Colorado College
Technical Director
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Job Title: Technical Director
Department: Geology
Campus Location: Main Campus
FLSA Status: Exempt/ Salaried
Position Type/ Work Schedule
- 2080 Hours per year
- 12 Months per year
- 40 Hours per week (Estimated)
About Us
At Colorado College, 2,100 students learn and live on our beautiful 99-acre campus in downtown Colorado Springs. We attract top students seeking new perspectives with an array of experiential learning opportunities possible only in an immersive learning environment. Here, students take only one class at a time to facilitate deep exploration of a topic. We call this the Block Plan. This unique approach allows members of our campus community to share a rhythm of experience as we work together to fulfill our mission.
Job Summary
The Technical Director is responsible for ensuring the effective operation, maintenance, and support of the Geology Department’s laboratories, field equipment, instrumentation, and computing resources. This position provides technical expertise, training, and support to students and faculty while overseeing a diverse array of specialized scientific and instructional equipment, including a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrumentation, and petrographic and stereo microscopes (for full list of facilities/instruments, see: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/geology/about-us/facilities.html). The Technical Director works closely with faculty to support teaching, research, and field-based learning activities and reports directly to the Chair of the Geology Department. Colorado College supports ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, manufacturer training programs, and other educational opportunities related to instrumentation, software, and emerging technologies.
Responsibilities
Laboratory and Instrumentation Management:
- Manage and maintain the Geology Department’s laboratories, research instrumentation, field equipment, and associated facilities to support teaching, research, and field-based learning activities.
- Perform or coordinate routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of specialized scientific instrumentation, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) systems with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), benchtop and handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments, polarized light and stereo microscopes, geophysical and surveying equipment, and rock and mineral sample preparation equipment.
- Oversee the operation and upkeep of laboratory and sample preparation facilities to ensure equipment reliability, functionality, and accessibility for faculty and students.
Laboratory Operations, Safety, and Compliance:
- Oversee the safe and effective operation of geochemistry, research, and teaching laboratories by developing and implementing laboratory procedures and ensuring compliance with College policies and applicable safety regulations.
- Manage the storage, handling, inventory, and disposal of laboratory chemicals and hazardous materials; maintain fume hoods and other safety systems; and ensure laboratory facilities, equipment, and materials remain organized, clean, and accessible.
- Promote a culture of safety and environmental stewardship by participating in safety training, reporting unsafe conditions, and implementing best practices for laboratory and field operations.
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Technical Support, Training, and Continued Education:
- Instruct users in the proper operation, maintenance, and application of scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, software, and field technologies.
- Support the integration of instrumentation and technology into teaching and research activities while maintaining current knowledge of emerging equipment, software, and analytical techniques through ongoing professional development and specialized training opportunities.
Data, Resource, and Technology Management:
- Develop and maintain organized data management practices, including instrument documentation, standard operating procedures, file storage systems, and equipment records.
- Coordinate and oversee student employees and paraprofessionals responsible for the organization, maintenance, and preservation of laboratories, teaching collections, field equipment, and departmental resources, and collaborate with the Academic Administrative Assistant to support the maintenance and readiness of departmental vehicles.
- Coordinate with Information Technology Services to maintain department computing infrastructure and ensure systems remain current and operational.
- Purchase, install, manage, and maintain software licenses and applications used for scientific data collection, analysis, visualization, and graphics.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in earth science or related field with at least one years’ relevant work experience (such as an analytical lab)
- Experience in the use and maintenance of XRF and SEM instrumentations
- Proficiency using polarized light microscopes for PPL and XPL
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in earth science or related field
- Familiarity with common earth science softwares and MS Office package
- Experience training others in instrumentation
- Mechanical aptitude
- Strong organizational skills
- Proven ability to develop and communicate analytical or instrumental procedures.
- Willingness to learn new analytical techniques, instruments, and softwares.
Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications.
Other Position Details:
- Does not supervise others
- Position requires driving CC vehicles (drivers must be eligible for coverage under CC's insurance plan)
Application Instructions
- Application Deadline - last day to submit an application: September 14, 2026
- This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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To apply, please submit:
- Resume, including contact information for three references
- 1-2 page cover letter that addresses: experience training and/or supervising others in using earth science instrumentation; an example of developing and communicating an analytical or instrument procedure; and specific interest in joining a small, teaching focused earth science department at a liberal arts institution.
We ask that you not use Artificial Intelligence assistance when composing your written responses, as clear and original communication is a key part of the job duties.
To help us stay connected with you throughout the hiring process, we encourage you to apply using a personal email address instead of a Colorado College email address.
In alignment with our commitment to reduce potential bias in hiring, applicants may redact any information that discloses their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on resumes, certifications, transcripts, or other application materials. There will be no penalties for the omission of such information.
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:
- $58,096 to $69,715 per year
What We Offer:
As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 7.34 hours of vacation per pay period (176 hours, 22 days per year) and 4 hours of sick time per pay period (96 hours, 12 days per year)
- Paid seasonal breaks and holidays (20 days per year)
- 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
- Tuition benefits for employee and eligible dependents
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
- Wellness benefits include free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants
Benefits and Wellness Information:
Please refer to our Benefits Page https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/humanresources/benefits/index.html
Explore the Department:
This position oversees a diverse array of specialized scientific and instructional equipment - see full list at https://www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/geology/about-us/facilities.html.
Accommodation Statement:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College’s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request accommodations to support your application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at HR@coloradocollege.edu as early as possible. Positions may close on the listed deadline or, if posted as continuous, may close without prior notice.
E-Verify Information:
This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit http://www.e-verify.gov
Leave Information:
Please refer to https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/leadership/policies/vacation-leave-and-accrual.html
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