Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a technically skilled and research-focused Instructional Support Technician III to assist marine biology faculty and students with hands-on research, instructional programming, and field-based learning. This position plays a critical role in supporting data collection, equipment maintenance, and the integration of ecological monitoring into academic programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and Manage Field and Diving Operations: Plan and oversee marine field activities, ensuring compliance with diving safety standards and maintaining readiness of diving and field systems.
• Operate, Maintain, and Repair Scientific Equipment: Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate scientific and field instruments used in marine and physiological research to ensure continuous operability.
• Provide Instructional and Research Support: Assist faculty and students with experimental design, field sampling, and data collection; provide hands-on technical instruction and safety training.
• Program Management and Compliance Oversight: Manage equipment inventory, develop safety protocols, and maintain regulatory compliance for environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Curriculum and Research Integration: Support curriculum planning, contribute to grants and publications, and help integrate ecological field methods into academic programs.

Why Join Us?

• Play a critical role in advancing marine science education and research
• Engage directly with students, faculty, and research teams in dynamic field settings
• Apply your technical and safety expertise to real-world ecological and diving operations
• Contribute to cutting-edge environmental science and academic innovation

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date six months after hire, with the possibility of reappointment. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not 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 also plays a leadership role in the Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratories, including providing the faculty director, and participating in this resource through several faculty research and teaching programs. 

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

Education and Experience

Equivalent to four 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

• Extensive field experience in coral reef ecology and marine research, including data collection, experimental design, and deployment of field equipment.
• Proven ability to operate, maintain, and repair research vessels, diving systems, and scientific equipment in compliance with national and professional safety standards (e.g., AAUS, OSHA, or manufacturer protocols).
• Expertise in the inspection, servicing, and maintenance of regulators, scuba cylinders, and closed-circuit rebreathers in compliance with AAUS and industry safety standards.
• Proficiency in designing and constructing experimental field systems and apparatus for use in the marine environment.
• Strong writing and data management skills to support grant proposals, research documentation, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experienced in training and mentoring personnel in scientific diving methods, field safety, and research techniques.
• Experience in managing inventory, ordering materials, and maintaining supplies to support instructional and research operations.
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and executing remote field expeditions, including logistics, safety oversight, and data collection.
• Strong knowledge of Caribbean marine species identification, particularly coral reef and fish taxa relevant to ecological monitoring and research.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Open Water SCUBA Instructor (recognized agency)
• AAUS Scientific Diver (minimum 150 ft technical diver rating)
• Closed-Circuit Rebreather Diver (to 100 m)
• Rebreather Service Technician
• Mixed Gas Blender (Nitrox/Trimix)

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 6 ($5,569) per month for qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,044 – $7,348 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 November 10, 2025 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 Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.