Simulation Support Technician (4550)

Simulation Support Technician

Working Position Title - Simulation Support Technician

Classification - Specialist

Position Number - 00004550

Employee Class - Staff

Full-Time/Part Time - Full-Time

FTE - 1.00

Position Status - Regular

FLSA - Exempt

Job code - 1650SPS04

Union Representation - Non-Union

Union Code - N/A

Unit/Department - Nursing

College/Unit - College-Hlth & Human Sci Dean

Division - Academic Division

Location - NS 190

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview - Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a student-centered, regional public research institution with a diverse and international student body of approximately 16,000 students. Located 65 miles from downtown Chicago, in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU is a thriving community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, local residents and friends. Together, we support the goal of providing upward mobility to our students as well as the opportunity to make an enduring impact on our future. NIU has a long, rich tradition of academic excellence with a breadth of programmatic offerings that support the academic aspirations of our students. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty are not only dedicated to advancing their academic disciplines, but, in collaboration with NIU staff, are also focused on providing meaningful curricular and co-curricular experiences that prepare NIU students to be successful in achieving their future goals. NIU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research University/High Research Activity and a Carnegie Engaged University. NIU offers baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and law degrees across more than 40 academic departments and seven colleges.

Position Summary - The Simulation Technician supports the daily operations of the Nursing Simulation and Skills Laboratories by providing technical, operational, and logistical expertise. This role focuses on the preparation, execution, and maintenance of simulation-based learning experiences, ensuring a high-quality, realistic, and reliable environment for student education. The Simulation Technician works collaboratively with faculty and simulation leadership while maintaining primary responsibility for technical operations, equipment functionality, and simulation readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Simulation Operations & Scenario Support Prepare, set up, and break down simulation scenarios across all nursing and interdisciplinary courses Ensure all simulation rooms, equipment, supplies, and documentation are fully prepared and reset between sessions Operate simulation control room technology, including mannequins, audiovisual systems, software platforms, and scenario programming At times acts as a standardized patient within the scenario Maintain scenario fidelity through appropriate environmental setup, moulage, equipment configuration, and real-time adjustments during simulations Provide technical support before, during, and after all simulation sessions to ensure smooth operation Assist faculty with simulation flow and logistics without assuming instructional or evaluative responsibilities Simulation Equipment & Technology Management Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-, mid-, and low-fidelity mannequins and associated simulation equipment Perform routine maintenance, updates, and functionality checks on all simulation equipment and task trainers Coordinate repairs with external vendors on site or through shipping offsite and oversee preventative maintenance schedules Maintain operational readiness of all laboratory technology, including computers, control systems, and audiovisual equipment Serve as a technical resource for simulation equipment and laboratory systems Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management Build, maintain, and update electronic health record (EHR) scenarios and patient charts for simulation and clinical courses Ensure all courses are properly set up within the EHR system with accurate assignments and student access Provide technical support to faculty and students related to EHR use during simulation activities Collaborate with faculty to align EHR content with course objectives and simulation scenarios Communicates course information (course keys) to faculty within a timely manner Inventory, Supplies, and Resource Management Maintain inventory of simulation and skills lab supplies, consumables, and equipment Monitor stock levels and proactively order supplies to ensure uninterrupted operations Track usage and maintain organization of all lab materials and storage areas Serve as a point of contact for equipment and supply needs within the simulation and skills labs Laboratory Operations & Coordination Support the scheduling and logistical coordination of simulation sessions and lab usage Assist with student flow, session transitions, and operational efficiency across multiple daily simulations Provide support for simulation orientations and general lab operations as needed Data Tracking & Reporting Collect and maintain simulation and skills lab utilization data, including session hours, student participation, and lab usage Assist in compiling reports related to simulation activities, equipment usage, and program needs Professional Development & Technical Proficiency Maintain current knowledge of simulation technology, equipment, and best practices in healthcare simulation operations Participate in training, workshops, and professional development opportunities related to simulation technology and operations

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) - Associate's or Bachelor's degree in healthcare simulation, health sciences, information technology, education technology, nursing or related field (or equivalent healthcare experience) or certification/ license as a nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, physical therapy assistant etc.

Additional Requirements (SPS) - Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and support concurrent simulation sessions Effective communication and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications (SPS) - Experience working with technical equipment, simulation technology, audiovisual systems, or educational laboratory environments Familiarity with simulation software, control systems, and mannequin operation Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) or willingness to obtain certification

Physical demands/requirements - Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds Ability to stand, walk, and move between lab spaces for extended periods Manual dexterity to operate technical equipment and simulation tools

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date - 8/1/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date - 06/15/2027

Percent of Staff Year - 0.88

Standard Hours Per Week - 37.50

Working Hours - Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM, one-hour lunch

Salary - $50,000.16 - $55,000.08/Annually, commensurate with experience; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range - $2,083.34 - $2,291.67/Semi-monthly

Earn Type - Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure - For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit to apply and upload the following materials by June 12, 2026: Resume/CV Cover letter List of three professional references Unofficial transcripts (Official required upon hire) Applications received after June 12, 2026 are welcomed, but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions - N/A

Quick Link to Applicant -

Is Background Check Required? - Yes

EEO Statement Summary - In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building Room 230 View email address on click.appcast.io View phone number on click.appcast.io

Visa Policy - In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation - NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Safety Information - NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents