Science Laboratory Technician

About the role

To operate a science laboratory and maintain equipment, tools, materials and supplies; provides assistance to faculty and students; selects, trains and supervises student assistants to work in science laboratories and storerooms.

Responsibilities

• Performs the timely preparation, set-up and issuing of materials, equipment and lockers for use in student laboratory demonstrations, experiments, exercises and exams.
• Operates and demonstrates the use of specialized equipment and instruments commonly found in community college laboratories.
• Maintains a clean and safe learning environment in the laboratory, laboratory office and storage areas.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, logs and files related to supplies and equipment.
• Monitors utilization of supplies to assure a well-stocked laboratory.
• Prepares and manages a supply budget.
• Prepares various media, cultures, solutions, and stains.
• Assembles, tests, installs, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and materials.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of needed repairs, maintenance, or any hazardous condition that exist in the laboratories.
• Assists faculty in the planning and implementation of experimental design and preparation of laboratory exercises.
• Inspects areas for hazardous material spills.
• Communicates with instructors, vendors and suppliers regarding science laboratory purchases, operations and equipment.
• Provides appropriate student safety training; maintains records of training.
• Collects, monitors, controls, labels, keeps detailed logs and stores and arranges for safe disposal of hazardous chemical, reagent and hazardous chemicals and biological waste.
• Recruits, selects, trains and supervises assistants; schedules, assigns and reviews work to ensure optimal use of the lab.
• Provides instructional guidance and assistance to individuals and small groups of science students; reinforces concepts, techniques and practical applications presented by the instructor.
• Attends periodic training to maintain current knowledge of proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and related record keeping requirements.
• Performs general clerical duties.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

One (1) year of responsible experience in a college, public health, hospital, clinical or research setting performing discipline-specific tests and processes, including experience in workplace safety.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a discipline relevant to assigned area, or equivalent.
• EDUCATION / LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate. Possession of, or ability to obtain, Cal OSHA Certification.
• Knowledge Of: Methods, techniques and procedures used in the planning, development and delivery of a science laboratory program. Subject matter and theoretical principles of assigned discipline. Methods of gathering and presenting general statistical data. Scientific laboratory equipment, materials, supplies, methods, practices and techniques. Tools, materials and equipment used in the repair, calibration, and maintenance of science laboratory equipment and instruments. Principles, practices, and environmental health and safety regulations necessary to use and dispose of hazardous materials or work with laboratory equipment. Modern software applications (Microsoft Office Suite, etc.). Principles of record keeping and budget administration.
• Skill To: N/A
• Ability To: Work independently with minimal supervision. Organize and prioritize laboratory activities. Research, adapt, and apply laboratory methods, practices and techniques common to assigned department. Perform routine and analytical work needed to prepare equipment and materials for laboratory assignments. Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain scientific equipment. Understand the function of, operate, demonstrate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair and calibrate technical instruments. Perform administrative work accurately and efficiently, including budget monitoring. Interpret and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Lift, move and manipulate objects and equipment within laboratory. Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. Stay current with changing environmental health and safety regulations. Safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous materials. Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, and religious background of all students, faculty and staff, and with all individuals encountered in the performance of required duties.

Special Instructions

Note: New employees will be placed at the first step which is $62,268 per year, second step $65,424 per year or third step at $68,724 per year (depending upon experience). Based on current salary placement guidelines, all step increases for which an employee becomes eligible shall take place on July 1st of each fiscal year. These increases will occur, on annual basis, until the maximum step of $75,864 per year is reached on the salary schedule.