Competency Support Specialists (Part-time)

Reports To:    Project Coordinator, Strengthening Our Community Colleges Grant

Job Summary

The School of Applied Technologies is seeking three (3) part-time Competency Support Specialists to join their team. These positions are specially funded through a Strengthening Community Colleges grant through 2/28/2027.

Join the Department of Applied Technologies at Hawkeye Community College, a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in technical education and student success. Our department is at the forefront of innovation as we transition to a cutting-edge Competency-Based Education (CBE) model that prioritizes hands-on learning and individual student progression. By joining our team, you will play a key role in a department that values safety, collaboration, and the practical application of theoretical concepts.

Specifically, as a Competency Support Specialist you will be assisting our instructors in either a classroom and/or laboratory setting by actively monitoring students working on self-paced theory modules. You will be providing technical guidance, safety oversight and “just in-time” support for our students in areas such as Industrial Automation Technology (IAT), Welding or Heating, Venting & Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Hawkeye Community College is a comprehensive community college focused on meeting the needs of the community by providing quality, affordable learning experiences for a wide array of students through our Adult Learning Center, Business and Community Education Department as well as through more than 50 career and technical programs and liberal arts transfer programs.  Hawkeye Community College’s mission is about empowering students, strengthening businesses and enriching communities with a vision to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. 

Essential Job Functions  

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists instructors in either classroom and/or laboratory settings by actively monitoring students working on self-paced theory modules.
• Monitors the classroom environment to assist students with navigating the Learning Management System (LMS), accessing digital curriculum, and interpreting assignment criteria.
• Provides tutoring/supplemental instruction on an as-needed basis to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application.
• Partners with faculty to identify students who are stalling on specific competencies and provides non-evaluative coaching to help them proceed.
• Assists students as they conduct laboratory work on equipment.
• Verifies student readiness for "Check-Out" assessments (formative assessment) before being presented to faculty for final grading.
• Monitors instructional areas for safety conditions and ensures students adhere to OSHA/NEC standards during self-paced lab hours.
• Assists faculty in student supervision during "Open Lab" blocks.
• Assists in the preparation, maintenance, and organization of equipment to ensure zero downtime for learners.
• Tests new equipment for quality and accuracy and assists in the integration of new grant-funded technology into the curriculum.
• Updates lab inventories and tracks student usage data to assist the Project Coordinator with SCC grant reporting requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Unless otherwise approved, regular on campus and/or onsite attendance is considered an essential function of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of successful work experience in a related area such as Industrial Automation Technology (IAT), Welding or Heating, Venting & Air Conditioning (HVAC).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, specifically the ability to explain technical concepts to novice learners.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide array of students, faculty, staff and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work with varying learning speeds and styles inherent to the CBE model.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise students in the labs independently while maintaining a culture of safety.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, Google applications.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential/sensitive information with discretion
• Demonstrated ability to update and maintain inventory and safety records.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in performing laboratory procedures in a technology/industrial driven lab.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in a related field.
• Experience in coaching, tutoring or giving technical instruction to others.
• Experience with Canvas or Blackboard Learning Management System.
• Community College experience.
• Experience in Competency-Based Education (CBE) or similar self-paced learning model.

Working Conditions

Anticipated hours will be in the afternoon and/or early evening between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm Monday through Friday in approximately four-hour increments. There may be some flexibility in determining scheduled shifts based on business/class need.

Work is performed either in or a combination of an office, lab and/or classroom setting using technology.  Requires good hand-eye coordination including visual acuity to use a keyboard and read technical information; arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.   Sit, stand, bend, lift and move frequently during working hours. During course of day, interact with students, faculty and staff in person, by telephone and computers.

Employment Status

Regular, part-time, grant funded hourly position with a choice of retirement programs – IPERS (defined benefit) or TIAA (defined contribution) available upon hire.  Employees working an average of 20 hours or more per week for one-year, may be eligible for additional benefits including but not limited to:  Single dental and vision insurance, FLEX plus (IRS 125) plan and paid time off.

• The wage range for this position begins at $18.03/hr.
• Wages are based on education, experience and internal equity.
• This is a specially funded position through a Strengthening Community Colleges grant through 2/28/2027 with renewal of grant funding not anticipated.

Application Procedure

• Complete an online application at hawkeyecollege.edu/employment
  • Submit/upload a cover letter addressing the following:
    • Describe your technical proficiency with core technologies such as electronics, integrated systems or robotics.
    • Discuss your approach to maintaining a culture of safety.
  • Submit/upload a resume.
  • Submit/upload 3 professional references with a minimum of 1 being from a current/past supervisor.
• Application deadline is: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• Priority screening is set to begin on: Thursday, March 26, 2026
• Completed applications, along with the required materials, received after the priority screening date will be considered at the discretion of the college.

Hawkeye Community College is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to equity and diversity in its educational services and employment practices: https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/equal-opportunity. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex; race; age; color; creed; national origin; religion; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity; genetic information; or actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices. Veteran status is also included to the extent covered by law. Any person alleging a violation of equity regulations shall have the right to file a formal complaint. Inquiries concerning application of this statement should be addressed to: Equity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator for employees, 319-296-4405; or Title IX Coordinator for students, 319-296-4448; Hawkeye Community College, 1501 East Orange Road, P.O. Box 8015, Waterloo, Iowa 50704-8015; or email equity-titleIX@hawkeyecollege.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov. 

If any applicant is in need of a reasonable accommodation in completing the application process, please notify a member of Human Resource Services.