MIRACOSTA COLLEGE
CLASS TITLE:
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSOCIATE
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist within an instructional program by performing
complex technical work in an instructional learning environment for a highly technical or complex
vocational or academic subject area; exercise judgment and initiative in coordinating labs and other
instructional facilities and materials of the assigned area of learning. Positions in this class may
perform duties for various Instructional departments: Allied Health, Art, Automotive Technology,
Biological Science, Drafting, Horticulture, Letters, Performing Arts, Physical Sciences, computer
labs, and so on. While every incumbent may not perform every task as outlined, this class
nevertheless includes most of the duties required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Instructional Associate class is distinguished from the Instructional Assistant classes in that
incumbents assume greater responsibility for more technical aspects of a learning program,
perform at a skilled level with a considerable degree of independence and operate various and
complex apparatus, equipment and machines; the Instructional Associate must possess extensive
technical or academic training and experience in the field of specialty, provide work direction and
training to student workers and Instructional Assistants.
Each department or program will add unique specific duties.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
1) Prepare, develop, explain and demonstrate learning exercises and instructional materials to aid
in student comprehension of course work; present information to students and instructional
personnel in a logical, accurate and interesting manner. Provide information on available
learning resources. [E]
2) Assist instructors, staff and students in the use of a variety of equipment, materials and
supplies in an instructional laboratory setting, including computer hardware and software
applications; design, modify and enforce lab procedures and policies. [E]
3) Monitor students in class work procedures; encourage student participation; check student
work; demonstrate safety and emergency procedures in classroom, lab and workshop
situations; assure security of lab materials, equipment, machinery, computers.[E]
4) Establish and monitor lab schedules; set up and supervise labs, prepare and issue materials;,
dispose of materials, check in tools, equipment and materials; maintain appropriate records. [E]
5) Provide work direction training to Instructional Assistants and student workers or interns; verify
payroll records. [E]
6) Participate in the planning, design and construction of department instructional facilities.
7) Develop or assist in developing department budgets; coordinate purchases and other
expenditures; monitor accounts and request transfer of funds as appropriate; maintain records
and prepare related reports. [E]
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
(E) = Essential job function
8/14/09
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSOCIATE
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8) Order, receive, catalog and store supplies, materials and equipment; direct and participate in
inventory of lab equipment and materials, assuring that adequate quantities are available for
instructional use; mark equipment with approved identification. Provide technical assistance in
the preparation of specifications for equipment and material purchases; interview vendors to
assess new equipment and supplies and recommend selection as requested. [E]
9) Maintain learning environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; make minor repairs and
adjustments to learning equipment; perform more complex or technical repairs and create
specialized tools, instruments, equipment or facilities as needed. [E]
10) Assist in developing recruitment programs for prospective and continuing students; assist in
recruiting students for assigned programs through industry organizations, committees and area
high schools as assigned.
11) Operate and instruct others in the use of a variety of technical or specialized equipment related
to area of specialty including computers and related equipment, calibrated scientific equipment,
hand and power tools and large machinery as required. [E]
12) Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
College-level subject matter of assigned area of learning.
Instructional and tutorial techniques.
Library research techniques.
Basic reference materials and effective study techniques.
Tools, machines and equipment of the area of learning.
Recordkeeping techniques.
Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
Health and safety regulations and practices.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
ABILITY TO:
Perform at a college graduate level or experiential equivalent in the assigned field.
Instruct or tutor students effectively.
Set up, design and operate assigned departmental equipment with skill.
Read, understand, interpret and apply department or college rules, policies and technical materials
relating to assigned field.
Plan, schedule, train and review the work of student assistants.
Generate enthusiasm for learning.
Assess student achievement.
Provide instructional assistance and technical advice to students on the availability and uses of
instructional materials and equipment.
Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing.
Design and produce displays, experiments and multi-media materials.
Operate a variety of equipment related to area of learning including specialized and highly technical
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
(E) = Essential job function
8/14/09
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSOCIATE
3
equipment and machinery.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to a Baccalaureate degree in area of specialty and one year closely
related work experience OR and an Associate in Arts degree and four years closely related work
experience.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Some positions in this class may be required to possess a valid California driver license and other
appropriate certificates.
WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Positions in this class have not been formally assigned supervisory responsibilities. Incumbents
because of length of service are asked to demonstrate various portions of their work and provide
guidance to new personnel. This a generally accepted practice in this field.
CONTACTS:
Students, faculty, coworkers, the public, other department personnel, vendors.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Frequent standing, walking, bending and stooping; occasional lifting and/or carrying of objects
weighing 50 pounds or more; ability to travel to a variety of locations on and off campus as
needed to conduct district business.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT:
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and
communications with a variety of individuals and/or groups of individuals from diverse
backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to work effectively on a variety of tasks
concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities; ability to appropriately
respond to emergency situations on an as-needed basis.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Instructional lab environment; subject to equipment and chemical hazards, fumes, loud noise, dust,
extreme temperatures, lifting and prolonged standing in some assignments.
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
(E) = Essential job function
8/14/09