Science Shops Technical Coordinator, Faculty of Science

at  The University of Calgary

Description
The Technical Operations Group in the Faculty of Science is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Science Shops Technical Coordinator.
The Science Shops Technical Coordinator is responsible for ensuring safe and effective operation of the Science Shops, including the Science Workshop, Glassblowing and Electronics Shops. This position is responsible for providing expert leadership, people management and professional development of staff within the Science Shops, as well as proficient technical support, service and advice related to the design, fabrication, maintenance or repair of equipment and apparatus for teaching and research within the Faculty of Science. Leading the solutioning of complex problems, troubleshooting repairs, equipment training and maintenance, record keeping and reporting, and strategic and budgetary planning of the technical support programs across the faculty, this position initiates and supports Technical Support Services related projects in the Faculty of Science.
This position is responsible for the direct management of the Science Shops teams, including the Science Workshop, Glassblowing and Electronics Shops. Reporting to the Manager, Technical Support Services, the Science Shops Technical Coordinator works 35 hours per week.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Leadership, Training and Support

• Full managerial discretion for direct reports, including but not limited to hiring appropriate staff to meet required operational demands, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and discipline, up to and including termination.
• Promote a collaborative team environment through excellent role modeling, mentoring, coaching, training, and assigning work fairly and in a way that ensures breadth of skill and development of the team.
• Direct the daily operations, routines, and leadership within the Science Shops, including designing procedures and optimizing workflow processes, tracking work orders, directing the activities of staff, prioritizing jobs, workload, billing, scheduling, communicating with staff and clients, and other related duties and tasks as required or assigned.
• Lead the Technical and Administrative Support Staff, ensuring they are well trained, successful, supported in their work, and encouraged in their development.
• Support on-going training for staff, including providing advice, direction and training and structured reviews of topics in staff meetings or advanced hands-on training to keep up with modern methods, technology and advancements.
• Ensure the team receives relevant training and that knowledge transfer/cross-training occurs to develop strong skills within team.
• Ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment within the shops, including ensuring preventative maintenance schedules are maintained and executed, standard operating procedures for equipment are documented and practiced, and any downtime of equipment is effectively managed and minimized.
• Work with Manager, Technical Support Services, and key stakeholders in the Faculty of Science to ensure adequate services and support are provided to support the teaching and research needs within the Faculty of Science.
• Responsible for the fee-for-service function within the Science Shops, including generating accurate customer time and materials quotes for work orders, maintaining stock materials, special job materials, evaluating general costs, and ensuring monthly billing is complete.
• Facilitate non-Faculty of Science work by building relationships, creating collaborations, and increasing workflow within the Science Shops to generate revenue and offset expenses required for shop maintenance, such as annual preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Support the Manager, Technical Support Services in making decisions related to manufacturing including compiling and analyzing data, creating reports, and providing recommendations and analysis.
• Deal effectively with complex issues using expertise, judgement, and professionalism.
• Responsible for workload coordination and ensuring delivery of services on time and within budget.
• Act as a resource to the Faculty of Science Senior Leadership Team, including providing tours, demonstrations, as well as assisting in training and developing job aids.
• Initiate, develop, optimize and implement administrative processes and support documentation for policies, processes and change management, as required.
• Support the Faculty of Science with team/faculty/institutional changes and system upgrades.
• Provide input to the annual budgeting process and consider the appropriate use of the budget when making operational decisions.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis for work requests to determine best approach, for example, repair versus replace or vice versa.
• Participate as a contributing member on several Faculty of Science committees and university-wide committees.

Technical

• Responsible for the design and fabrication of equipment and apparatus for use in teaching or research laboratories, both directly and indirectly via the shop team.
• Ensure proper and efficient repair and maintenance of equipment involved in student teaching laboratories and research projects.
• Ensure the workshop is operated and maintained in a fully functional and efficient manner.
• Ensure equipment and machinery is regularly maintained in a safe and operational state.
• Operate CNC and manual lathes, mills, grinders, and various related machines and accessories.
• Program and ensure safe and optimal performance of CNC machining centers and turning centers.
• Utilize advanced CAD software to design projects, work with CAM software to program CNC equipment for manufacturing the designed components.
• Ensure 3D printers and related accessories are properly maintained and repaired as needed.
• Inspect, repair and fabricate vacuum pumps and systems.
• Maintain/repair and provide training Liquid Nitrogen storage and distribution equipment in Science Stores.
• Work with Manager of Science Technical Support Services and Facilities to ensure building air compressor is operational to ensure optimal operation of shop equipment.

