Instructional Support Specialist, Fire Technology* - Career Technical Education - Columbia College

Site:

Columbia College

Salary Range / Other:

Range 36 – $5,576 – $7,124 (2025-2026 Classified Salary Schedule). 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.

*Categorically Funded position (Continued employment in this position is dependent upon funding)*

Worksite: Columbia College; Sonora, CA 40 hours per week, 12 months per year
Monday through Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
(Some evening and weekend hours may be required)

Benefits:

The District currently pays for a health options for the employee and dependents. Employees may elect to pay a premium for a higher health option. Vision care and dental insurance premiums for the employee and dependents is District paid. Income protection and life insurance premiums for the employee are also District paid. The estimated cost of District provided benefits (health, dental, vision, and life) is $24,408 annually.

Job Description:

DEFINITION
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.

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.

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The Education/Experience, 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:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with State Fire Training, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, CAL OSHA and other State and Federal Agencies.
• Maintain Fire Technology and Wildland Fire Safety Data Sheet Binder.
• Have a working knowledge of building construction to rebuild roof props.
• Coordinate maintenance of various props such as fire pump simulator, roof prop, door prop.
• Perform maintenance and repair of specialized equipment such as fire hose, chain saws, generators, hand tools, ropes, self-contained breathing apparatus, and personal protective equipment.
• Perform inventory management of personal protective equipment to monitor service life.
• Operations, procedures, goals or objectives of the laboratory or program to which assigned.
• Methods and techniques of student instruction and tutoring.
• Principles and practices of supervision and leadership.
• Specialized subject matter pertaining to the area of assignment.
• Modern office, classroom and laboratory procedures and equipment including computers.
• Basic mathematical principles and applications.
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of filing and record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Appropriate and effective communication and listening skills.

Ability to:

• Perform specialized technical laboratory duties pertaining to the area of assignment.
• Provide hands-on academic support to students as a supplement to their classroom teaching.
• Prepare laboratories and lessons as requested by the instructor.
• Respond to a variety of requests for assistance from students and instructors.
• Listen effectively and appropriately assess student academic needs.
• Work with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, ages and academic abilities.
• Lead and direct the work of subordinate staff.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and files.
• Explain and ensure adherence to laboratory and program procedures, goals and objectives.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

• 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's 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).
• Special Requirements:
  • Depending upon the assignment of a position, applicants may be required to demonstrate technical knowledge and skills pertaining to a specialized academic area.

Example of Duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists faculty and other instructional staff by preparing and presenting complex technical materials designed to enhance students' 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.
• Calibrates, troubleshoots, and performs routine maintenance and minor repairs relative to firefighting equipment, simulators, and props; coordinates repair and maintenance services with facilities or vendors as needed.
• Contacts vendors to obtain quotes and supplies, may place orders and purchase chemicals, laboratory supplies and equipment; inspects incoming shipments and distributes or stores in proper locations.
• Oversees the disposal of unsafe or hazardous materials used in fire operations according to Federal, State, County and City regulations.
• Develops, explains and demonstrates specialized and complex learning exercises and instructional materials; monitors students in class work procedures.
• May host additional lab time and tutoring sessions for student projects, exams, and study, as needed; monitors and assists students in drills, practices and study activities as a follow up on what was presented during regular classes.
• 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.
• Collects specimens; seeks out sources of demonstration materials and supplies.
• Sets up, disassembles, cleans or replaces apparatus and instructional materials used in activities and demonstrations.
• Prepares and properly disposes of solutions, cultures, and specimens.
• 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.
• Ensures that chemicals and equipment are stored appropriately and safely.
• Orders and purchases chemicals, laboratory supplies and equipment; contacts and negotiates with vendors to obtain supplies as needed.
• Oversees the disposal of unsafe or hazardous materials according to Federal, State, County and City regulations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists in the development of laboratory budgets.
• 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.
• Reports student progress toward the accomplishment of learning objectives.
• Maintains libraries and/or inventories of instructional resources and materials; maintains records of materials loaned to students for home study.
• Organizes and presents workshops related to the development of study skills, interpersonal skills, life skills, academic improvement, and other subjects relevant to learning.
• Coordinates and performs administrative support duties that may require typing, proofreading, filing, checking and recording information.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Depending upon assignment, a valid license to drive in California may be required.

