Position Summary:
The Automotive/Truck Lab Technician supports the hands-on instructional operations of the Automotive Technology program. This position is responsible for maintaining and organizing the automotive lab environment, preparing materials and equipment for instruction, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the shop, and providing technical assistance to faculty and students. The Lab Technician plays a key role in the smooth operation of the program and helps create a safe, effective learning environment.
Department: Automotive/Truck Technology Programs
Location: South Bend
Reports To: Program/Department Chair
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time, Staff
Compensation: $20.00/hr, 40 hours/week
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain, service, and repair automotive training equipment, vehicles, and tools used in lab instruction.
- Prepare vehicles and training stations for instructional use based on faculty lesson plans.
- Assist faculty and students with lab activities, including demonstrations and setup of diagnostic tools and equipment.
- Monitor lab safety and ensure compliance with OSHA and institutional safety policies.
- Manage inventory of tools, parts, fluids, PPE, and consumables; order and restock supplies as needed.
- Oversee vehicle check-in/check-out processes and maintain maintenance logs.
- Operate diagnostic scan tools and automotive software to support instructional objectives.
- Maintain proper storage and disposal of automotive fluids and hazardous materials in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Perform routine cleaning and organization of lab spaces, tools, and storage areas.
- Ensure all lab equipment is calibrated and functioning properly.
- Support faculty in setting up specialized equipment (e.g., lifts, alignment machines, engine trainers).
- Participate in safety drills, inspections, and professional development as required.
- Provide minor technical instruction or guidance to students when directed by faculty.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Associate degree or technical diploma in Automotive Technology or a related field preferred but not required.
- Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in an automotive repair or service environment.
- Experience working in an educational or training setting is a plus.
- Certifications (preferred or required within the first year):
- ASE Certification (minimum one required; preferred)
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- OSHA 10 or 30 Certification (automotive-focused) preferred
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of automotive systems, diagnostic tools, and repair procedures.
- Ability to safely operate lifts, shop equipment, and power tools.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with faculty and students.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with automotive diagnostic software.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks in a garage environment.
- Commitment to safety, professionalism, and a student-centered learning environment.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed primarily in an automotive lab/garage environment.
- Exposure to loud noises, fumes, and potentially hazardous materials.
- Must be able to work flexible hours to support day and evening classes.
Other Requirements:
Copies of transcripts may be required at time of interview. Original transcripts will be required at time of hire. Selected candidate for employment will be subject to pre-employment background checks, including criminal history check, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon that outcome. Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:
Health & Wellness
- Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
- Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
- Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
- Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
- Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care Retirement & Financial Security
- Employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
- Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits Educational Benefits
Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Health & Wellness
Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
Retirement & Financial Security
10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Educational Benefits
Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
Paid professional development opportunities
Work‑Life Balance
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
Flexible work arrangements where available
Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
Additional Perks
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services
Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
