QUALIFICATIONS

The department recognizes that no applicant will have all of the skills listed below. The department will provide instruction and in-service training on some aspects of the job. However:

1. Applications will be viewed with an eye to which of the skills associated with the listed tasks can be performed without substantial training. In addition, ability and especially reliability weigh heavily in the selection of the paraprofessional.
2. An individual who anticipates problems and takes initiative in solving problems or improvising procedures is highly desirable.
3. An individual who is able to interact with students in a facile, knowledgeable and generally "professional" manner is desirable.

SKILLS

1. Animal care and training .
2. Computer use, specifically, your experience word processing with Microsoft Word, the use of Microsoft Exchange for email, computer use in a networked environement, spreadsheets like SPSS and Microsoft Excel, and other applications (graphics, scanning, HTML editors).
3. Audi-Visual Equipment. Familiarity with overhead and slide projectors, computer projection systems, audio systems, VCRs, etc.
4. Responsibly keeping and prioritizing a complex and accurate schedule.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Under initial supervision of a member of the department, to assist in laboratory preparations and instruction.
2. Oversee the routine maintenance, production and care of laboratory animals in the colony rooms. Ensure that student workers do colony work properly. Perform all "non-daily" colony duties.
3. Assist members of the department in many other tasks which are required.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Will vary from block to block. The department recognizes that no applicant will have all the skills listed below. The department will provide instruction and in-service training for some aspects of the job.

Laboratories

• Introductory Course (PY 100)
  1. Prepare rat boxes for student use; keep boxes repaired.
  2. Prepare rats and colony for Oscar-Box exercises (i.e., put rats on specific diet and monitor weight loss, label rats tails, label cages, make feeding chart, etc.)
  3. Assign and introduce rats to students; explain care, handling and training of the rats; assist students with "problem" rats, and alleviate or facilitate relief of problems between partners or students and rats.
  4. Keep rat records.
• Other and all Courses
  1. Train and maintain demonstration animals (mostly pigeons).
  2. Obtain, set up, and return audio visual aids (projectors, films, video recorders, DVD, etc.). Set up closed circuit TV for class demonstrations and films.
  3. Assist with laboratory manuals, copied materials, etc., which go to the bookstore.
  4. Assist with other laboratory exercises.

Core Courses

Each of the laboratory core courses (Learning, Neuroscience, and Research Design) will require specialized skills and training which will aid the efficient operation of labs in each of these courses. In addition, some assistance with audio-visual preparation and demonstrations will be required in these courses.

Other Courses

The Paraprofessional will assist in similar laboratory tasks in other courses and for individual student research projects, etc. This will include training in histological and quantitative techniques for the Laboratory of Quantitative Neuromorphology. Some library research to compile bibliographies and locate paper and virtual documents is required.

Colony Maintenance

1. Interview, hire, train in, and monitor colony keepers. There should be three colony keepers: one weekday pigeon keeper, one weekday rat keeper, and one weekend, block break, winter break and spring break colony keeper who will be responsible for both colonies during those times.
2. Oversee student colony workers in care of animals and maintenance of colony cleanliness. Guarantee student-worker performance and perform all other routine colony tasks.
3. Keep animal records.
4. Monitor sick animals and arrange for their care and isolation.
5. Order all necessary lab supplies.
6. Monitor overall cleanliness of colonies and keep colonies up to Federal standards.

Miscellaneous

1. Monitor lab areas and return unused equipment to the shop or to stock.
2. Set up laboratory and classroom areas prior to start of block. Special help for visiting faculty.
3. Hold occasional tutorial or discussion sessions in courses where appropriate. Locate student tutors when requested by faculty.
4. Search literature. Photocopy articles. Pick up and return library materials.
5. Make copies for faculty for their classes and research.
6. Assist in computer use.
7. Update self on psychology class material in order to answer students questions in some classes.
8. In emergencies, run research animals, cover for other personnel, etc.
9. Design, update and maintain display and bulletin boards in the department.
10. As needed, if time allows, assist staff in research activities.

SALARY, TIME OFF, ETC.

1. Paraprofessionals are hired annually. (The current paraprofessional may apply again once, but may remain at the position for no more than two years.)
2. It is a twelve-month position (usually, or approximately July 1 through June 31) with vacation days.Vacation days must be arranged with the Dept. Chair, but do not expect to take full block breaks or full-length winter and spring breaks.
3. This is a non-faculty, staff position.
4. The '03-'04 salary was $24,440.00. A 90-day probationary period will be applied (during which the College group medical insurance is NOT in effect). Non-satisfactory performance at any time may lead to replacement. A second year at an increased salary is a possibility.
5. Hours are somewhat flexible. Evening and weekend work will occasionally be required, but compensatory time off will be arranged.

http://www.ColoradoCollege.edu/dept/PY/Paraprof.html
Copyright 2006 Colorado College