Laboratory Assistant, Wind Energy & Integrated Systems Technology

Essential Functions: – this position is Non-Exempt, i.e., is eligible for compensatory or overtime pay provisions of the FLSA.  This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned).

Program Support Functions: This work may be performed in an industrial setting and all Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Standards must be utilized. Work to be performed under the supervision of program faculty is as follows:

• Assist Instructor set up and validate complex labs; supervise and help guide students performing labs; and tear down and store equipment after labs are complete
• Read and interpret complex Wind Turbine Generator electrical, mechanical and fluid power drawings, diagrams and schematics
• Use digital multi-meters, ammeters, insulation resistance testers and other test equipment commonly used to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical faults
• Safely operate and maintain hydraulic and electric torqueing and tensioning equipment
• Ensure the correct use of all Personal Protective Equipment
• Perform Job Safety and Job Hazard Analysis
• Ensure Wind Energy Technology Nacelle and Hub trainers are kept industrially clean and in operationally ready condition for training
• Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment, tools, and work areas
• Follow faculty instructions for the preparation of course materials, supplies, or equipment
• Assist with the organization and inventory of supplies and equipment in accordance with program policy and practices
• Promptly report any damaged equipment, tools, or safety concerns to program faculty
• Attend training/instruction on and help facilitate the program safety procedures/practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in reading and interpreting OEM manuals and technical documents used to maintain, operate and repair Wind Turbine Generators
• Ability to effectively and professionally execute the essential functions of this position with proven capabilities in establishing appropriate professional rapport, communicating with courtesy and tact, accurately determine other’s needs, collecting necessary information, and follow-through when requested
• Excellent understanding of electrical, mechanical and fluid power fundamentals
• Ability to work in an industrial environment
• Knowledge and ability with personal computing applications – specifically Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe products (e.g., Reader, Professional), as well as database management systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality standards
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with area supervisor to resolve work and college course scheduling conflicts
• Ability to read and interpret instructions in oral, written, or diagrammatical form (e.g., a flow chart of a process)
• Excellent customer service skills; ability to communicate clearly with a variety of people, in one-to-one and small group settings – either face-to-face, by telephone, or by other electronic means
• Ability to communicate in an informative manner and effectively listen
• Ability to support time-based requests; able to function effectively in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment with deadlines and frequent interruptions
• Ability to respond to basic inquiries from faculty, staff, or other students
• Knowledge of basic office equipment including computer, copier, fax machine, and telephone

Physical/Mental Demands: 

• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an employee must be able to maintain appropriate composure and necessary confidentiality with regard to both past and current employee, student, and donor data; documents; issues; etc., and respect privacy needs of all employees, students, and donors
• The essential functions of this position requires the ability to work in an industrial setting including but not limited to working on elevated equipment, roof tops, in confined spaces, electrical equipment, complex machines, and chemicals; appropriate safety precautions, equipment, and procedures must be utilized at all times
• The ability to comply with highly inflexible deadlines is required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position; there will be multiple occurrences of sudden, urgent task completion required
• While performing the essential functions of this position a variable work schedule may be required
• There may be occurrences of interacting with employees and/or students, past employees and/or students, members of the general public, and others who express opinions, may exhibit strong emotions, which will require the employee to interact professionally, diplomatically, and appropriately in such situations
• While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to move around the assigned work areas as well as within hallways, meeting rooms, and other parts of the campus facilities
• There may be multiple/daily instances of prolonged sitting, standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling and personal computer use, which would include keyboard and/or mouse usage as well as viewing a computer monitor
• An employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds to perform essential position functions. For lifts exceeding 50lbs, a team lift technique is required
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
• The overall work environment requires the mental ability to shift focal point quickly due to interruptions; an employee must be able to mentally track multiple projects and tasking as well
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, there may be unexpected instances of somewhat loud sounds