Assistant Laboratory Mechanic (0886) Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Position Information Posting Detail Information Working Position Title Assistant Laboratory Mechanic (0886) Classification Assistant Laboratory Mechanic Position Number 00000886 Open Date 10/08/2026 Close Date 10/22/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time
FTE 1.00
Position Status Regular FLSA Non-Exempt Job code 2597 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department College of LA&S College/Unit College of LA&S Dean Division Academic Division Location ZH 312 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/clas/ Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Overview With 17 departments and spanning the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest of NIU's six undergraduate colleges. By the nature of our mission, we touch virtually every new student to the university, regardless of their major, through the wide array of general education courses housed within our departments. Position Summary The Laboratory Mechanic has the opportunity to interact with faculty, students and staff as they work with CLAS departments to create, build and repair equipment and parts used for research and instruction by the Liberal Arts and Science community. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Testing, Repair, and Maintenance Tests, operates and perform scheduled maintenance on laboratory tools and equipment including electrical and mechanical repairs. Repairs laboratory equipment as issues are identified. Basic electrical and mechanical testing and repairs. Maintain organization and cleanliness of facility. Design and Fabrication Under direction, makes and fit laboratory equipment and apparatus as requested from units within CLAS , using machine tools. Under direction, fabricates parts or components with
CAD / CAM
software to create part files for CNC machine tools. Maintain records of work performed. Under direction, works from clear sketches or detailed drawings to fabricate parts and components to required specifications. Collaborates with faculty, students and staff to develop prototypes for projects. General Shop Duties Demonstrates use of simple laboratory equipment with responsibility for giving out instructions on operating, maintenance, and storage procedures. Maintains the organization and cleanliness of the machine shop Updates annual machine shop inventory Assists in the training and supervision of employees of lower rank and instructs or assists students or staff in proper use of tools and machinery. Other related duties as assigned, which may include working in elevated or confined spaces. Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) High school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(KSAs) Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed Possession of basic computer skills Ability and willingness to follow instructions Ability to effectively communicate information verbally and in writing so that others can understand Ability to understand written instructions Ability to use tools and equipment Mechanical aptitude. Specialty Factors (Civil Service) None Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Experience with
CAD / CAM
software. Experience with CNC machine tools. Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) N/A Additional Requirements (SPS) N/A Preferred Qualifications (SPS) N/A Physical demands/requirements Stand for extended periods of time Climb ladders Work in confined spaces Lift up to 50lbs. Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date 11/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm, one-hour lunch Salary $39,000-$44,850 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $20.00-$23.00 an hour
Earn Type Hourly Application Procedure Application Procedure Application Procedure Application Procedures:
Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.
Important:
Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received. If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu . Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication. Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process.
Credentials Assessment Examination:
The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met. Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials. After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
Additional Details:
Click on Assistant Laboratory Mechanic for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements. Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University's benefits package. Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources. Special Instructions None Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/97692 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator Health Services 2nd floor CivilRights@niu.edu 815-753-0455 Visa Policy In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu . Safety Information NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter List of at least 3 Professional References Optional Documents Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256) Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) Other Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (
- Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois? Yes No
- What is the highest level of education attained? GED High School Diploma Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree PHD Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration? Yes No
- How many years of experience do you have in this type of position? 0-1 1-3 3-5 5-7 7+
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.) (Open Ended Question)
- If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered. Yes No Not Applicable
- Assess your specific work experience performing routine maintenance on equipment determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed No work experience directly related to the job function described. My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance. My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response) (Open Ended Question)
- Assess your specific work experience in accordance with specific instructions for assembling, setting up, testing, diagnosing, using, and maintaining these laboratory tools and equipment and electronic (i.
e. drill press, metal lathe, milling machine, grinder, metal saw, metal brake, metal shear, electric discharge machine (EDM), shaper, arc welder, oxyacetylene torch, soldering iron, computer controlled milling machine, computer controlled lathe) No work experience directly related to the job function described. My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance. My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response) (Open Ended Question)
- Assess your specific work experience following instruction manuals, reading and interpreting clear sketches or detailed drawings; making appropriate calculations to complete projects No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance. My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience.
Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response) (Open Ended Question)