Instructional Support Technician II (BIE)

Job Description:

Instructional Support Technician II (BIE)

Description

Position Summary

The Instructional Support Technician II plays a vital role in supporting high-quality biology laboratory instruction and greenhouse operations. This position provides comprehensive laboratory, instructional, and facility support by managing living plant collections, maintaining greenhouse environments, and preparing materials for hands-on laboratory courses. Working closely with faculty and teaching assistants, the role ensures that biological materials, equipment, and instructional resources are safe, organized, and ready for student learning. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with expertise in biological sciences who enjoys working in dynamic instructional and research environments.

This position partners with faculty and administration to plan new services and address operational challenges, while supporting the development of instructional activities through consultation on effective materials and equipment utilization. It provides guidance to diverse faculty and students to promote the independent and confident use of equipment and serves as a liaison with equipment technicians to assess, communicate, and coordinate equipment needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain greenhouse facilities and living plant collections, including monitoring environmental systems such as temperature, humidity, and irrigation.
• Prepare, organize, and standardize laboratory materials and supplies to support multiple course sections.
• Coordinate and provide guidance to teaching assistants assigned to laboratory instruction.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols related to greenhouse operations, chemical handling, and biological materials.
• Support faculty instructional and research needs through equipment maintenance, logistics coordination, and facility oversight.

Why Join Us?

• Support hands-on biology education and experiential learning for students.
• Work in a collaborative academic environment alongside faculty, teaching assistants, and researchers.
• Apply specialized greenhouse and laboratory expertise in a dynamic university setting.
• Contribute to safe, effective, and innovative instructional programs.
• Join a team committed to scientific excellence and student success.

Position Information

SDSU is an innovative institution that promotes and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do: research, teaching, professional development, student experiences in and outside the classroom, and community relationships. Our values compel us to foster such an environment, where community members of all identities can thrive. We embrace SDSU’s identity as a Hispanic-Serving Institution on the border and recognize our residence on Kumeyaay land. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to serving and/or addressing issues related to underrepresented populations.

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Biology is one of the largest departments within the University. Its wide spectrum of teaching and research covers all major areas of biology and includes ~1600 majors. Degrees offered by the Department include: BA or BS in Biology, BA or BS in Microbiology, BS in Biology with optional emphases in Cell and Molecular Biology, in Ecology, in Evolution and Systematics, in Marine Biology, and in Zoology as well as preparation for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Life Sciences; B.S. in Microbiology with optional emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science and Public Health Microbiology; a Certificate in Biotechnology; MA or MS in Biology or in Microbiology; MA or MS with emphases in Ecology, in Evolutionary Biology, in Molecular Biology, and in Physiology; Ph.D. in Biology (with UCSD); Ph.D. in Ecology (with UC Davis) and Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology (with UC Riverside). The Department currently generates approximately 1275 FTES per semester.

The Biology Department consists of 40 tenured/tenure-track faculty members, 3 full-time faculty lecturers, ~100 graduate teaching associates and graduate assistants, 65 joint doctoral students, a facilities coordinator, a student services professional, one confidential II position, two administrative support coordinator II positions (one is the administrative department coordinator), two administrative assistant II positions, 10 technical support staff and approximately 6-7 work-study/student assistants per semester.

The Biology Department maintains a major instructional program for biology majors. A foundation course for the major is Biology 204L, Principles of Organismal Biology Laboratory, representing 16 sections and enrollment of approximately 400 students per year. In addition six other courses in Biology require plant material support.

For more information regarding the Department of Biology, click here .

Education and Experience

Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to specialty area to which assigned.

OR

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

OR

Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the specialty area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Key Qualifications

• Skill in operating and monitoring greenhouse environmental systems (e.g., temperature, humidity, irrigation)
• Knowledge of safety protocols related to greenhouse operations, chemical use, and biological materials
• Experience supporting instructional environments requiring consistent preparation and material standardization
• Experience working in a university or research-based greenhouse is preferred.
• Experience interacting with faculty, students, and visitors in an instructional or educational setting is preferred.
• Experience supporting instructional programs that rely on living or fragile materials is preferred.
• Experience coordinating laboratory logistics across multiple course sections is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and administrators.
• Knowledge of instructional materials and equipment utilization to support teaching and learning.
• Ability to train and support diverse faculty and students in the independent use of equipment.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 2 ($4,687) for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,595 - $6,694 per month (Step 1 - Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview .

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by March 17th, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco ([email protected]).

Advertised: Mar 03 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: