The Instructional Lab Technician-Science will primarily collaborate with physics and astronomy faculty to support laboratory courses in these fields. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with the Southwestern College Planetarium and providing support for other physical science disciplines, such as Engineering and Earth Sciences. Successful candidate will primarily support Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering labs; and will assist with Earth Sciences labs as well.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTIONOversee and coordinate the operations of complex instructional laboratories and related support services in assigned area; maintain assigned instructional laboratories and related support services in a clean, organized, and safe condition; and perform complex technical work in support of assigned labs. This position reports to the Dean, Math/Science/Engineering School, or designated administrator.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThe Instructional Lab Technician-Science classification works with minimal supervision and is responsible for labs that use complex, state-of-the-art equipment, and analytical instrumentation as well as hazardous materials. The Science labs are dynamic environments requiring that the incumbent maintain a current working knowledge and understanding of complex equipment, hazardous materials, and related safety regulations. Employees in this class are responsible for ensuring all equipment and instrumentation are operational; that hazardous materials are handled, stored, and disposed of according to applicable safety laws and regulations. The Instructional Lab Technician-Science classification is a broad class covering assignments related to a physical or life science laboratory. The specific abilities and requirements for each position do not allow transfer from one discipline to the other.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAny combination equivalent to: completion of two (2) years of college with major coursework* in an area directly related to the area of assignment.
AND Two (2) years of work experience working in a laboratory type setting.
*At least 10 units in Physics coursework.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science in Physics, Astronomy, or Astrophysics.
- One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
- If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
- Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.
Must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical and respirator examination if selected for position.
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KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:- Principles, practices, procedures, and equipment used in the assigned class option.
- Science laboratory operation at the community college level.
- Technical aspects of field of specialty.
- Applicable terminology, precise measurement techniques, and scientific notation relative to the assigned field of science.
- Operational characteristics of equipment used in the assigned science lab.
- Basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
- Principles and practices of record keeping.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Ability to:- Prepare and set up laboratory equipment, models, reagents, and other teaching aids for class exercises, experiments, and demonstrations for assigned area.
- Oversee and maintain safe operation of assigned instructional laboratories and related support areas.
- Assist instructors in planning demonstrations.
- Use, operate, and ensure the proper operation, care, and security of assigned laboratory equipment, and measuring devices. Issue, present, and receive supplies and specialized materials, which may include chemicals, in a safe and orderly fashion.
- Maintain adequate quantities of lab materials and supplies.
- Assemble, maintain, and coordinate repair of lab equipment for safety and functionality.
- Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new lab equipment and systems.
- Work independently with little or no direction.
- Meet schedules and time lines.
- Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Instructional Lab Technician-ScienceESSENTIAL DUTIES- Oversee and maintain safe operation of assigned science instructional laboratories and related support areas; participate in establishing, implementing, and enforcing laboratory safety policies andprocedures;participateinsafetyprogramsandworkshopsandstayupdatedoncurrentsafety protocols; institute necessary changes to keep the assigned instructional laboratories and related support areas functioning in a safe manner.
- Perform and oversee the daily lab operations; prepare and setup laboratory equipment, reagents, media, and other teaching aids for class demonstrations, practical examinations, and student assignments; prepare, label, and issue reagents, materials, and equipment for student use; assign and monitor the use and return of specialized lab equipment; dismantle and clean-up labs.
- Troubleshoot existing or perform newly proposed experiments before presentation to students; identify problems and advise instructor.
- Assist in preparation of the preliminary laboratory budget; project estimated needs, supplies, materials, and reagents required for instructional lab exercises; coordinate with Department Chair and faculty to discuss program needs to prioritize purchasing; generate requisitions for supplies and equipment; maintain purchasing records; oversee and monitor budget expenditures for assigned budgets.
- Set-up, operate, calibrate, and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment. Coordinate preventative maintenance and service for laboratory equipment and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation with providers; maintain service records.
- Work cooperatively with, and coordinate activities with other District staff and service areas including Facilities, Purchasing, Information Technology, and Warehouse staff, and other offices throughout campus.
- Operate a variety of technical equipment including sensors for temperature, pressure, voltage/current, force, light, sound, oscilloscope, multi-meters, voltmeters, resistors, capacitors, inductors, electromagnets, and/or software related to data acquisition for Physical Sciences lab experiments.
- Setup, operate, and maintain Physical Sciences lab equipment/software.
SALARY SCHEDULE: Classified Bargaining Unit PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTThis is a non-telecommuting position.
Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; possible exposure to dissatisfied individuals.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE: Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.
March 31-April 20, 2025 | Position advertised; District receives applications |
April 20, 2025 | Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. |
| June 29, 2025 | Extended initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. |
July 7-18, 2025 | Reviewing of applications. |
July 21-31, 2025 | Search Committee interviews candidates |
August, 2025 | Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval. |
