Departmental Assistant, College of Engineering

University of Saskatchewan•Saskatoon, SK

8d•CA$69,035 - CA$107,868•Onsite

About The Position

The departmental assistant supports undergraduate laboratory instruction in the department through the design, delivery, and supervision of laboratory programs. This position oversees laboratory operations, resources, and facilities while contributing to curriculum delivery. Instructional coverage in academic courses may also be provided given the candidate’s background. The assistant supports faculty and students through advanced technical involvement related to undergraduate and graduate research, fieldwork, and full-scale testing activities. The assistant supports departmental committees focused on occupational health and safety. Additionally, the person in this role participates in the planning, construction, and operation of laboratory and field equipment used for teaching, research, and external testing services. The assistant engages with industry to deliver specialized laboratory testing services that support academic programming and collaborative initiatives.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in civil, geological, or environmental engineering; a master’s degree is preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A valid Class 5 driver’s license.
Minimum of two years of directly related professional experience supporting laboratory instruction, research activities, and fieldwork, including supervising, instructing, coaching, or leading small teams.
Considerable experience in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, carpentry, masonry, and construction work.
Strong judgment related to safety, equipment planning, and project delivery.
Capacity to maintain multiple priorities in laboratory, field, and academic environments.
Effective communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team.
Proven ability to prioritize conflicting demands during peak periods of activity.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with engineering and data acquisition software, such as Bluehill Universal, MTS Test Suite, MTS 793 Software, Labview, Measurement and Automation Explorer, GI Bench, and PLC ladder logic programming.

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) or equivalent Canadian body is an asset.

Responsibilities

Leads multidisciplinary laboratory, field, and full-scale testing programs through planning, coordination, supervision, and hands-on participation including full scale masonry, concrete, and steel structures.
Develops and delivers support to undergraduate and graduate laboratory modules aligned with program and/or accreditation requirements, which may include developing online or remote lab experiences for flexible course delivery.
Oversees laboratory operations, budgets, facilities, equipment, and fee-for-service activities.
Oversees laboratory safety programs, risk assessments, training delivery, and participation in departmental and college safety committees.
Provides advanced technical support for research through testing, instrumentation deployment, data acquisition, and equipment fabrication.
Supervises, leads, and coaches undergraduate and graduate students with research and teaching support staff during laboratory and field activities.
Designs, fabricates, modifies, maintains bench-scale, full-scale, and field-scale laboratory equipment (eg. Mechanical, hydraulic, fabrication systems, construction, welding, steelwork, plasma cutting).
Oversees procurement of appropriate tools, instrumentation, and equipment required to meet research testing requirements.
Coordinates and supports departmental field programs, including specialized programs and/or field investigations.
Liaises with industry partners to deliver testing services, site tours, demonstrations, and collaborative projects.
Maintains and improves laboratory infrastructure, software tools, databases, and testing systems.
Provides specialized expertized expertise in data acquisition, instrumentation, software programming, and system integration with broad technical proficiency in multiple engineering disciplines including civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, hydraulic, and mining engineering.
Supports student engagement through instructional guidance, supervision, and participation in outreach activities.
Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
Building and maintaining industry relationships to create future research and funding opportunities.
Maintaining a strong focus on safety is essential and serves as a key resource related to ensuring safe construction and testing practices.
Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.