Laboratory Mechanic (0886)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Laboratory Mechanic (0886) Classification Laboratory Mechanic Position Number 00000886 Open Date 07/15/2026 Close Date 07/29/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Non-Exempt Job code 2596 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 18 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 and operates laboratory equipment.
• Perform simple scheduled mechanical maintenance and repairs as needed .
• Employs welding, brazing, and hard and soft soldering techniques as necessary.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of the facility

Design and Fabrication

• Makes and fit laboratory equipment and apparatus as requested from units within CLAS.
• Fabricate parts or components with CAD/CAM software to create part files for CNC machine tools.
• Maintains records of work performed.

Miscellaneous

• 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
• Other duties as assigned, which may include working in elevated or confined spaces.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any combination totaling four (4) years (48 months) from the categories below:
• Successful completion of a machinist apprentice (or a closely related program) in an approved training program or in a training program established by an employer served by the State Universities Civil Service System.
• Work experience comparable to that performed at the Assistant Laboratory Mechanic level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.
• Coursework in welding, electrical/electronics, HVAC, industrial technology machining or manufacturing or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• 60 semester hours (or an Associate's degree) equals two (2) years (24 months)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of materials (e.g., metals) and of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
• Working knowledge of computer systems, such as CAD files and CAM software
• Knowledge of math concepts and applications, including algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
• Skilled in performing maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed)
• Skilled at determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it
• Skill and ability to perform necessary maintenance and repair on laboratory equipment
• Ability to install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications and to operate such equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate information verbally and in writing so that others can understand
• Ability to understand written instructions
• Ability to train and direct others
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret maintenance manuals, schematics, drawings, sketches, and diagrams of systems involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices, and the ability to produce simple sketches for production purposes

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 08/16/2026 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 $43,075.50 - $46,995.00 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $22.09-$24.10 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 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 Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/93943 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:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

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

• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• 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)

• • 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

• • 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience performing skilled work in making, fitting, and assembling components of laboratory equipment and apparatus.

• 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

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience assuming responsibility for testing, diagnosing, independently setting up, using, and maintaining this equipment (i.e. drill press, metal lathe, milling machine, grinder, metal saw, metal brake, metal shear, electric discharge machine (EDM), shaper).

• 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience performing work of loose -to-medium tolerances with commercial surface finishes; machining/using effectively common commercial alloys and plastics.

• 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience setting up and using welding equipment (i.e. heli-arc welder, oxyacetylene torch, soldering iron, Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas, plasma cutter), employing welding, brazing, and hard and soft soldering techniques.

• 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience using all types of measuring tools to ascertain the size and surface finish, machine tools and instruments including special purpose machines (i.e. drills, reamers, taps, dies, files, hones, laps, gage blocks, sine bars, height or depth gage, thread gage, hole gage, plug gage, dividing head, Venier protractor, Venier caliper, scale, dial indicator, square, divider, micrometer, radius turning attachment, voltmeter, ohmmeter, ammeter, Rockwell tester, optical flats), calibrating these tools when applicable and necessary.

• 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience reading and interpreting clear sketches or detailed drawings, making appropriate calculations to complete projects; preparing and producing sketches and/or CAD drawings for the fabrication of components of laboratory apparatus; using CAD/CAM software to create part files for CNC machine tools.

• 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience assisting in training and supervising staff and instructing or assisting students or staff in proper use of tools and machinery.

• 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)

• • Select the answer that best describes your work experience assisting in the selection, purchase, installation and maintenance of equipment; assisting with recordkeeping activities such as inventory and/or maintenance records.

• 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)