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

About the role

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform specialized and technical duties to assist in the operation and maintenance of a physical sciences instructional laboratory (Physical Science, Physics/Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, and Oceanography).

Responsibilities

• Set up laboratory and equipment for instructors.
• Assist teachers and students in the use of a variety of equipment, materials and supplies in the instructional setting; provide assistance to students as appropriate, assigned or according to established procedures.
• Prepare instructional materials and equipment for teacher demonstrations and student use as requested, according to approved procedures; prepare lab handouts related to experiments; assist instructors with proctoring tests.
• Maintain a physical sciences laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; mix and apply cleaning chemical applications as required; maintain related safety, accident and incident records as required.
• Order, receive and store supplies, materials and equipment; maintain inventories, to assure appropriate quantities are available for instructional use.
• Adjust, maintain, calibrate and perform minor repair to equipment; report major repair needs or arrange for repairs according to established procedures.
• Prepare and maintain various records and reports related to laboratory operations and activities as required; research and obtain new experiments for laboratory use.
• Assist in the coordination of the use of physics lab facilities to assure the availability of appropriate supplies and equipment.
• Operate a variety of equipment related to any of the physical sciences lab, including electronic testing equipment, lab experimental equipment, copier and a computer.

Requirements

• Any combination equivalent to: Associate's degree in any of the physical sciences (per TOP Code 19), or engineering; and two years practical experience in any physical science field.

Knowledge of

• Principles, practices, procedures and equipment of assigned physical sciences instructional lab.
• Safety regulations involving area of specialty.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Advanced mathematics.
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Technical aspects of physics.
• Basic computer operation.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.

Ability to

• Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient physical sciences lab operation.
• Provide information and assistance to students and staff.
• Assure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials and supplies.
• Maintain physical sciences laboratory equipment in proper working order.
• Apply advanced mathematical problem-solving.
• Plan and organize work.
• Operate a computer terminal and related software applications.
• 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 time lines.

Work Contacts

Instructors, student worker, students, vendors, other departmental personnel.

Work Environment

Physical sciences lab environment.

Physical Effort

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment.
• Carrying, pushing or pulling lab equipment.
• Walking and standing for extended periods of time.