Lab Technician, Biology

Department: Biology - W & S | Location: Western Campus | Part-Time Support Staff | Union Position

About the Role

The Laboratory Technician I prepares laboratory classrooms and demonstrations according to lesson plans, assists in troubleshooting equipment and software, and ensures proper cleanup and maintenance of the laboratory. This role supports faculty and helps maintain a safe, functional learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepares classroom laboratory workstations with necessary materials and apparatus for experiments.
• Sets up and prepares experiments and demonstrations for classroom use.
• Arranges supplies and equipment as laboratory requirements change.
• Maintains and cleans the laboratory, stockroom, equipment, and glassware.
• Fills tubes, bottles, and containers with specified solutions/materials and applies identification labels.
• Properly disposes of laboratory waste materials.
• Assists faculty in the laboratory, including during educational sessions, by providing technical troubleshooting support.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance of laboratory equipment and tools.
• Assists faculty with the development and implementation of new laboratory procedures and/or curricula.
• Secures the laboratory area.
• Assists with annual inventory.
• May record and monitor expenditures and charges relevant to laboratory operation.
• May functionally supervise Work Study Students, Student Assistants, and Part-Time Lab Technicians.
• Prepares, maintains, and monitors supplies and equipment inventory.
• Assists Lab Supervisor in ordering, receiving, and storing supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Science Laboratory Technicians may maintain living plants and animals (e.g., rodents).

Requirements

• High School degree or GED.
• Minimum of two years of experience:
  • Science Laboratory Technicians: experience must be in a laboratory-based Science (Biology, MLT, Chemistry, Physics, or equivalent in Health Careers and Sciences).
  • Automotive Laboratory Technicians: experience must be in an automotive repair shop or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills, math, and grammar.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to determine needs and identify solutions.
• Experience with data collection and diagnostic software/equipment:
  • Science Laboratory Technicians: Vernier, Pasco, and iWorx equipment.
  • Automotive Laboratory Technician: ODB scanners.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in regular work.
• Working knowledge of laboratory concepts, practices, and procedures with the ability to apply them in varied situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree.

Competencies

• Critical Competencies: Service Focus, Quality of Work, Communication.
• Very Important Competencies: Time Utilization, Adaptability.
• Important Competencies: Collaboration, Continuous Improvement.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Work is partially performed in a laboratory setting.
• Exposure to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, open flames, chemicals, or biological hazards.
• Exposure to animals in a laboratory setting.
• May require walking and standing, including travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.

Pay

Minimum salary: $18.53/hour.

Schedule

Standard College Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.