Lab Assistant II - Welding

Elgin Community College; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 34,620 - 39,886; Full time

Job summary

Elgin Community College is seeking a Welding Lab Assistant to support the welding program by maintaining labs, inventory, cleanliness, and readiness for instruction.

The role includes lab prep, collecting steel donations, cutting metal to specifications, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring a safe, organized welding lab environment with flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• College-level courses in Welding, HVAC or Computer Integrated Manufacturing with a grade C or better.
• Ability to operate basic shop tools.
• Experience with welding and machining equipment.
• Knowledge of basic electricity and repairing machinery; troubleshooting in maintenance contexts.
• Ability to read and understand schematics.
• Ability to follow lab procedures and safety requirements.
• Knowledge of measurements with tape measures or micrometers.
• Ability to distinguish mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory exercise setups and student supplies.
• Pickup steel donations and sort the steel at manufacturers.
• Shear the appropriate metal to specifications for student welding projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic equipment problems, safely and efficiently.
• Clean and maintain the welding lab.

Skills

Operate basic shop tools

Welding/machining equipment experience

Read schematics

Lab safety

Valid Driver’s License

Education

High school diploma or GED

College-level Welding/HVAC/CM courses with grade C or better

Tools

Welding equipment

Machining equipment

Micrometer / calipers

Job description

About ECC

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Rate Of Pay

This is a Full‑Time Support Staff position at grade 9, with an annual salary range of $34,620 to $39,886. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt

Grant Funded

No

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to assist the welding program in maintaining a functional academic environment for students. The position provides assistance in maintaining the welding labs, including lab inventory, lab cleanliness/safety, and lab preparedness for instruction.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Must have completed relevant college‑level courses in Welding, HVAC or Computer Integrated Manufacturing with a grade C or better.
• Ability to operate basic shop tools.
• Experience in the function of welding and machining equipment.
• Knowledge of basic electricity and experience repairing machinery, troubleshooting skills in the context of machine maintenance.
• Ability to read and comprehend schematics.
• Ability to understand and follow lab procedures and safety requirements.
• Knowledge of measurements when using a tape measure or micrometer.
• The ability to identify the difference between mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Essential Duties

• Prepare laboratory exercise set‑ups and student supplies.
• Pick up steel donations at various manufacturers and then sort the steel.
• Sheer the appropriate metal to specifications for the student welding projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic equipment problems, safely and efficiently.
• Clean and maintain the welding lab.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Physical Demands

Medium (up to 50 lbs. occasionally or 30 lbs frequently or 10 lbs constantly)

Visual Acuity

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment

Loud noise

Environmental Conditions

Hazards

Current SSECCA Union Member Information

The initial posting date for this position is 02/27/2026. Elgin Community College Support Staff Association (SSECCA) members that apply by 03/06/2026 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.
In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.