Lab Assistant - GIS and Drone Technology

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 2,066,400 - 3,030,720; Part time

Job summary

The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inc. in Hoffman Estates, IL is seeking a UAS/GIS lab assistant to support instruction, lab setup, and equipment handling on campus.

You will help with drone operations, maintain inventory, and assist faculty and students in GIS and drone activities, while ensuring safety and proper equipment care during labs.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher with GIS or UAS certifications.
• Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 1+ years of UAS piloting experience.
• 1+ years of ArcGIS experience or GIS coursework.
• Fluent in English and own transportation to field sites.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Able to work independently with strong customer service and communication skills.
• Experience maintaining or repairing computers, UAS, or technical equipment (a plus).
• On-campus role; must be able to come to campus during scheduled work hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up laboratories, workshops, and demonstrations as planned by faculty, including moving equipment to and from storage facilities to learning sites.
• Ensure all equipment is returned to secure storage after use.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, breakage and needs for replacement or addition.
• Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, maintain inventory of program instructional supplies, equipment, and supplies.
• Unpack, store, and secure supplies and equipment.
• Monitor students during drone flights and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
• Monitor student use of the geospatial technology laboratory and drone flight areas.
• Provide technical support to students during laboratory assignments in a field or classroom setting.
• Participate in program workshops, information sessions, recruitment and special events that require GIS or drone technology equipment.
• Perform clerical assignments such as data entry using Microsoft Office or other software, making copies, filing documents, attaching labels, etc.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

GIS knowledge

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot

Drone piloting

English fluency

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate's degree or higher in GIS/UAS

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher with college‑level certifications in GIS or Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
• Valid Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 1+ years of experience as a UAS pilot.
• 1+ years of experience using ArcGIS software or collegiate‑level GIS coursework.
• Fluent in English and own transportation to reach local field learning sites.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills (oral & written).
• Experience maintaining and repairing computers, UAS, or other technical equipment (a plus).
• On‑campus role; must be able to come to campus during scheduled work hours.

Job Description

Performs routine preparation and set‑up of hardware and software required for instruction and student field experiences. Troubleshoots equipment and software to ensure a safe operating condition for instruction. Organizes and manages the distribution, storage, and inventory of instructional supplies. Assists Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone program faculty and students in an instructional setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up laboratories, workshops, and demonstrations as planned by faculty, including moving equipment to and from storage facilities to learning sites.
• Ensure all equipment is returned to secure storage after use.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, breakage and needs for replacement or addition.
• Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, maintain inventory of program instructional supplies, equipment, and supplies.
• Unpack, store, and secure supplies and equipment.
• Monitor students during drone flights and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
• Monitor student use of the geospatial technology laboratory and drone flight areas.
• Provide technical support to students during laboratory assignments in a field or classroom setting.
• Participate in program workshops, information sessions, recruitment and special events that require GIS or drone technology equipment.
• Perform clerical assignments such as data entry using Microsoft Office or other software, making copies, filing documents, attaching labels, etc.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

About the Team

The Business and Social Sciences Division provides transfer ready programs and courses in social science, such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology and sociology.