Instructional Assistant – Physics & Engineering

Salary: $30.00 Hourly
Job Type:
Full-Time
Job Number: 2526-00044
Closing: 3/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Rocklin, CA
Division:
Instruction Office

Description

Sierra College has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and
inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students and values the rich, diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. A strong
candidate for this position must have the understanding and ability to successfully support individuals with varying backgrounds. This
includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as individuals from historically
underrepresented communities and other groups. Our District is committed to providing strategies for success and proactive student-centered
practices and policies focused on eliminating equity gaps to ensure the District provides an inclusive educational and employment
environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general
supervision from assigned manager and in collaboration with instructional faculty, provides instructional support to the Physics and
Engineering Departments, requiring in-depth knowledge of subject area and associated use of technology, computers, software, and equipment;
provides technical and instructional assistance to support laboratory and classroom activities; and provides purchasing, inventory, and
maintenance duties for laboratory and classroom supplies, materials, and equipment.

Need Help With Your Online
Account?

• Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need
  assistance with your online applicant account.
• Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday
  through Friday.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu.

Exam
ples Of Functions and Tasks

Representative Duties
The following duties are typical for this
classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from
those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Provides instructional support for Physics and
   Engineering Departments, including technical and instructional assistance to students with lab experiments and reports, homework, special
   projects, demonstrations, or other instructional activities in classroom and laboratory settings; proctors exams and quizzes; collaborates
   with faculty to set up demonstrations; assists with curriculum planning and coordination; assists with layout and production of
   instructional materials, including audio-visual and computer-based lab aids; researches, learns, and shares information regarding new
   techniques and methods with District staff; assists with class projects; provides ongoing times and locations for formal tutoring sessions
   (online or on-site); hosts additional lab time and tutoring sessions for student projects, examinations, and study, as
   needed.
2. Provides instructional support in online teaching environments, including Learning Management Systems
   (LMS).
3. Prepares, monitors, and cleans-up materials and supplies for classroom and laboratory activities; collects laboratory
   schedules from, interacts with, and coordinates laboratory preparation with department faculty; transports, sets up, and operates physics
   apparatus, equipment, and machinery; develops, tests, and modifies new experiments and writes corresponding procedures; reviews experiment
   manuals and makes necessary changes to provide adequate procedures for experiments; designs and constructs laboratory and demonstration
   apparatus using a variety of tools; instructs laboratory assistants and other department staff and faculty in proper use of scientific
   apparatus; makes chemical solutions.
4. Performs equipment maintenance and set-up; inspects, maintains, and performs minor repairs to
   equipment; tests, calibrates, and adjusts precision scientific instruments, and laboratory equipment; services, repairs, and calibrates
   tools; paints, repairs, wires, and installs items in support of program operations and activities; arranges for servicing, packaging,
   shipping, and repair of equipment, as needed.
5. Maintains, inventories, and organizes the department lab facility, including stockroom
   and project area; maintains, repairs, and manages inventory and distribution of department apparatus, equipment, and supplies; designs,
   organizes, and maintains department storage facilities; designs and builds new apparatus safely handles chemical hazards and prepares
   listings of unneeded hazardous materials, and arranges for their pickup and removal from District premises; updates Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
   and other safety-related documentation for hazardous materials; maintains equipment manuals.
6. Provides initial multimedia support;
   develops graphics and video libraries; assists in producing graphic instructional materials; sets up and helps troubleshoot multimedia
   equipment; provides specifications, evaluates, and makes recommendations on current multimedia equipment.
7. Provides initial computer
   technical assistance, training, and support to faculty, staff and students; installs, removes, maintains, and assists with troubleshooting
   of department computer hardware and software; assists with set up of department computer systems and networks; administers assigned computer
   network, including workstations in the physics and engineering lab and tutoring center; maintains department databases; sets-up, maintains,
   and demonstrates the operation of computer interfaces, sensors, and related science software used for experiments and simulations; requests
   or arranges for assistance, servicing, or repair of department computer equipment from District Information Technology Services (ITS) staff
   or other resources.
8. Provides administrative support for physics and engineering; responds to inquiries regarding departmental
   operations or refers inquiries to appropriate staff; monitors, coordinates, and facilitates use of department facilities, resources, and
   collections for access and security; prepares or assists with the preparation of departmental reports and correspondence; maintains
   department records, including warranties, licenses and operating information for equipment and software; participates in preparation of
   grant proposals and the administration of grants.
9. Participates in the preparation and administration of assigned budget(s);
   researches and purchases assigned contracts, materials, and supplies, and determines future needs; works with vendors to obtain quotes;
   requests purchase orders; inventories supplies and instructional materials; discusses new products or special needs with vendors and
   District staff; works with District staff to obtain laboratory, lecture, or other supplies; maintains expenditure records and prepares
   reports; advocates for the needs of the department; and creates prioritized lists of needed equipment and quotes for administration;
   provides input regarding annual budget development.
10. Prepares, loads, and transports physics and engineering materials between
    campuses or off-site locations; may be required to operate District vehicle for transport.
11. May perform basic first aid, as
    needed.
12. Provides onboarding support, general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and directs activities of students,
    temporary employees, or District staff.
13. Performs related duties that support the overall objective of the
    position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience Guidelines
Any
combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required above knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Examples of ways to
obtain the above knowledge and abilities could include, but are not limited to, the
following:

Education/Training

• Two years of college with major course work in physics, engineering, or a
  related scientific field.

Experience

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in physics or
  engineering laboratory.

License/Certificate – Possession of, or ability to obtain within a reasonable
timeframe, each of the following:

• Valid California Driver’s License.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Hazardous Materials
  Awareness Certificate.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability
required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned
duties.

Knowledge of:

• Theories, concepts, principles, techniques, protocols, and applications of
  physics, engineering, and related scientific disciplines.
• Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment, and
  materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.
• Mathematics principles and skills, including calculus, differential
  equations, and scientific concepts.
• Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment, and
  materials.
• Principles and techniques used in the repair and calibration of scientific instruments.
• Technical education and
  training with advanced and heavy machinery including Vertical CNC mill and associated equipment.
• Manufacturing techniques for
  repairs.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding instruction, support of students, and laboratory
  protocols, including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act
  (ADA).
• Basic inventory, bookkeeping, and purchasing processes and procedures.
• Research techniques including, but not limited
  to, being able to understand and reproduce peer reviewed papers.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and
  vocabulary.

Ability to:

• Perform general technical and operational duties in support of the physics and
  engineering programs, including, but not limited to, operating and maintaining equipment, computers, and tools; maintaining and organizing
  supply inventory and storage facility; proctoring tests; and supporting classroom and lab activities.
• Instruct others in the proper
  use of scientific apparatus.
• Code, read technical drawings, and understand dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Read and understand
  laboratory and technical manuals and procedures.
• Apply scientific principles to practical applications; analyze data and solve
  problems.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Practice safety precautions,
  techniques, and procedures, including safe lifting techniques, laboratory protocols, and safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous
  materials.
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.
• Perform basic record keeping
  functions.
• Utilize office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers, technology, and applicable software applications
  sufficiently to perform the duties of the classification, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and those used in the fields of
  physics and engineering such as 3D modeling and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
• Maintain confidentiality of
  information.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in
  writing.
• Provide onboarding support, general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and direct activities of students,
  temporary employees, or District staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of
  work.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Apply District policies and procedures.

Physical Demands
and Working Environment
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed indoors in an education
center/classroom/laboratory setting and outdoors in the field; risk of exposure electrical energy; work with laboratory equipment and
apparatus. Moderate exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.

Physical: Primary functions require
sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and/or education center/classroom/laboratory setting; to stand or sit for
prolonged periods of time; to occasionally walk, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to
moderate amounts of weight; to operate laboratory and office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including
use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and may require the wearing of personal protective equipment,
including safety glasses or goggles, lab coats, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators, or face shields.

Vision: See
in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate
assigned equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental
Information

WHY SIERRA?

• One of Aspen Institute’s Top 150 Community Colleges in the
  nation
• The Accrediting Commission recognized Sierra “for its exemplary practice of providing personnel with opportunities for
  continued professional development in order to meet its mission.” This includes providing students and employees with a robust set of
  programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our students, etc.
• Public Employee’s
  Retirement System (PERS)
• 18 paid holidays (including extended time off during the winter break)
• 12 accrued paid vacation
  days per year (vacation accrual increases over time)
• Competitive benefits package
• Flexible work schedules may be
  available
• Currently during summers, some employee groups participate in 4×10 schedules
• Qualifying Employer for Public
  Service Loan Forgiveness (in most cases)

Sierra College is a Community College located near Sacramento, California where a heavy
emphasis is placed on academic excellence and student success. Since its founding in 1936, Sierra College has focused on quality instruction
and meeting the evolving needs of the students and communities that it serves. The Sierra Community College District covers more than 3,200
square miles and serves the Northern California foothill counties of Placer and Nevada, as well as parts of El Dorado and Sacramento. We
serve over 17,000 students throughout the region in both on-ground and online courses, including students at our main Rocklin Campus as well
as at two centers located in Grass Valley and Tahoe/Truckee. Our District prides itself on academic excellence.

Sierra College has a
strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students and values the rich, diverse backgrounds
that make up the campus community. A strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with
successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds. This includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities and sexual
orientations, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented communities and other groups. Our District is committed to providing
strategies for success and proactive student-centered practices and policies focused on eliminating equity gaps to ensure the District
provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.

