Extruder Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $5,874.30 - $7,432.20 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Classified Staff
Job Number: 00223
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Sch of Arts, Com, Dsgn & Media
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Funding Type: District
Hiring Salary Range: $5,874.30-$6,356.02
Months of Service: 12
Full-time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Work Schedule (Approx.): Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Initial Screening Deadline: 08/16/2026
Start Date: As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.
Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.
SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.
Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.
Description
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the assigned administrator the Instructional Lab Technician - Architecture, provides oversight and management of the model shop / wood shop, fabrication lab, and print shop. Provides supervised access to the architecture facilities during assigned lab hours, assisting students in safe and proper use of equipment for course assignments, ensuring proper use of tools and technology, providing continued maintenance of equipment, maintaining lab inventory, and ordering supplies and replacement parts as needed, and keeping track of inventory; responsible for checking out, collecting, managing, and maintaining drafting kits, rendering kits, student laptops, and architecture student lockers.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of an assigned instructional laboratory. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years of college with major coursework in architecture, computer-aided design and drafting, engineering, manufacturing, 3D design, or other field related to the area of assignments;
AND
Two (2) years of experience in woodworking, digital fabrication, and related areas.

• One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
• If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience operating and maintaining woodworking equipment and digital fabrication technologies such as laser cutters, CNC routers, or 3D printers.
• Demonstrable technical expertise in the areas of woodworking, laser-cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing, other maker-centered tools and technologies.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Software workflows used in digital fabrication (e.g., Rhino, CAD/CAM software, slicing software for 3D printing)
• Nomenclature, operation, and maintenance of tools, equipment, and materials used in architecture instructional classes and labs
• Operating and repair characteristics of various saws and sanders (squaring, adjusting, replacing parts)
• Tool maintenance including charging batteries, replacing saw blades, sharpening chisels
• Maintenance of 3D Printers, including reloading filament, extruder unjamming, replacing print surface, troubleshooting print failures
• Maintenance of laser cutters, including alignment and cleaning mirrors, lubricating gantries, troubleshooting cut failures
• Maintenance of CNC routers, including completing manufacturer maintenance schedules, sourcing and restocking materials
• Inventory control principles and practices
• Occupational hazards and safety regulations, precautions, and procedures

Ability to:

• Assure the care, maintenance, and security of assigned equipment, materials, supplies and instructional areas
• Work independently with little direction
• Meet schedules and timelines so students can finish class projects
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Learn and adapt to changing technology and equipment used in the performance of assigned duties

JOB DESCRIPTION: Instructional Lab Technician-Architecture
Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Oversee and manage the model shop/wood shop, fabrication lab, and print shop.
2. Ensure compliance with all shop safety protocols, including student safety training, equipment orientation, and enforcement of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
3. Assist students with their assignments that require the use of the model shop/wood shop, print shop, and fabrication lab.
4. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot fabrication technologies, including CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, vacuum formers, 3D scanners, and other fabrication equipment used in architectural prototyping and model making.
5. Check out, collect, manage, and maintain drafting kits, rendering kits, and student laptops as needed.
6. Coordinate the check-out of architecture student lockers.
7. Support, upkeep, and maintain learning spaces in the architecture facilities, including regular clean-up, sanitization, organization, and storage of supplies, discarding trash and unused materials, clearing of classroom areas, etc.
8. Support inventory maintenance and provide recommendations to the architecture program coordinator for procurement of materials, supplies, and equipment, as well as for servicing tools and equipment across the various maker spaces.

Supplemental Information
SALARY SCHEDULE:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This is a non-telecommuting position.
Environment: Work is performed in an instructional lab environment - indoor and outdoor; exposure to wood dust, adhesives, and chemical finishes, requiring proper ventilation and protective gear; moderate to loud noise from machines and equipment; may work in non-climate-controlled spaces, experiencing heat or cold; risks from sharp tools, rotating machinery, hot surfaces, and high-speed cutting tools; must follow personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a lab setting; to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time; to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, above shoulders or horizontally, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and dexterity of hands and fingers and fine coordination; and hearing and speaking to verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE: Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.
July 29-August 16, 2026
Position advertised; District receives applications.
August 16, 2026
Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.
August 24-September 4, 2026
Reviewing of applications.
September 7-11, 2026
Search Committee interviews candidates
September/October, 2026
Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.
Application Process:
A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.
Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.
A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.
For Academic positions (only): If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an
A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.
If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.
Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).
American with Disabilities (ADA):
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at (619) 482-6395.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report:
SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the
If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (619) 482-6390.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP):
More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the website.
Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities.
For more information, please visit the webpage.
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Do you have at least two (2) years of college with major coursework in architecture, computer-aided design and drafting, engineering, manufacturing, 3D design, or other field related to the area of assignments? Failure to submit su