Instrument Technician

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 29 Nov 2021

Posting Details
Working Title Instrument Technician
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202101321AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Technical/Support III
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $40,000 - $60,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date 12/20/2021
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/29/2021
Description of Work Unit
The Energy Institute is operated under the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Colorado State University. The Institute builds on the long history of work in energy at CSU and is intended to foster greater collaboration among energy faculty across all eight colleges with broad access to new facilities for faculty and industry partners. This position will be split between Powerhouse, an energy focused campus north of CSU main campus, and METEC a research facility on the Foothills campus west of the CSU main campus. This is an industrial working environment. The Institute is dedicated to providing safe, secure, and sophisticated facilities for university investigators and industry partners to collaboratively research clean energy in all facets of society.
Position Summary
This position will (1) construct, upgrade, and maintain instrument systems for a diverse team of emissions research scientists and students at the METEC research facility; (2) assist with the execution of laboratory and field testing and may be engaged in field measurement campaigns; (3) assist and educate students on practical skills necessary to operate instrumentation systems.  This position requires flexibility, understanding of industry, and practical technical knowledge of instrument systems, electronics and mechanical assembly, sourcing components, and testing integrated systems.  The position requires precision and attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.  The researchers at METEC are engaged in industry-leading emissions research, with three main activity areas: (1) experimental and testing at the METEC facility for leak detection solutions and pipeline safety research, (2) field campaigns to measure emissions, and (3) development of software to simulate emissions and emission mitigation.  This position will support al three main activity areas.  (https://energy.colostate.edu/metec/ )  
Required Job Qualifications
  • Associates degree with emphasis in instrumentation and electronic systems or a High School Diploma (or GED) plus equivalent experience as an instrumentation/system technician in active military service, plus 2 years of professional experience in a related technical field. 
  • Demonstrated ability to
    • troubleshoot, diagnose, debug and repair instrument systems. 
    • install and troubleshoot gas and fluid systems, such as tubing, fittings, valves and regulators

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with precision and attention to detail on complex systems.
  • Comprehension and analysis skills to read, understand, and absorb complex instrumentation manuals.
  • Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated team orientation and ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team.
  • Must have valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to licensed driver by the employment start date. 
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with research instrumentation systems.
  • Experience supporting research and development group or operation.
  • Demonstrated experience with trace gas measurement systems, gas chromatography, or similar equipment. 
  • Experience in natural gas operations in any sector.
  • Prior experience working with students in a learning environment. 
  • Demonstrated ability to write software to automate instrumentation using standard programming languages, LabView or other instrument automation systems. 
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Instrumentation support
Duty/Responsibility
  • Working with research scientists, plan instrumentation systems and modifications to systems.
  • Construct complex instrumentation systems.
  • Develop and document operational procedures. 
  • Maintain and enhance instrument systems.
  • Operate instrumentation systems under direction of research scientists. 
  • Write or integrate software components to automate instrument operation.
  • Balance multiple competing priorities in close collaboration with the facility director. 
  • Assure that acquired data is properly archived and processed.
  • Complete tasks on aggressive and time-critical schedules. 
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Support field measurement campaigns
Duty/Responsibility
  • Prepare equipment, instrumentation, vehicles, and other support equipment for field campaigns.
  • Working with research scientists, stage equipment and supplies as needed for completion of measurements campaigns on budget and schedule.
  • Accompany team and complete some field measurement work to gain experience. 
  • Assure that field measurements are properly collected and integrated.
  • Assure that data is transformed into long-term storage formats and is properly archived.
Percentage Of Time 30
Job Duty Category Supervise and mentor students
Duty/Responsibility
  • Assist students in the construction of their experimental apparatus.
  • Instruct students on practical skills such as wiring, soldering, tubing, quality assurance, testing, etc.
  • Develop safety protocols, instruct students on the protocols, and maintain a safe working environment.
  • Inspect experimental apparatuses and provide constructive feedback to students.
  • As required/requested by research scientists, supervise or assist in the conduct of experiments. 
Percentage Of Time 20

Special Instructions to Applicants
References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.  Please submit resume and cover letter addressing the required and preferred job qualifications. 
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, On-call Status, Travel
Search Contact Kristine Bennett, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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