As an
institution, Sierra College is committed to eliminating the equity gap in all student populations with dynamic, learner-centered practices
and policies that fully engage the college community. The ideal candidate will share the College’s commitment to helping its racially and
socioeconomically diverse students succeed in their degree and career objectives. Currently, Sierra College enrolls 17,800 students per
term, where approximately: 23% of Sierra College’s students are Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), 3% are African-American/Black, 2% are Filipino, 6% are
Asian, 1% are American Indian/Alaskan Native, 8% are Multiethnic and 55% are White.

The successful candidate will join a College
dedicated to the use of culturally responsive strategies and methods that meet the varying needs of our students, faculty, staff, and
surrounding community. Sierra College demonstrates its commitment to equity by supporting ongoing professional development for students,
faculty, and staff. These opportunities include trainings and workshops on equity and inclusion, active Academic Senate standing committees
concerned with student success and equity, a Presidential Equity Advisory Committee (PEAC), culturally responsive student engagement
centers, support for our undocumented and AB540 students, campus-wide equity summits, a robust set of programs, events, and conferences
related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our diverse students.

Need Help With Your Online
Account?

• Use the online https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6912400&targetURL=.

  Examples Of Functions and Tasks

  Representative Duties
  The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not
  perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address
  business needs and changing business practices.

  
  
  
  1. Provides instructional support for Physics and Engineering Departments,
     including technical and instructional assistance to students with lab experiments and reports, homework, special projects, demonstrations,
     or other instructional activities in classroom and laboratory settings; proctors exams and quizzes; collaborates with faculty to set up
     demonstrations; assists with curriculum planning and coordination; assists with layout and production of instructional materials, including
     audio-visual and computer-based lab aids; researches, learns, and shares information regarding new techniques and methods with District
     staff; assists with class projects; provides ongoing times and locations for formal tutoring sessions (online or on-site); hosts additional
     lab time and tutoring sessions for student projects, examinations, and study, as needed.
  2. Provides instructional support in online
     teaching environments, including Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  3. Prepares, monitors, and cleans-up materials and supplies for
     classroom and laboratory activities; collects laboratory schedules from, interacts with, and coordinates laboratory preparation with
     department faculty; transports, sets up, and operates physics apparatus, equipment, and machinery; develops, tests, and modifies new
     experiments and writes corresponding procedures; reviews experiment manuals and makes necessary changes to provide adequate procedures for
     experiments; designs and constructs laboratory and demonstration apparatus using a variety of tools; instructs laboratory assistants and
     other department staff and faculty in proper use of scientific apparatus; makes chemical solutions.
  4. Performs equipment maintenance
     and set-up; inspects, maintains, and performs minor repairs to equipment; tests, calibrates, and adjusts precision scientific instruments,
     and laboratory equipment; services, repairs, and calibrates tools; paints, repairs, wires, and installs items in support of program
     operations and activities; arranges for servicing, packaging, shipping, and repair of equipment, as needed.
  5. Maintains, inventories,
     and organizes the department lab facility, including stockroom and project area; maintains, repairs, and manages inventory and distribution
     of department apparatus, equipment, and supplies; designs, organizes, and maintains department storage facilities; designs and builds new
     apparatus safely handles chemical hazards and prepares listings of unneeded hazardous materials, and arranges for their pickup and removal
     from District premises; updates Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other safety-related documentation for hazardous materials; maintains equipment
     manuals.
  6. Provides initial multimedia support; develops graphics and video libraries; assists in producing graphic instructional
     materials; sets up and helps troubleshoot multimedia equipment; provides specifications, evaluates, and makes recommendations on current
     multimedia equipment.
  7. Provides initial computer technical assistance, training, and support to faculty, staff and students;
     installs, removes, maintains, and assists with troubleshooting of department computer hardware and software; assists with set up of
     department computer systems and networks; administers assigned computer network, including workstations in the physics and engineering lab
     and tutoring center; maintains department databases; sets-up, maintains, and demonstrates the operation of computer interfaces, sensors, and
     related science software used for experiments and simulations; requests or arranges for assistance, servicing, or repair of department
     computer equipment from District Information Technology Services (ITS) staff or other resources.
  8. Provides administrative support for
     physics and engineering; responds to inquiries regarding departmental operations or refers inquiries to appropriate staff; monitors,
     coordinates, and facilitates use of department facilities, resources, and collections for access and security; prepares or assists with the
     preparation of departmental reports and correspondence; maintains department records, including warranties, licenses and operating
     information for equipment and software; participates in preparation of grant proposals and the administration of
     grants.
  9. Participates in the preparation and administration of assigned budget(s); researches and purchases assigned contracts,
     materials, and supplies, and determines future needs; works with vendors to obtain quotes; requests purchase orders; inventories supplies
     and instructional materials; discusses new products or special needs with vendors and District staff; works with District staff to obtain
     laboratory, lecture, or other supplies; maintains expenditure records and prepares reports; advocates for the needs of the department; and
     creates prioritized lists of needed equipment and quotes for administration; provides input regarding annual budget
     development.
  10. Prepares, loads, and transports physics and engineering materials between campuses or off-site locations; may be
      required to operate District vehicle for transport.
  11. May perform basic first aid, as needed.
  12. Provides onboarding support,
      general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and directs activities of students, temporary employees, or District
      staff.
  13. Performs related duties that support the overall objective of the position.
  
