Los Angeles Community College District

Monitors and maintains one or more instructional audio, video, and newspaper/magazine/radio production laboratories for journalism classes used for maintaining the print and online editions of the student newspaper and magazine, and the Internet radio station and assists students and faculty with instructional activities to develop and improve skills in the areas of journalism and media production.

Schedules and oversees the use of one or more instructional audio, video, and newspaper/magazine/radio production laboratories, by students, faculty, and staff.

Instructs students individually or in groups by providing tutorial assistance in the fundamentals of journalism and journalistic processes including writing and formatting for newspapers and magazines (grammar, spelling, punctuation, AP style, etc.).

Explains to students the established instructional laboratory and equipment policies.

Assists instructors in the set-up of classes and preparation of instructional materials and study aids.

Assists students with problems related to journalism projects involving the operation of photographic, audio, and video equipment, software, iPhones/iPads, and computers and printers used as part of the instructional program.

Assists instructional staff by providing observations of the problems encountered and progress made by students using a laboratory as a part of the educational program.

Effectively utilizes the capabilities and functions of standard computer software applications and journalistic software and social media in the performance of duties.

Stores equipment and keeps storerooms and working areas orderly and clean.

Issues and receives materials and equipment for student use in laboratory and classroom assignments; keeps records and effects the return of materials and equipment checked out to students.

Maintains inventory records of supplies and equipment and prepares periodic inventory reports and requisitions.

Assists instructors with preparation of lab materials such as development of proper computer operating instructions, lab problems, and documentation.

Assists in securing and placing advertisements in the student newspaper and magazine, assuring proper billing of related clients, and maintaining related records.

Reports equipment and system malfunctions and needed maintenance to technical staff, when appropriate, follows up on needed repairs and maintenance and maintains records of service calls.

Maintains laboratory attendance and progress records for instructional staff.

May assist instructional staff with research of product specifications related to software and hardware purchasing options.

May assist with work related to department business such as document creation and editing, time keeping, answering telephone inquiries and posting updated information on Web pages, as needed.

May perform software installations and updates of programs for assigned laboratory(ies).

May provide training and work direction to student employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

An Instructional Assistant, Journalism, applies a general knowledge of journalism in assisting students and faculty with instructional activities and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of assigned instructional audio, video, and newspaper/magazine production laboratories used in the maintenance of the print and online editions of the student newspaper and magazine, and the Internet radio station, including preparation of equipment, materials, and supplies; storekeeping functions, and proper use of equipment and materials.

Instructional Assistants in other academic disciplines are responsible for the day-to-day operations of instructional laboratories and apply their specialized knowledge to a broad range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of their academic departments.

General supervision is received from an academic supervisor. Functional supervision may be received from instructional staff. Work direction may be provided to student employees.

Knowledge of:

Methods and techniques of writing and formatting for newspapers and magazines (grammar, spelling, punctuation, AP style, etc.)

Newspaper, radio, television, social media networks, and other communications media resources

Techniques related to the preparation of graphics for TV, multimedia, and video

Basic principles of digital photography

Web publishing best practices

Office practices and procedures

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware common to instructional journalism laboratories

Recordkeeping procedures

Ability to:

Provide instructional assistance to students and instructional staff

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Create graphics for TV, multimedia, and video

Explain and demonstrate the proper operation of photographic, audio, computer/tablet, and video equipment used in creating and posting content for the school newspaper and magazine

Work effectively and cooperatively with students, instructional staff, and other District staff

Secure and store supplies

Keep detailed and precise records

Give clear and concise instructions

Meet deadlines

Effectively utilize computer hardware and software of assigned instructional laboratories

Learn general and specialized software applications

Education and Experience:

A.  An associate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university with a major in journalism or a related field.

OR

B.  Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of full-time, paid experience in the field of journalism.

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.