Science Lab Technician, Physical Sciences

Under limited supervision of the Science Laboratory Manager, assists with the preparation, setup, break-down, and clean-up of Physical Sciences laboratories according to lab activities and experiments, following established procedures and safety regulations. Eligible veterans and their spouses may claim Veterans’ Preference pursuant to Florida Statute 295.

Responsibilities

• Daily – 25%: Prepares labs for assigned disciplines (chemistry, biochemistry, physics, oceanography, astronomy, earth science, geology) by setting up all required materials, including glassware, benchtop equipment, molecular models, and chemical solutions.
• Daily – 20%: Assists with preparation, dilution, and standardization of chemical solutions, including calculations for concentrations, measuring temperature/volume/mass, weighing, mixing, heating, cooling, filtration, and dispensing in appropriate containers. Uses equipment such as analytical balances, top-loading balances, hotplates, pH meters, multimeters, and spectrophotometers.
• Daily – 20%: Restores labs to pre-activity condition by cleaning and returning materials, disinfecting surfaces/supplies, and performing minor repairs.
• Daily – 10%: Assists lab manager with gravimetric analysis, determining physical properties (e.g., melting/boiling points), pH measurement, maintaining pH electrodes, calibrating spectrophotometers, and performing titrations.
• Daily – 5%: Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment for the assigned discipline.
• Other – 5%: Assists faculty with lab activities.
• Other – 5%: Maintains laboratory equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation through cleaning and pre-class testing/calibration.
• Other – 5%: Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree (or equivalent combination of experience and education).
• Three or more years of functional experience in a science laboratory setting, including preparation/dilution of chemical solutions and hazardous material training.

Skills

• Operational knowledge in assigned discipline (e.g., chemistry, physics, oceanography).
• Strong understanding of concepts/principles in related areas.
• Basic electrical safety knowledge.
• Ability to manage work independently and as an active team member.
• Leadership skills for guiding groups of employees.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and specialized computer systems.
• Effective communication with employees and students.

Benefits

• Affordable high-quality healthcare insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement options: Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or FRS Investment Plan.
• Wellness program.
• Paid vacation and time off, including winter and spring breaks.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement for employees and family members.

Pay

$36,800 – $43,240 annually.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Monday–Friday, with occasional weekends; varies.
• 40 hours per week.