Laboratory Technician-Biological Sciences Short-Term Hourly (Temporary)

Under the supervision of the area Dean, performs specialized and technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the biological sciences instructional laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains the biological sciences instruction laboratories.
• Performs specialized and technical duties to assure efficient laboratory operation.
• Assists teachers and students in the use of equipment in the laboratory.
• Prepares and issues material and equipment for instructor demonstrations and student use; sets up laboratory examinations.
• Reviews and modifies existing experiments and investigates/tests new experiments to be incorporated into the instructional programs.
• Maintains biological science laboratories in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
• Performs technical microbiological preparation with extensive work in media production (tubed, bottled, plated), vital stains, special reagents, and aseptic transfers of pathogens and non-pathogens on a routine basis.
• Mixes, applies, and sprays chemical applications and pesticides.
• Estimates need for and prepares special reagents and precise chemical solutions for laboratory classroom use.
• Oversees safety and security of equipment and materials.
• Accumulates, stores, and coordinates pick-up for hazardous waste material.
• Ensures the care and feeding of live specimens including rodents, reptiles, frogs, fish/aquariums, and bacterial cultures; secures permits for animals as necessary.
• Prepares and maintains various records and reports, chemical inventories, log books, preparation sheets, and other documents related to laboratory operations and activities.
• Monitors supply budget, orders, receives, and stores supplies, materials, and equipment; maintains inventories and ensures adequate stock levels.
• Calculates costs of materials from sources such as quotations and price lists; assigns proper codes and account numbers on purchasing documentation; ensures adequate funding and processes for approval.
• Submits purchase order documents and places orders; communicates with vendors to clarify issues and determine order status.
• Researches products and best sources of supply for quality and price; maintains logs, catalogs, and vendor files; negotiates and obtains quotes; prepares and analyzes bids.
• Matches order forms with invoices and records; notes, reports, and resolves issues and discrepancies with vendors.
• Compiles and prepares budget data based on expense estimates; submits justifications for budget items and requested increases.
• Adjusts, maintains, and performs minor repairs on equipment; troubleshoots equipment; identifies defective equipment for repair or replacement or outsources equipment repairs.
• Operates a variety of equipment related to assigned labs including autoclave, balances, pH meters, spectrometers, centrifuges, and other equipment.
• Provides work direction to student workers.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in a biological science, including biology, biotechnology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, or zoology.
• Two years of practical lab-related experience in one or more of the biological sciences.

Skills

• Principles, practices, procedures, and equipment of assigned biology, biotechnology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and zoology instructional labs.
• Safety regulations involving area of specialty.
• Principles and practices of providing work direction and training.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient lab operations.
• Provide information and assistance to students and staff.
• Ensure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain learning equipment in proper working order.
• Issue and receive equipment and supplies.
• Plan and organize work.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.

Working Conditions

• Instructional science lab environment.
• Exposure to fumes from chemicals and biological specimens and cultures.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous materials.
• Exposure to live rodents and reptiles.
• Exposure to extremely dangerous hazardous materials, chemicals, and cancer-causing agents.
• Exposure to formaldehyde and chemical fumes.

Physical Effort

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to set up lab demonstrations and operate lab equipment.
• Lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Pulling and pushing carts.
• Reaching to grasp and move supplies.