JOB TITLE: Virtual Reality Lab Technical Specialist

REPORTS TO: Director of Workforce Innovation

DEPARTMENT: Workforce Development

EXEMPT: Yes

VICE PRESIDENT: VP of Workforce Development

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FUNCTION

All Hinds Community College employees must commit to the Caring Campus approach to student engagement and daily apply these general behavioral objectives: listen to student questions and concerns with a positive attitude and make meaningful connections with students.

The Virtual Reality and Immersive Technology Technical Specialist will provide professional technical expertise, guidance and advice within immersive technology for the delivery of technical activities within the Virtual Reality Lab at Hinds Community College.

To support students from across the college, by providing support for student learning, informal, and formal training and instruction, and the development of proficiency of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality application development, 360º video, motion capture, immersive entertainment, and relevant platforms, tools, and methodologies.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate Degree in relevant field, such as:
  • Interaction Design
  • Games Design
  • 3D Computer Animation
  • Creative Computing
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electronics Engineering
• Experience in at least three (3) of the following areas:
  • VR, AR or games development
  • Mobile app development
  • Physical computing
  • Commercial A/V hardware installation
  • Projection mapping
  • 360º video post-production
  • Sound design for games or entertainment
• Experience of teaching and/or demonstrating techniques related to VR, game development, A/V hardware or programming.
• Experience of working in Windows and macOS at both GUI and CLI levels
• Experience of specialist software
• Experience leading small group training, working with young people, or delivering technical concepts required.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience with video-conference training and presentations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain knowledge of diversity-related issues, legislation, and best practices. 
• Manage the daily operation and maintenance of Virtual Reality Lab equipment.
• Support Hinds Community College faculty in use of the Virtual Reality Lab as part of a course or individual projects for students involved in their coursework.
• Assist in the delivery of Virtual Reality Lab programs, including learning experiences for K-12 schools, community, business and industry, Hinds Community College students, and public groups in the Virtual Reality Lab.
• Assist in the training/management of all staff, volunteers, interns, and guests on the use of the Virtual Reality Lab software, computers and manufacturing equipment.
• Assist in coordinating all volunteers, and interns working in the Virtual Reality Lab.

• Liaison for technical support regarding Virtual Reality Lab hardware and software.
• Assist in development of training materials, procedures, project guides, etc. for use in Virtual Reality Lab, as well as development of a Virtual Reality Lab resource portfolio.
• Support development of all Virtual Reality Lab camps and workshops from development, to documentation and instruction.
• Assist Hinds Community College staff and corporate partners in completing Virtual Reality Lab related projects or services.
• Assist in development and enforcement of policies and procedures in Virtual Reality Lab and especially those around safe use.
• Participate as team member in assigned working groups and project teams as assigned.
• Interface with Hinds Community College outreach staff to promote Hinds Community College.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise Hinds Community College students, faculty, staff, and outside groups using the Virtual Reality Lab, as well as providing oversight of student Virtual Reality Lab aides and volunteers in the Virtual Reality Lab.

Skills essential to the role include:

• Knowledge of AV hardware, interconnects, technologies and standards, such as digital projection, HDMI, DisplayPort, video over IP
• Understanding of VR-related concepts such as positional tracking, frame rate, spatial audio, motion sickness, and mixed or merged reality
• Knowledge of VR and AR deployment environments
• Understanding of digital arts software
• Understanding of health, safety, and risk management in the workplace 
• Must be able to produce documentation of various projects assigned and be able to deliver and communicate material in an effective manner.
• Communicates effectively orally, in writing, and/or using visual media.
• Able to explain complex technical concepts to a diverse audience in an inclusive and accessible way
• Will need to constantly update software skills in a variety of disciplines.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in major platforms, such as Oculus Rift., iOS, HTC Vive, Gear VR, and/or PS4
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Computer skills in the development of spreadsheets, formula assignment, database structure, and report generation
• Experience with video-conference training and presentations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in report generation.

Other required skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong customer service and organizational skills
• Ability to work with and present to groups, from students to business and academic leaders
• Self-starter – ability to manage time and work schedules.
• Ability to document findings to plan future initiatives

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and the employee is occasionally required to perform job responsibilities in the outdoors and off site.

We promote a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects individual strengths, ideas, and capabilities. We believe that our differences enable us to make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver better results.

Mission

Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Vision

Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Values

Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS:

• Integrity
• Diversity
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Leadership
• Stewardship

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our communities.