Science Laboratory Specialist

DEFINITION:

Under supervision of the appropriate dean, academic affairs, the incumbent coordinates and oversees the operations and safety of assigned science laboratories; performs professional and technical work in science laboratory preparations in support of student learning; manages laboratory stockrooms; and values and promotes the mission and vision of the college.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Incumbents, under minimal supervision, independently performs a wide range of professional and technical duties while maintaining the safety of the laboratory environment. such as obtaining and preparing instructional materials for scientific laboratory setups, managing the laboratory stockrooms. The incumbent is expected to work with a considerable degree of independence but will receive direction from instructors in the sciences department(s) serving as a standing member of the Safety Committee. The incumbent works with faculty in planning for numbers, locations and costs of labs to be offered; reviews lab activities to support classroom learning; and may assist in the demonstrations of lab exercises for classroom sessions and outreach events.

1. Responsible for the preparation, assembly, and disassembly of solutions, specimens and equipment set up, monitoring and breakdown of equipment and materials for laboratory classes, exercises and experiments; and ensures that solutions specimens, equipment, and supplies are ready for use at specified times for classroom use and instruction on the main campus as well as for off campus centers and maintains them as needed when not in use.
2. Tests processes and identifies sound and safe methods to streamline preparation for lab classes.
3. Recommends for hire, schedules, trains and provides oversight of student workers; trains lab assistants.
4. Provides training and guidance in the proper care and use of materials, equipment, specimens and supplies, and the care of laboratory animals with an emphasis on safe handling.
5. Maintains the safety of the laboratory environment and equipment; may demonstrate safety procedures to students, student lab assistants and others; maintains chemical spill and safety kits; adapts equipment as necessary and reports the need for any repairs.
6. Adheres to applicable state and local laws relating to laboratory environment.
7. Obtains, stores, and ensures proper disposal of human cadavers for human anatomy; receives, obtains, maintains, and issues laboratory supplies and equipment;
8. Retrieves and safely organizes and stores chemicals, solutions, biological specimens and other hazardous materials in accordance with state and federal requirements; disposes of laboratory and hazardous wastes; coordinates with facilities for movement and disposal of hazardous wastes.
9. Assists in managing the laboratory and student worker budget; researches vendors, obtains quotes and bids for equipment prioritization; sets up open purchase orders and contracts for service of equipment and instrumentation; coordinates and controls expenditures for laboratory supplies and equipment and provides data for budget estimates.
10. Orders, receives, checks and stores materials; maintains records with respect to inventories, expenditures, acquisition and disposal of chemicals, and other records as may be required.
11. Coordinates and controls expenditures for laboratory supplies and equipment and provides data for budget estimates.
12. Maintains stockroom in a clean, safe, secure, and orderly condition.
13. Assembles and disassembles laboratory preparations.
14. Works with faculty in planning for numbers, locations and costs of labs to be offered; reviews lab activities to support classroom learning; and may assist in the demonstrations of lab exercises for classroom sessions, field trips and outreach events.
15. Assists administration and full-time faculty in the generation of the department Program Review.
16. Coordinates lab schedules with various full-time and part-time faculty to ensure proper running of labs.
17. Organizes and maintains the Science department(s) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) master file as required by law and ensures there is at least one incumbent as a standing member of the Safety Committee.
18. Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
• Understands the standard needs of equipment, procedures, supplies and materials of laboratories usage in general chemistry, biology, geology, and physics, including the toxic hazards of chemicals and prepared solutions and specimens;
• Recordkeeping and filing techniques;
• Federal and state safety and animal housing laws;
• Inventory methods and procedures.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff and students;
• Provide assistance to students on an availability and use of laboratory supplies and equipment;
• Initiate actions to improve present facilities and procedures;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instruction;
• Organize and inventory laboratory stockroom, identify and work with equipment,

• Use a computer;
• Operate a district vehicle;

• Typically may stand for extended periods of time.
• Operates a computer.
• Communicates over the telephone and in person.
• Regularly lifts, carries, and/or moves objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Duties are primarily performed in a laboratory environment. The incumbent will experience interruptions while performing normal duties during the regular workday.
• The incumbent will have contact, in person or on the telephone, with executive, management, supervisory, academic and classified staff and the general public.
• Work requires travel to other offices or locations to attend meetings or conduct work.
• May work a workweek which may include evening and weekend work, which may change as the semester and/or programs change.
• Working conditions may include potential exposure to pathogens, disease organisms and hazardous materials.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree in Life, and/or Physical science with course work in biological sciences and/or chemistry. One year of responsible scientific laboratory experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates Required:

• A valid California driver's license and ability to qualify for district vehicle insurance coverage.
• Possession of a valid California Class B driver's license to meet DOT requirements. is desirable but not required.
• Must obtain a certificate of completion for a HazMat 40 hr. General Site Worker Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Hazwoper) within the first year of employment and keep up the certification by taking an 8-hr. Hazwoper annual refresher course.

The desired start date is December 2024. This a full-time, 37-hours-per-week, classified position.

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

To be considered for this position, the candidate must submit the following application materials through our website https://www.hancockcollege.edu/hr/ by Wednesday, November 20, 2024, by 11:59 PST:

• Cover letter;

• A current and complete resume/CV of education and professional experience.

Allan Hancock College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.