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 State Universities Civil Service System 

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Job Details


Wood and Metal Shop Technician

University/Agency Illinois State University
Civil Service Classification Laboratory Mechanic
View Class Spec Details
Posting Duration 6/23/2026 - 7/14/2026
Probationary Period 6 months

Job Description

The College of Engineering at Illinois State University seeks a skilled and motivated Wood and Metal Shop Technician to support its hands-on, project-based learning environment. This position plays a vital role in helping students, faculty, and staff bring ideas from concept to reality by providing technical expertise in machining, woodworking, welding, fabrication, and prototype development. The technician oversees the operation and maintenance of shop facilities and equipment, promotes a culture of safety, and assists with instructional and research activities that enhance the student learning experience. As a key member of a growing and innovative engineering college, this position contributes directly to student success by supporting experiential learning, creative problem-solving, and the development of real-world engineering skills.

Additional Information
The College of Engineering (CEG) emphasizes project-based learning and applied research and actively demonstrates the societal impact engineers make across communities. For more information, visit https://illinoisstate.edu/college-engineering/.

Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in seven colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-U


Qualifications

Required Qualifications
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any combination totaling four (4) years (48 months) from the categories below:

A. Successful completion of a machinist apprentice (or a closely related program) in an approved training program or in a training program established by an employer served by the State Universities Civil Service System.
B. Work experience comparable to that performed at the Assistant Laboratory Mechanic level (work involving the fabrication, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and tools) or in other positions of comparable responsibility.
C. Coursework in welding, electrical/electronics, HVAC, industrial technology machining or manufacturing or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

-30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
-60 semester hours (or an Associate's degree) equals two (2) years (24 months)
-120 semester hours (or a Bachelor’s degree) equals four (4) years (48 months)


Preferred Qualifications
1. OSHA, NIMS, or HAAS CNC certification.
2. Strong project management and organizational skills.
3. Strong customer service commitment and supporting student success and faculty research.


Salary

$28.21 - $33.33 per hour


Links

ISU Jobs Website


Contact Information


University/Agency Illinois State University
Department/College Human Resources
Contact Colette Homan
Phone Number 309-438-8311
Address
Comments Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview.

If using education to qualify, college or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.

DD214 (if applicable) may be faxed, mailed, or delivered to Human Resources prior to the deadline on the posting in order to receive the maximum eligible points:

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Colette Homan
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/