Temporary - Laboratory Technician - Biology/Chemistry - Coast Center

About the role

This is a Short-Term, Non-Continuing (STNC) position, 10 hours per week, $27.54 per hour. Ed Code 88003 authorizes a governing board to hire STNC employees for less than 75% of a school year, up to 180 days. Please see the current salary schedule at: MLCCD - Salary Schedule.

Responsibilities

• Obtains and prepares instructional and demonstration materials, equipment and chemical reagents for a variety of biology and chemistry courses and labs.
• Safely receives, stores, handles, dispenses, and disposes of supplies including hazardous chemicals and/or pathogens.
• Affirms adequate inventory of lab supplies needed for the operation of science labs.
• Prepares chemistry and biology labs for instructional and demonstration activities.
• Prioritizes tasks; prepares and sets up solutions, media, live specimen (including pathogens) and supplies.
• Researches some media and reagents and makes from scratch; prepares and sets up lab equipment.
• Organizes lab times; assures critical lead time for labs are maintained.
• Troubleshoots experiments that failed during experiment process or through student errors; researches new adopted experiments as directed.
• Maintains laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment in a safe and orderly condition; cleans lab after use; stores glassware, equipment, and other materials.
• Checks and assures eye washes, safety showers, fume hoods, first aid kits, and fire blankets are operational as required.
• Completes periodic inventory of supplies and chemicals; allocates priority to supplies needed; initiates requisitions for the purchase of supplies and equipment and submits to appropriate personnel for signature and approval.
• Communicates with vendors and sales representatives; makes cost comparisons and obtains technical information regarding equipment and instruments being considered for purchase; maintains budget records and petty cash.
• Properly receives, stores, and dispenses supplies and equipment including hazardous chemicals and pathogens; must be able to store pure cultures for months; assures the sterilization of bacterial cultures; collects, stores, and is responsible for off site disposal of hazardous wastes.
• Affirms safety in the labs; explains labeling and safety procedures; maintains current knowledge of proper handling of chemicals and maintains safety data files; assures proper handling of chemicals including pathogens and hazardous chemicals by students and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Operates a variety of biology and chemistry-related equipment; maintains and performs minor repairs of instruments such as microscopes, stereoscopes, Mettler Balances, Spectrophotometers, Gas Chromatographs, pH meters, etc.
• Issues and checks student drawers for cleanliness; restocks as necessary.
• Serves as a resource for part-time instructors in the use of facilities, equipment, instruments, and supplies including safety regulations.
• Communicates with inspectors and safety officers and explains the layout of facilities; inspects classrooms and chemical storage facilities.
• Attends meetings and workshops as directed.
• Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must meet Human Resources guidelines for qualified hiring; including by not limited to a Live Scan background check and completion of TB test.
• Knowledge Of Biology/chemistry theories related to the courses offered.
• Safe receiving, handling, and storage of hazardous chemicals and pathogens.
• Proper operation and set up of lab equipment.
• Safety procedures for a biology and chemistry lab.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Basic recordkeeping techniques.
• Basic computer operation.
• Basic research methods in media preparation.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability To Prepare and set up solutions, media, live specimen and supplies.
• Learn curriculum, goals, and objectives of the program.
• Organize and monitor critical lead times for labs.
• Maintain laboratory and equipment in safe operating condition pursuant to safety regulations for hazardous chemicals and pathogens.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on instruments.
• Operate and demonstrate the use of laboratory materials and equipment.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Operate a microcomputer and related software.
• Prioritize and schedule work.
• Learn, apply, and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the operation of the program.
• Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
• Physical Ablity To Physical demands include reaching, bending, walking, moderate lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing for long periods, and the ability to handle and preserve live animals including a human cadaver.

Benefits

The College offers a Bronze level benefit plan at the cost of the employee. Paid Time Off: The successful candidate will earn forty (40) hours of sick leave per fiscal year. Retirement: This position may be eligible for CalPERS Retirement (contingent upon number of hours worked within the fiscal year).