Job Title: Paraprofessional (Organismal Biology & Ecology)

Department: Organismal Biology & Ecology

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/ Hourly

Position Type/ Work Schedule

• 1462.5 Hours per year
• 9 Months per year
• 37.5 Hours per week (Estimated)

About Us

At Colorado College, 2,300 students learn and live on our beautiful 99-acre campus in downtown Colorado Springs. We attract top students seeking new perspectives with an array of experiential learning opportunities possible only in an immersive learning environment. Here, students take only one class at a time to facilitate deep exploration of a topic. We call this the Block Plan. This unique approach allows members of our campus community to share a rhythm of experience as we work together to fulfill our mission.

Job Summary

The Paraprofessional - Organismal Biology & Ecology provides a variety of support to department faculty, staff, and students.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the professor(s) to assist in conducting lectures, discussions, laboratory sessions, field trips, and examinations; in classes where individual projects are required, advise students in their project design and assist them in locating supplies and equipment as requested; coordinate time-sharing assignments with the faculty members involved and the department chair; meet with faculty to prepare for each block. Report for block duties and assignments in the following order: current block professor(s), next block professor(s), lab preparation staff, department staff, department chair; assist the department staff between blocks.
• Organize and direct the department tutoring program and work one-on-one with students from assigned classes. Help to ensure faculty are properly arranging tutors.
• Work with the department staff and faculty to ensure the classroom and laboratory are ready for use. Conduct post cleanup following student departure. -
• Coordinate logistics for field trips concerning vehicle reservations, scientific supplies, and gear; ensure field equipment is checked out and returned to the department in good condition; may coordinate the purchase of food and logistics of meal-planning for longer field trips.
• Drive and assist with field trips for field‑based courses, including overnight trips; may involve operating large vehicles on rough terrain.
• Maintain awareness of departmental supplies and equipment locations and sustain up‑to‑date working knowledge of laboratory equipment, including autoclaves, centrifuges, gel imagers, electrophoresis systems, pipettes, thermocyclers, and spectrometers.
• Organize class materials, documents, and other items before each block as requested. Ensure materials (class handbooks, syllabi, exams, etc.) are printed and prepared for use prior to the beginning of the block or as needed during a class.
• Assist students in preparing presentations for Organismal Biology and Ecology Day, organize logistics of the event alongside staff administrative assistant, including spaces, technological needs, catering, etc.
• Assist the department with some greenhouse needs, animal suite maintenance, and animal care as needed.
• Participate in department meetings, participate as needed on search committees, help arrange department events, deliver packages/mail, and run errands as requested.
• Create posters, flyers, and other materials to publicize departmental events and seminars.
• Organize website and department social media changes or updates, and regularly ensure homepages are up to date. Implement changes to faculty profile pages as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field, and an outstanding academic record
• Knowledge of general biology plus extended knowledge of laboratory and/or field biology
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and the broader college community
• Ability to utilize standard computer hardware and software
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and make decisions as necessary
• Ability to manage time well and work independently as a professional
• Basic first aid skills
• Ability to drive vehicles on field trips, including 12 passenger vans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some experience in public speaking, including presenting materials to a class; basic research skills and experience in biological research.

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Other Position Details:

• Does not supervise others
• Position requires driving CC vehicles (drivers must be eligible for coverage under CC's insurance plan)

Application Instructions

• Application Deadline - last day to submit an application: March 27 2026
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

In alignment with our commitment to reduce potential bias in hiring, applicants may redact any information that discloses their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on resumes, certifications, transcripts, or other application materials. There will be no penalties for the omission of such information.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

• $20.03 per hour

What We Offer:

As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 0.085 vacation hours for each hour worked and 0.0462 hours of sick time for each hour worked
• Paid seasonal breaks and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
• Tuition benefits for employee and eligible dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits include free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants

Benefits and Wellness Information:

Please refer to our Benefits Page

Explore the Department: Learn more about the Organismal Biology & Ecology Department here: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/obe/

Accommodation Statement:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College’s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request accommodations to support your application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at HR@coloradocollege.edu as early as possible. Positions may close on the listed deadline or, if posted as continuous, may close without prior notice.

E-Verify Information:

This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov

Leave Information:

Please refer to https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/leadership/policies/vacation-leave-and-accrual.html