McGill University
Course Technician
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Faculty of Science Earth & Planetary Systems (EPS) Position Summary
The Course Technician provides specialized technical support for undergraduate teaching activities within the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences. The incumbent ensures the preparation, maintenance, and sustainability of teaching materials, laboratory equipment, and field resources required for course delivery. The role is exclusively focused on undergraduate instruction and supports laboratory-based and field-based courses through the organization of teaching collections, preparation of instructional materials, maintenance of specialized equipment, and coordination of field logistics. The incumbent exercises independent technical judgment within established course frameworks to support the effective delivery of required and service courses across multiple programs. This position requires working on-site Monday to Friday.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Laboratory Support
- Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory materials, specimens, and equipment required for undergraduate courses with laboratory components.
- Curate and organize teaching collections (e.g., mineral, rock, fossil specimens and thin sections), including labeling, rotation, and updating of materials to support course learning objectives.
- Assemble and maintain laboratory kits (e.g., mineral identification tools) for student use.
- Coordinate preparation of specialized materials (e.g., thin sections) and maintain associated records, including contributing to digitization of collection data.
- Support instructors and teaching assistants in laboratory setup and delivery.
Equipment Organization
- Maintain, monitor, and coordinate the use of shared instructional equipment, including petrographic microscopes and field instruments.
- Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs; arrange for servicing and calibration as required.
- Coordinate the check-in/check-out of equipment to students and course staff.
- Monitor inventory levels and procure equipment and materials as required.
- Determine when equipment or materials require replacement, repair, or updating.
Field Course and Field Trip Support
- Prepare and maintain field equipment and supplies for field trips and field schools.
- Coordinate logistics associated with field-based teaching activities, including equipment distribution and inventory tracking.
- Assist with the preparation of field safety plans and other required documentation in collaboration with instructors.
- Provide administrative and logistical support for field schools and short-duration field trips.
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Planning and Coordination
- Organize and prioritize work activities in accordance with course schedules and the academic calendar.
- Coordinate the preparation and distribution of materials across multiple courses and instructors.
- Work collaboratively with faculty to ensure teaching materials and equipment meet instructional needs.
- Participate in the planning of laboratory and field activities, ensuring readiness and consistency across course offerings.
Continuous Improvement and Collection Stewardship
- Propose and implement improvements to workflows, specimen rotation practices, and equipment maintenance processes.
- Contribute to the long-term sustainability and organization of teaching collections in collaboration with faculty.
- Maintain accurate records for collections, equipment, and inventories.
The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks which may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this generic job description.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
- Undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences is strongly preferred.
- Bilingual; excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and French.
- Demonstrated experience providing technical support in a laboratory, teaching, or technical environment.
- Experience supporting undergraduate teaching activities, laboratory instruction, field courses, is an asset.
- Proven experience working with geological materials (minerals, rocks, thin sections).
- Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory techniques and equipment relevant to Earth sciences (e.g., microscopes, mineral identification tools).
- Experience maintaining collections, inventories, equipment, and related records.
- Proficiency with databases, inventory systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs of laboratory and field equipment, and coordinate servicing with external vendors when required.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet academic deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, instructors, teaching assistants, and students.
- Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and initiative in resolving operational and technical issues.
- Strong problem-solving skills, initiative, and attention to detail and initiative in improving processes and workflows.
- Knowledge of laboratory and field safety practices; First Aid certification is an asset.
- Ability to carry and move material and equipment of up to 15kg.
Benefits
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
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Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4. For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience
- DEC III - Medical Laboratory Technology
- 4 Years Related Experience
Hourly Salary: (MUNACA Level H) $33.05 - $40.97
Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)
Supervisor: Professor
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply: 2026-07-30
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer.
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