Workshop Supervisor

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Location -North campus. This role is in-person.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department summary

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Core Research Facilities provide fee-based access to instrumentation, technology and/or services. These facilities allow our researchers access to essential scientific infrastructure at a reasonable cost. Benefits of using core facilities also include expert consultation, technical assistance, training and education from dedicated staff, enhancement of scientific collaboration, and promotion of higher-level experimentation

Position summary

The Workshop Supervisor is responsible for all activities of the FoMD Workshop, one of seven Core Research Facilities administered through the Office of Research. The main responsibilities are to fabricate, maintain, repair, modify, and design materials and equipment in support of the teaching and research functions of FoMD, and other faculties across campus including Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. Having these services in-house enables campus members to obtain materials and equipment that are not commercially available or are too expensive to purchase. This position is also responsible for the administration of the Workshop’s management system (Stratocore PPMS) and billing.

Duties

Fabrication and Machining – 65%

• Responsible for the design and fabrication of materials and equipment for teaching and research
• Works from drawings, sketches and/or pictures
• Responsible for estimating project time and costs
• Performed through the operation of technical machinery found in the Workshop (welding, milling, lathe, and band saws) and working with materials such as acrylic, steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and wood
• A high level of accuracy is required

Repair and Maintenance – 30%

• Responsible for the repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Diagnose the problem of malfunctioning lab equipment
• Consult manufacturers’ manuals to determine test and maintenance procedures
• Repair and replace various components such as electronic controls, electric pumps, times, valves and switches
• Perform preventive maintenance work and complete test and maintenance reports
• Responsible for the repair and maintenance of technical machinery in the Workshop
• Works with Environment, Health & Safety Office (EH&S) to troubleshoot and repair biosafety cabinets
• Work is done after biosafety cabinets have been decontaminated by EH&S
• Repair and replace various components such as lights, motors and ballasts

Workshop Administration – 5%

• Orders materials and supplies for projects
• Picks up equipment and parts from locations off-campus when required
• Maintains inventory of common supplies and materials
• Administers the PPMS (FoMD Core Facilities Management System) Workshop site
• Responsible for monthly billing, including charges administered through PPMS and indents

Qualifications

• Diploma in Electronic Technology or Machining (or other relevant coursework)
• Minimum five years of related experience in repair or construction of electronics, mechanics and fabrication
• Must be able to read/understand equipment manuals
• Strong trouble shooting and problem finding/resolution skills
• Willingness to learn new skills and upgrade knowledge
• Knowledge of safe maintenance practices
• Ability to use a computer effectively
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Ability to climb ladders and carry weights of up to 25 lbs
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload effectively
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills

How to Apply