Physical and Mental Standards:

• Mobility: ability to sit, walk or stand for extended periods.
• Dexterity: fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes, and/or prepare laboratory materials/equipment; must have a full range of motion in the upper extremities.
• Lifting: frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.
• Hearing/Talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
• Emotional/Psychological Factors: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with students, teachers and others, including the public.
• Other Factors: moderate risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological materials, flammable gases and electric shock; moderate use of equipment with moving and/or sharp parts.

*Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.*

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is generally performed in a laboratory or other highly technical setting.

Additional Applicant Information:

Applications are accepted online only at:
https://www.yosemite.edu/recruitment/employmentopportunities/
Select Job Openings, Select Search Jobs, Select Job Title, Create an account and Apply to this job.

Classified:
This is a classified bargaining unit position.

SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online application packets will be accepted including:

• YCCD Administrative online application, including contact information for at least three professional references.
• Resume
• Personal letter of interest

Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee which will select candidates to be interviewed.
Those applicants selected for personal interview will be notified by email or phone. In accordance with Board policy official offers of employment will be made only by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor/Human Resources, YCCD. Final appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Trustees.

Federal law requires the District employ only US citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. Written verification of employment eligibility is required.

BACKGROUND CHECK: A background investigation of new employees is required, including reference checks and a state criminal history report. Employment will not begin until the history check has been cleared by Human Resources. The cost for the criminal history report will be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

The District may hire more than one applicant from this applicant pool.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The Yosemite Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of Yosemite Community College District (Modesto Junior College and Columbia College) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its educational programs and its employment practices. YCCD BP 3410 Nondiscrimination can be found at: https://www.yosemite.edu/trustees/board_policy/3410%20Nondiscrimination.pdf

Title IX Sexual Harassment regulations define Title IX Sexual Harassment to include four terms "as defined in" the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.

In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §§ 100.6(d), 104.8, and 106.9; and 28 C.F.R. § 35.106, the following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504/Title II policies:

District Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Yosemite Community College District
2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto, CA 95358

Open Date: 10/01/2026

Close Date: 10/29/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Organization

On behalf of everyone at the Yosemite Community College District Office, Modesto Junior College and Columbia College, we welcome you to our District. All of our employees throughout the District are dedicated to excellence in serving our students. Even with all the fiscal issues that we are facing within the State of California, our staff has been working miracles with continuously reduced budgets. We continue to serve our students well, and provide them with great opportunities and a quality education. As the Chancellor, I am very proud of their efforts and dedication.

One of my greatest challenges is to ensure the educational quality and fiscal stability of our institutions. One way this is accomplished is through long-range planning. There are many exciting things on the horizon for the Colleges of the YCCD - especially with all the construction and completion of our Measure E building projects. We are very grateful to the community for your support of these efforts. Students will benefit for years to come; we extend to you heartfelt thanks.

The Mission of the Yosemite Community College District is: "The YCCD is committed to responding to the needs of our diverse community through excellence in teaching, learning and support programs contributing to social, cultural and economic development and wellness." We take this mission statement seriously; it is the one key element that we base all our efforts on - it is our charge to provide excellent, meaningful service to the community.

As educators, we always focus on offering life-changing opportunities for our students; that is our business. One of the most enjoyable experiences in my 30 year higher education career has been witnessing lives changing right before my eyes as students graduate or achieve their educational goals. When they go on to create successful lives for themselves, their families and their communities I know we have done our job! This is the reward of the work that we collectively do at the Yosemite Community College District. I most cordially invite you to become more involved in our dynamic educational community called the YCCD.

Most sincerely,

Joan E. Smith, Ed.D.

Columbia College is a dynamic institution of learners and creative thinkers dedicated to high standards of student success. We prepare students to be fully engaged in an evolving world by offering comprehensive and high quality programs and services. Columbia College is committed to a culture of improvement through measuring student learning across the institution. We strive for excellence, foster a spirit of professionalism and embrace diversity.

Modesto Junior College, one of the oldest community colleges in the state, was organized in 1921 to serve the first junior college district established under a State Legislature Enabling Act. Modesto Junior College was established to meet the needs of the community. Today the college strives to maintain the same objective—that of dedication and service to the community.