Teaching Technician

Date Posted: 10/07/2024
Req ID: 40025
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00057051

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics is actively engaged in a wide range of observational and theoretical research and offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses. Together with our sibling units, the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics, there areclose to 100 faculty members, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students here that make up a lively and diverse atmosphere in research, teaching and outreach. Our graduate students come to Toronto from around the world with a wide range of academic backgrounds.

Your opportunity:

The Teaching Technician works under the guidance of the department manager. This role will administer courses in Quercus and provide support to faculty - including exam support, academic integrity, TA hour allocation, and various other course-related duties. You will work closely with the Graduate Administrator to coordinate the allocation of the teaching assistantships (CUPE Unit 1) and will organize the work schedules andworkload of the TAs. The successful incumbent will assist faculty members and students on how to use web-based applications such as learning management and web content management systems, organize and deliver accessible application training programs and documentation, and participate as a tester and/or trainer in development projects (including AODA compliance). The successful incumbent will also create and coordinate instructional and training materials on how to use software, and therefore, you will have an instructional design background which will allow you to understand how to effectively create materials that appeal to adult learners. In addition to the creation of training materials, you will often deliver training sessions and workshops an/or assist with the coordination of these events.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing day-to-day operational needs of the unit
• Analyzing complex statistical reports and/or financial information for program planning
• Resolving issues within the scope of the role and escalating problems as required
• Coordinating program schedules with stakeholders
• Providing detailed information to instructors on how to build a course shell
• Handling sensitive and/or confidential information
• Responding to service requests in a timely fashion
• Drafting and editing training content

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy or another physical science(ie. physics, chemistry) with a specialization in Astronomy, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum three years’ experience in application support, specifically with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Content Management Systems (CMS), as well as with basic website development (HTML, CSS) and general computer software support
• Experience with instructional design, in order to create effective and clear training materials and presentations
• Experience delivering effective training sessions and workshops using audio-visual communication and presentation technology (e.g. conference phones, video-conferencing units to projectors, wireless presenters, and SmartBoards)
• Experience conducting research on various elements related to technology support work
• Experience coordinating the allocation of the teaching assistantships (CUPE Unit 1) and organizing the work schedules and workload of the TAs
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure, meet strict deadlines and deal with a high volume of client and vendor demands
• Ability to solve complex technical and logistical problems and demonstrate natural empathy, patience and the willingness to take responsibility for finding a solution to a problem
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to act on one’s own initiative with minimal supervision
• Proficient in using Quercus, ACORN, Microsoft Excel, Sharepoint, OneDrive, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe Acrobat and software development tools for graphical diagramming (e.g. Visio, SmartDraw).
• Excellent communication (both oral and written), interpersonal and listening skills
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion regarding confidential materials and matters
• Ability to work well as a team member in a multi-professional environment working with a wide range of faculty, staff and students
• Ability to learn quickly from reference manuals and on-line help facilities and keep technical skills up-to-date

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience working with CUPE Unit 1 staff
• Technicalcertifications in Adobe, Microsoft
• Previous experience working with H5P, Articulate Storyline and Camtasia
• Studio work experience in a university, government, or healthcare setting
• Experience in similar roles at the University of Toronto (U of T) is considered an asset.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Approachable
• Communicator
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Tactful

Note:

• Please note that this position requires the successful candidate to be on-site four days per week, with five days on-site required during September and January. The role allows for the possibility of remote work one day per week. However, the arrangement will be determined collaboratively by the manager and team, based on workload and operational needs.

Closing Date: 10/21/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 10 -- $70,844. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $90,595. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
 

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.