Scientific Instrument Technician

Title: Scientific Instrument Technician Employee Classification: Scientific Instr Technician Campus: University of North Texas Division: UNT-Provost SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100 Job Location: Denton Salary: 52000.00

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible Department Summary The UNT Department of Biological Sciences offers comprehensive education and research in the life and environmental sciences. Operating out of a state-of-the-art $40 million, LEED-certified Life Sciences Complex, the department features world‑class faculty, hands‑on undergraduate research, and robust graduate programs. Position Overview To assist in the management and operations of the Biological Sciences Department, the Institute of Applied Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, including special attention to the research laboratory and field facilities. Minimum Qualifications Associate’s degree in related field and three years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, schematics and designs. Ability to creatively work from ideas and to draw own sketches and designs. Skilled with the usage of common tools and power tools. Ability to design, trouble‑shoot and maintain complex equipment. Knowledge of appropriate safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed. Working knowledge of scientific instrumentation including electronics, refrigeration, electro‑mechanical devices, fluidics systems, microscopy, high and low voltage systems, water purification, ultrahigh vacuum systems, IT, mass spectrometry, greenhouse and growth chambers. Strong troubleshooting, observation, time‑critical task management skills and problem‑solving abilities necessary. Preferred Qualifications Five years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing scientific instruments and equipment. Experience working in academic research laboratories and/or biomedical repair. Preference given to those with refrigeration, electronics, IT, and vehicle maintenance backgrounds. Knowledge of State of Texas and/or UNT policies and procedures. Relevant degree or certification from a technical college/institution. EPA 608u certification. Job Duties Troubleshoot, repair, calibrate and maintain scientific instrumentation, common equipment, and maintain scientific facilities using available documentation, technical assistance from manufacturer and best practices including purchasing necessary repair parts. Install repair parts and make all necessary adjustments and calibrations to reduce downtime, and cost of repair. Install new equipment using manufacturer supplied documentation and instructions. Assist new equipment vendors by ensuring necessary site work is done prior to installation and making arrangements for assistance in off‑loading of equipment, when appropriate. Perform needed preventive maintenance procedures to ensure proper operation, performance and safety of equipment is maintained. Arrange for outside assistance when such service is beyond the capabilities of the instrument shop due to lack of necessary equipment or familiarity with the equipment. Assist as a liaison with Facilities to aid in maintaining the EESAT, SRB, LSC, WRFS and other research facilities. This includes fielding complaints from occupants and placing work orders with Facilities to address these problems. Work with Facilities to make renovations to the building (structural, electrical, plumbing etc.). When necessary and available assist with any after‑hours problems which may occur. Assist with performing required annual departmental equipment inventory per university procedures and policies. Complete required documentation for missing and stolen equipment. Submit completed Inventory Certification and related documents with required signatures to Asset Management for approval. Input custodian and location changes into the EIS asset system. Send obsolete and unwanted equipment to Surplus for re‑distribution or disposal. Verify equipment has been removed from departmental inventory. Assist researchers with proper maintenance and usage of scientific instruments and equipment. As needed, use a university P‑card for instrument‑related purchases. Keep current with P‑card training and reconcile the P‑card as required. As needed, assist with after‑hours needs of research facilities and greenhouses. Process departmental key and swipe card requests. Coordinate lock changes and maintenance. Coordinate fleet vehicle upkeep and maintenance: Management of 15 departmental vehicles, trailers, and boats. Responsibilities include coordinating between automotive, department, outside vendors, and end user to resolve issues, repairs, and general maintenance and upkeep; performing visual inspections and weekly reporting; ensuring tires are in good condition; driving vehicles on and off campus; checking golf cart battery; keying in monthly mileage reports; coordinating with fleet usage at Pollinative Prairie and LLELA as needed; following up with outside vendors for timely repairs; coordinating billing with IAS office staff. Physical Requirements Communicating with others to exchange information. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like. Lifting and moving objects up to 20 pounds. Lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds. Lifting and moving objects up to 100 pounds or more. Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces. Operating machinery and/or power tools. Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Environmental Hazards Elevated temperatures. Exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration. Low temperatures. Noisy environments. Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. Small and/or enclosed spaces. Work with toxic or caustic chemicals. Work Schedule Mon‑Fri 8am‑5pm Driving University Vehicle Yes Security Sensitive This is a Security Sensitive Position. Special Instructions Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Benefits For information regarding our Benefits. EEO Statement The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit – and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Texas - Denton