Aviation Lab Technician (Grant-funded until Fall 2028)

Department: Aviation Technology

Number of Positions: 1

Classification: 3-On Campus

Position #: 601330

Position Summary: The purpose of this grant funded position is to provide technical support to the Aviation Technology director, AVIT program and courses as well as provide support in the summer for the program.

Essential Functions:

30% Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and calibrations on aviation tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with FAA standards. Troubleshoot and repair minor equipment malfunctions, documenting all maintenance activities.

25% Prepare and set up laboratory activities for instructors and students, ensuring all necessary tools and materials are available and in good working condition. Provide technical assistance to faculty and students during lab sessions, addressing questions and facilitating hands-on learning experiences. Provide oversight of open lab time.

20% Maintain accurate inventory records of tools, equipment, and consumables, ensuring all necessary materials are available for instructional use. Monitor stock levels, manage reordering processes, and minimize waste through effective resource utilization.

10% Ensure adherence to OSHA, FAA, and institutional safety regulations, conducting regular safety inspections and audits of the laboratory environment. Implement and maintain safety protocols, including the proper handling and storage of hazardous materials.

5% Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance, inventory usage, and safety inspections. Assist in tracking expenditures and reporting on budget variances related to laboratory operations.

5% Participate in program assessments and contribute to the development of process improvements that enhance laboratory efficiency and educational effectiveness. Stay current with advancements in aviation technology and industry best practices, attending training sessions as needed.

5% Other duties as assigned. Assist in preparation of lecture materials (powerpoint slides, graphics and photocopies). Assist in preparation and update of web based courses and course materials. Conduct lab tours and demos. Supervise work study students.

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Job Requirements:

• Associate's degree or certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. A&P Certification, OSHA safety certification. Hands on experience with aviation tools, equipment, and maintenance procedures, knowledge of FAA regulations, inventory management and equipment calibration.
• Five years of full-time employment in a setting related to the position - this could be in education or in business/industry.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Skills/Abilities:

• Attention to details; organized
• Possess analytical and technical skills necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position
• Prioritize tasks and work independently
• Prepare/edit detailed laboratory procedures/instructions, schedules, project descriptions, purchase requirements/justifications
• Be proactive to the requirements of the job
• Follow directions as provided
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and repair a variety of laboratory equipment in the areas of responsibility
• Adhere to safety requirements and college policies
• Able to engage in the college's misson and values

Physical Demands:

The Aviation Laboratory Technician role requires a moderate to high degree of mobility and physical exertion. The employee will frequently walk, stand, and move throughout the lab and hangar areas for extended periods. Occasional sitting is required for administrative tasks such as inventory management and documentation. Limited travel may be necessary for equipment procurement, training, or industry-related events.

Manual dexterity is essential for handling tools, performing equipment maintenance, assembling and disassembling aviation components, and ensuring precise calibration of instruments. The role requires regular lifting and carrying of objects such as tools, equipment, and aviation components, typically weighing up to 50 pounds.

Essential job functions require acute vision for detailed inspections, reading technical schematics, and detecting color variations in wiring and instrumentation. The employee must also have adequate hearing to respond to verbal instructions, equipment alarms, and potential safety hazards.

The work environment includes exposure to dust, fumes, grease, and chemicals commonly associated with aviation maintenance. The employee may be required to work in confined spaces, on elevated surfaces, or outdoors in varying weather conditions. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols are required to mitigate environmental risks.

Hazards:

The Aviation Laboratory Technician may be exposed to various occupational hazards that could lead to physical injury or illness if proper safety precautions are not followed. The frequency and probability of injury depend on adherence to safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental conditions.

Possible Injuries and Illnesses:

• 
  Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations - Handling sharp tools, aircraft parts, and sheet metal poses a risk of minor to moderate injuries. Frequency: Occasional. Probability: Moderate with improper handling.
• 
  Strains and Sprains - Lifting heavy equipment, working in awkward positions, or repetitive motions may cause musculoskeletal injuries. Frequency: Occasional. Probability: Moderate to high without proper lifting techniques.
• 
  Eye and Skin Irritation - Exposure to chemicals, fuel, lubricants, and cleaning solvents may lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Frequency: Frequent. Probability: Low with PPE, higher without.
• 
  Burns - Contact with hot surfaces, engines, or electrical components may cause thermal or electrical burns. Frequency: Rare. Probability: Low with adherence to safety protocols.
• 
  Hearing Damage - Working near running aircraft engines, power tools, or pneumatic equipment can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss over time. Frequency: Frequent. Probability: Low with proper hearing protection.
• 
  Respiratory Issues - Inhalation of dust, fumes, smoke, or chemical vapors may cause respiratory irritation or long-term health effects. Frequency: Occasional. Probability: Low with proper ventilation and PPE.
• 
  Falls and Impact Injuries - Slips, trips, falls from elevated surfaces, or being struck by objects may result in fractures or concussions. Frequency: Occasional. Probability: Moderate without proper precautions.

Mitigation Measures:

To reduce risk, the technician must follow established safety protocols, wear appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, safety glasses, ear protection), use proper lifting techniques, and maintain awareness of hazards in the work environment. Regular safety training and adherence to OSHA and aviation industry safety standards will further minimize injury risks.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

• Insurance Options: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short/Long-term Disability, FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program, if enrolled in health plan
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent discounts, Audit/Non-Credit, Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Options: Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS), 401k with $100 company match, 457, 403b
• Employee Discount program with over 900+ companies
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
• Sick Leave Bank
• Longevity Pay
• Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer

If you have any problems or questions please contact Human Resources at Pellissippi State Community College's Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at recruiting@pstcc.edu.

If you are interested in this position, click on Apply located below or Apply Now in the upper right-hand corner.

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