Instructional Support Specialist - Fire Science/Career Technical Education

Under direction, leads and performs highly advanced and technical support duties in a specialized science or similar laboratory environment; assists instructors in preparing for complex learning experiences; serves as a lead worker over technical staff; coordinates the functions of several units; operates and maintains specialized equipment related to the assigned instructional areas; monitors and ensures the safety of student activities that may involve the use of hazardous equipment, chemicals, or other materials; performs complex technical administrative support tasks for faculty and other instructional staff; and performs related work as assigned.

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DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced and lead technical level class in the Instructional Support Series within the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD). Incumbents in this class provide advanced instructional and administrative support in technically complex laboratory settings and frequently serve as lead workers over multiple complex areas in such settings. Incumbents must possess and utilize highly technical and specialized knowledge of a particular instructional or academic area in order to perform duties and help ensure the safety of students.

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This class may be distinguished from the lower-level class of Instructional Support Technician because incumbents in that class perform a wide range of complex technical instructional and administrative support duties in science, vocational, engineering, electronics, photography, physical education, or other specialized and technical laboratory environments, but do not typically serve as lead workers in those types of specialized settings.

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SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Incumbents in this class work under the direction of a manager or senior manager, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures. Incumbents plan and/or determine specific procedures or equipment required to meet assigned objectives and solve non-routine problems, referring only unusual matters to a supervisor. An incumbent in this class does not directly supervise other full-time employees, but may serve as a lead worker by assigning, directing and/or monitoring the work of subordinate full-time employees on a regular basis.

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Minimum Qualifications

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

\u2022 Assists faculty and other instructional staff by preparing and presenting complex technical materials designed to enhance students\u2019 learning processes; participates in the planning and implementation of exercises and/or experiments; sets up and conducts complex instructional exercises as directed; may independently implement and coordinate instructional sessions and activities.

\u2022 Prepares complex and specialized equipment, materials and/or chemicals for exercises in support of the related programs; trains students in procedures for mixing, storing, dispensing and labeling laboratory work or supplies.

\u2022 Collects specimens; seeks out sources of demonstration materials and supplies.

\u2022 Sets up, disassembles, cleans or replaces apparatus and instructional materials used in activities and demonstrations.

\u2022 Prepares and properly disposes of solutions, cultures, and specimens.

\u2022 Ensures that assigned learning environments are maintained in a safe, clean and orderly condition; calibrates and performs minor repairs on equipment; monitors the cleaning and organizing of materials; monitors the safety and security of equipment; coordinates with vendors for repair and maintenance services as needed.

\u2022 Ensures that chemicals and equipment are stored appropriately and safely.

\u2022 Orders and purchases chemicals, laboratory supplies and equipment; contacts and negotiates with vendors to obtain supplies as needed.

\u2022 Oversees the disposal of unsafe or hazardous materials according to Federal, State, County and City regulations.

\u2022 Develops, explains and demonstrates specialized and complex learning exercises and instructional materials; monitors students in class work procedures; consults with faculty as needed to develop lesson plans.

\u2022 Maintains records of materials ordered, issued, used and returned and prepares related reports; maintains inventories to ensure that adequate quantities are available for timely instructional use; maintains student positive attendance records, ensuring that students sign in/sign out; tracks student costs for computer and/or equipment use; maintains student laboratory accounts and submits charges.

\u2022 Assists in the development of laboratory budgets.

\u2022 Instructs and/or tutors individual students and small groups to reinforce and follow up on classroom learning activities; monitors and assists students in drills, practices and study activities as a follow up what was presented during regular classes.

\u2022 Reports student progress toward the accomplishment of learning objectives.

\u2022 Maintains libraries and/or inventories of instructional resources and materials; maintains records of materials loaned to students for home study.

\u2022 Organizes and presents workshops related to the development of study skills, interpersonal skills, life skills, academic improvement, and other subjects relevant to learning.

\u2022 Coordinates and performs administrative support duties that may require typing, proofreading, filing, checking and recording information.

\u2022 Posts information to a computerized and/or manual management information storage and retrieval systems; retrieves and compiles information and prepares complex clerical forms, reports and summaries.

\u2022 Operates a variety of computers and/or related equipment pertaining to the assigned academic area; performs routine hardware and software installations, maintenance and troubleshooting; assists students in utilizing specialized computer technology as part of the learning process; installs and sets up hardware and software; resolves and repairs minor technical issues.

\u2022 Performs other related duties as assigned., u2022 Provide hands-on academic support to students as a supplement to their classroom teaching.

\u2022 Prepare laboratories and lessons as requested by the instructor.

\u2022 Respond to a variety of requests for assistance from students and instructors.

\u2022 Listen effectively and appropriately assess student academic needs.

\u2022 Work with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, ages and academic abilities.

\u2022 Lead and direct the work of subordinate staff.

\u2022 Maintain accurate and complete records and files.

\u2022 Explain and ensure adherence to laboratory and program procedures, goals and objectives.

Any combination of education, experience and/or training that would likely provide the above-required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. Typical background patterns that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities are:

Pattern I

Experience: Two years equivalent to an Instructional Support Technician at YCCD, performing duties that provided familiarity with a specialized academic area (which may vary depending upon the assignment of the position).

OR

Pattern II

Education: Possession of an associate\u2019s degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in a life science, or a related area applicable to the specific assignment of the position.

Experience: Four years performing technical duties that provided familiarity with a specialized academic area (which may vary depending upon the assignment of the position)., Depending upon the assignment of a position, applicants may be required to demonstrate technical knowledge and skills pertaining to a specialized academic area., To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The knowledge and ability requirements are representative of essential duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

\u2022 Operations, procedures, goals or objectives of the laboratory or program to which assigned.

\u2022 Methods and techniques of student instruction and tutoring.

\u2022 Principles and practices of supervision and leadership.

\u2022 Specialized subject matter pertaining to the area of assignment.

\u2022 Modern office, classroom and laboratory procedures and equipment including computers.

\u2022 Basic mathematical principles and applications.

\u2022 Proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

\u2022 Principles and practices of filing and record keeping.

\u2022 Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

\u2022 Appropriate and effective communication and listening skills., u2022 Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Salary: Range 33 \u2013 $5,186- $6,616 (2025-2026 Classified Salary Schedule)

40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

8 hours per day, 5 days per week

Monday through Friday: 8:00am \u2013 4:30pm

(May include evenings & weekends)

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Appointments are hired at the first step of the range. The second step is paid after the first year of satisfactory service with subsequent steps annually thereafter to a maximum sixth step.