Science teaching collections and equipment, provide instructional assistance to faculty in setting up class labs, and supervise student employees.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated ability to be organized and to manage multiple teaching resources. Ability to recognize and sort basic rocks, minerals, and fossils. Knowledge of basic field and laboratory safety procedures. Practical experience operating and/or maintaining instrumentation with demonstrated ability to learn department-specific instruments and train students as needed is preferred.
Strong communication skills for coordination with multiple university entities and multiple faculties. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university’s commitment to a “vision of excellence.”

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 related to the discipline required.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, Geology, Earth Science or related field preferred.

PHYSICAL SUMMARY

Heavy work - Job involves lifting more than 40 pounds. Approximately half of the incumbent’s time will be spent walking, standing, squatting, kneeling, or climbing.

• Assist in setting up and breaking down introductory and upper division Geology labs and activities, help with on-campus outdoor experiments, prepare and maintain field gear for class field trips and summer field. Routinely check vehicles for safety and operation and oversee maintenance by directly communicating with fleet services in Beach Building Services.
• Maintain teaching resources and collections. Maintain and track field gear loaned to students. Keep all materials in the Geology Issue Room, HSCI 004, cage labeled and sorted with accurate logs of use.
• Operate a wide variety of field and laboratory instruments, such as the x-ray diffractometer, ion chromatograph, x-ray fluorescence scanner, rock saws, rock crushers, Franz magnetic separator, microscopes, drones, magnetometers. Provide routine maintenance of instruments and safety logs.
• Assist faculty in training teaching assistants and students on the use of specified equipment, including the digital sandbox, stream table, x-ray diffractometer, ion chromatograph, XRF scanner, rock saws, microscopes. Maintain SOPs and documentation of safety training for specific instruments. Maintain chemical inventory.
• Maintain classrooms/teaching labs. Conduct weekly tour to put back teaching materials, refill supplies, and to check for damaged chairs and equipment.