  

  Minimum Qualifications

  Education and Experience Guidelines
  Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the
  required above knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Examples of ways to obtain the above knowledge and abilities could include, but are
  not limited to, the following:

  
  
  

  Education/Training

  • Two years of college with major course work in
    physics, engineering, or a related scientific field.
  
  
  

  Experience

  • Two years of increasingly responsible
    experience in physics or engineering laboratory.
  
  

  License/Certificate – Possession of, or ability to obtain
  within a reasonable timeframe, each of the following:

  • Valid California Driver’s License.
  • First Aid
    Certificate.
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness Certificate.
  
  

  QUALIFICATIONS
  The following
  generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to
  successfully perform the assigned duties.

  
  
  

  Knowledge of:

  • Theories, concepts, principles, techniques,
    protocols, and applications of physics, engineering, and related scientific disciplines.
  • Operational characteristics of laboratory
    apparatus, equipment, and materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.
  • Mathematics principles and skills, including
    calculus, differential equations, and scientific concepts.
  • Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment, and
    materials.
  • Principles and techniques used in the repair and calibration of scientific instruments.
  • Technical education and
    training with advanced and heavy machinery including Vertical CNC mill and associated equipment.
  • Manufacturing techniques for
    repairs.
  • Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding instruction, support of students, and laboratory
    protocols, including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act
    (ADA).
  • Basic inventory, bookkeeping, and purchasing processes and procedures.
  • Research techniques including, but not limited
    to, being able to understand and reproduce peer reviewed papers.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and
    vocabulary.
  
  
  

  Ability to:

  • Perform general technical and operational duties in support of the physics and
    engineering programs, including, but not limited to, operating and maintaining equipment, computers, and tools; maintaining and organizing
    supply inventory and storage facility; proctoring tests; and supporting classroom and lab activities.
  • Instruct others in the proper
    use of scientific apparatus.
  • Code, read technical drawings, and understand dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Read and understand
    laboratory and technical manuals and procedures.
  • Apply scientific principles to practical applications; analyze data and solve
    problems.
  • Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
  • Practice safety precautions,
    techniques, and procedures, including safe lifting techniques, laboratory protocols, and safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous
    materials.
  • Plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.
  • Perform basic record keeping
    functions.
  • Utilize office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers, technology, and applicable software applications
    sufficiently to perform the duties of the classification, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and those used in the fields of
    physics and engineering such as 3D modeling and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
  • Maintain confidentiality of
    information.
  • Follow oral and written directions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in
    writing.
  • Provide onboarding support, general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and direct activities of students,
    temporary employees, or District staff.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of
    work.
  • Work independently and collaboratively.
  • Apply District policies and procedures.
  
  

  Physical Demands
  and Working Environment
  The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
  successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
  perform the essential job functions.

  Environment: Work is performed indoors in an education
  center/classroom/laboratory setting and outdoors in the field; risk of exposure electrical energy; work with laboratory equipment and
  apparatus. Moderate exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.

  
  
  

  Physical: Primary functions require
  sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and/or education center/classroom/laboratory setting; to stand or sit for
  prolonged periods of time; to occasionally walk, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to
  moderate amounts of weight; to operate laboratory and office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including
  use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and may require the wearing of personal protective equipment,
  including safety glasses or goggles, lab coats, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators, or face shields.

  Vision: See
  in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate
  assigned equipment.

  
  

  Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

  Supplemental
  Information

  
  
  

  WHY SIERRA?

  • One of Aspen Institute’s Top 150 Community Colleges in the
    nation
  • The Accrediting Commission recognized Sierra “for its exemplary practice of providing personnel with opportunities for
    continued professional development in order to meet its mission.” This includes providing students and employees with a robust set of
    programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our students, etc.
  • Public Employee’s
    Retirement System (PERS)
  • 18 paid holidays (including extended time off during the winter break)
  • 12 accrued paid vacation
    days per year (vacation accrual increases over time)
  • Competitive benefits package
  • Flexible work schedules may be
    available
  • Currently during summers, some employee groups participate in 4×10 schedules
  • Qualifying Employer for Public
    Service
  
  

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