Physics and Astronomy Instructional Support Technician

Physics and Astronomy

Job # 557055

Close Date: May 19, 2026

 

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Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

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Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

(Job # 557055) Instructional Support Tech I, Physics and Astronomy Instructional Support Tech, CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,184 - $6,096 per month (Step 1- Step 20), Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,184- $5,307 per month (Step 1- Step 13). Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.  This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan, permanent position with a one-year probationary period in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Department Chair, 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:

 

Maintenance, preparation, and issuance of materials and equipment for undergraduate laboratory and activity sessions – 40%

• Maintains scientific and laboratory equipment and supplies
• Maintains a database and inventory of experiments and equipment and the supplies necessary for their use
• Insures that all appropriate equipment and supplies are available for laboratory and activity work throughout the department
• Repairs, modifies, and calibrates scientific and laboratory equipment
• Issues equipment and supplies for laboratory and activity courses
• Assists faculty members with the instruction of students in the proper use of scientific equipment
• Assists in updating laboratory exercises
• Assists Property Office in the maintenance of equipment and instrument records
• Maintains orderly stockrooms such that equipment is easily accessed and readily available to department faculty and staff
• Ensures work spaces are clean and orderly to ensure the safety of students, staff and faculty

 

Design and construction of demonstrations and displays – 35%

• Designs or assists in the design of and fabrication of new laboratory equipment, experiments, and classroom demonstrations
• Assembles received items when necessary
• Designs and constructs equipment not purchasable for a reasonable price
• Modifies purchased items to be more suitable for specific uses
• Designs and constructs displays and demonstrations of scientific principles suitable for science students with various levels of experience
• Occasionally assists faculty members with community presentations

 

Supervision and maintenance of the Cal Poly Humboldt Fickle Hill Observatory and observatory equipment – 10%

• Performs limited maintenance on grounds and buildings
• Orders, modifies, installs, cleans, and maintains telescopes and other astronomical instruments

 

Purchasing and bookkeeping – 5%

• Researches, specifies, and orders equipment, supplies, and replacement parts as necessary to minimize equipment down-time
• Develops purchase requests, tracks orders, and assures receipt of orders
• Maintains up-to-date financial information based on the CMS and other information sources
• Prepares and maintains purchasing and budgetary documents as needed

 

Departmental informational technology support – 5%

• Assists campus ITS and departmental staff and faculty members with computer hardware and software installation and maintenance

 

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

As listed in Classification Standards:

• 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
• Ability to use methods, techniques and skills related to the discipline in preparing specialized materials.

 

As related to the major responsibilities for this position:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population
• Ability to use knowledge of physics and physical laws to devise and to assist faculty in devising experiments and demonstrations to assist faculty members in teaching
• Ability to work independently and collegially

 

Minimum Qualifications:

1. 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.

or

2. 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 to which assigned may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

or

3. Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a related discipline may be substituted for the experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Equivalent to an undergraduate degree in Physics (preferred), or an undergraduate degree in a physical science.

 

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three supervisory references

 

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude, we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long-lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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 Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

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. 

Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive training annually on their obligations in responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. You will be notified by email when you are required to take this mandated training.

Class Code: 1615
Publication Date: 5/5/2026