Customer Service

• Develop positive working relationship with faculty, support staff, undergraduate and graduate students to enable successful management of operations, services and support.
• Co-operation and collaboration with other internal and external clients to establish a cohesive and informative environment.
• Work directly with clients assisting in design, development and material selection for a wide variety of projects required throughout the university.
• Responsible for completing tasks and duties in a professional and timely manner.
• Assess a variety of situations to provide the best and most cost-effective solutions.
• Provide leadership and guidance to apprentices and students both graduate and undergraduate.

Other

• Identify professional development needs and skill priorities to remain current with the latest technologies and research directions.
• Seek personal development, learning and training opportunities to keep current with post-secondary developments.
• Adhere to all university policy and regulatory requirements, including Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation.
• Develop and maintain productive liaisons with other units on and off campus.
• Participate in cross-training to assist in other areas when needed and to meet Technical Support Services priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong leadership and management skills with direct experience leading and managing a team(s).
• Completion of Human Resources people management courses, or similar.
• Excellent communication with direct team members, particularly related to project design details and execution methods, prioritizing and delegating work to team members, setting/meeting deadlines and budgetary constraints, and maintaining efficient and effective shop operation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills mandatory, including both written and verbal communication of ideas to develop proposals, or other, in collaboration with Manager of Technical Support Services, PIs, and key stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse array of people from a wide variety of cultural and educational backgrounds, individually or in groups.
• Ability to lead projects that require the management of hazards/risk and require acquiring relevant resources and ensure the safety of staff and end-users.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize time, and that of others, to accommodate user needs and be responsive to the user base in both a timely and equitable manner.
• Ability to solve complex problems, analyzing situations independently and utilizing multiple sources to inform responsible decisions.
• Exceptional experience in a client-focused environment.
• Proven track record in effective and strategic planning, management and development of projects for academic and research and development purposes, including infrastructure/space-related projects.
• Proven time management, organizational skills, prioritizing and multitasking, and high attention to detail required.
• Ability to think critically and creatively while working under firm time constraints, including competing and evolving timelines, while exercising good judgement and discretion required.
• Demonstrated ability to be resourceful, creative, innovative, and flexible required.
• Ability to work independently to tight timelines, maintain confidentiality and deal effectively with overlapping and evolving deadlines is required.
• Journeyman Machinist with mandatory completion of Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.
• Minimum 7 years of directly related experience.
• Extensive knowledge and application of machining is required, including CNC and manual lathes (both 3- and 5-axis), laser cutting, and 3D printers.
• Proficient with CAD/CAM programming using SolidWorks and/or Mastercam.
• Strong mechanical background with thorough working knowledge in related trades, including sheet metal and welding, is essential.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, including characteristics of metals, plastics and composites for machining and fabrication.
• Knowledge of scientific laboratory research, experiential learning and instructional activities, instrumentation and associated infrastructure requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of vacuum pumps and vacuum systems, including maintenance and repairs.
• Thorough knowledge of cryogenic equipment, such as liquid nitrogen storage and distribution equipment.
• Strong background in trade-related safety and the correct use of safety procedures and personal protective equipment, as they relate to the workshop and OHSA.
• Electronics knowledge is an asset.
• Advanced computer and project design skills and experience, including MS Office Suite (including Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), proficiency with CAD/CAM programming using SolidWorks and/or Mastercam required, and experience with WorkFlow Max is an asset.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures is an asset.
• Ability to build relationships to accomplish goals with a diverse groups within and outside of the Faculty of Science essential.
• Must possess or be prepared to obtain certification in WHMIS and First Aid.
  Application Deadline: October 7, 2024
  We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
  This position is classified in the Technical Professional Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
  For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

Please refer the Job description for details