Laboratory Technician, Art (SC - Substitute)

At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect. Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact.

About the Role

Under direction from the Division Dean and/or Art Department Chair, assists in the preparation of materials and demonstrations for an assigned instructional area; operates and demonstrates use of specialized equipment, supplies and materials; provides assistance to students within the assigned subject area; and maintains the general cleanliness of the assigned laboratory.

Positions in the Lab Technician class are distinguished from the Senior Lab Technician by the level of responsibility assumed. In comparison to the Senior Lab Technician, positions at this level are assigned to less complex labs and have limited involvement in budget activities and ordering of supplies and equipment. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Responsibilities

• Assist instructors in developing instructional materials; prepare study sheets, visual instructional aides, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments; may assist in grading exams and maintaining related records.
• Prepare for laboratory demonstrations; set up laboratory apparatus; assist students in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments; ensure student compliance with laboratory policies, procedures and safety precautions; demonstrate proper care and cleaning procedures for laboratory equipment.
• Provide assistance to students on a variety of laboratory and course related matters; review student work in progress and assist in resolving problems.
• Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; clean floors, table tops, desks and furniture; wash work tables and benches; empty trash receptacles; perform routine and minor repairs on laboratory equipment; maintain, clean and test assigned equipment including kilns, lathes, sanders, grinding wheels, drawing horses, easels and other equipment.
• Maintain woodshop machinery and equipment; table saws, jigsaws, etc.
• Assist in the loading, firing and maintaining of kilns; maintain firing schedule; clean and vacuum kilns; grind down kiln shelves; apply fresh kiln wash.
• Maintenance and cleaning of jewelry, 3D and sculpture studios, patios and classrooms.
• Prepare daily supply of needed materials including clay test cylinders, plaster molds, glazes, slips and stains.
• Assist students including pouring bronze for sculptures and lifting and carrying art work.
• Participate in the ordering and maintenance of supplies, materials and equipment; store, discard and rotate materials according to standard procedures; receive, assemble and test new equipment.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information; answer phones; relay messages for faculty and staff.
• Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to two years of college level course work in art, ceramics, sculpture or a related field.
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience working with art materials and equipment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment and materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.
• Theories and applications of the assigned subject matter.
• Woodworking practices including construction and fabrication methods.
• Principles and practices of laboratory operations.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies used within the assigned laboratory.
• Methods and techniques used in the production of ceramics including mixing of glazes, appropriate clay materials usage and loading and firing of kilns.
• Jewelry fabrication, maintenance of jewelry equipment.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and demonstrations for an assigned subject area.
• Correctly and efficiently set up laboratory equipment and materials used in exercises and experiments.
• Operate and demonstrate the proper use of specialized equipment, supplies and materials.
• Provide assistance to students on matters related to assigned laboratories.
• Prepare, mix and dispose of materials used in the art laboratory.
• Operate, understand the mechanical function of and perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment within assigned area.
• Maintain the cleanliness of assigned laboratory.
• Maintain woodshop machinery and equipment.
• Interpret and apply department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Maintain an adequate inventory of materials for instructional programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The conditions herein 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 job functions.

• Environment: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting; may be exposed to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, and gases; work with laboratory equipment and apparatus; may work with water. Occasional exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a laboratory setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; may require the wearing of safety glasses or goggles and rubber or plastic gloves.
• Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
• Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Schedule

Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs. This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Hours per week: up to 25.