Laboratory Technician, Life and Physical Sciences (SC - Substitute)
Job Description
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Application Instructions :
- Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered.
- Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.
- Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.
- For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.
- For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.
- For job postings requiring professional references, include at least three (3) professional references from the following categories:
- Current department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s);
- Previous department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s) (from within the past five (5) years);
- Master’s thesis or Doctoral Dissertation advisor or supervisor (for faculty);
- Colleague(s) or co-worker(s) who can address professional competency and skills relevant to the position; and/or
- Other professional references.
Please note, professional references are typically contacted when a candidate is selected for, or as a finalist for, a position.
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Description
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Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under direction from higher level administrative or academic staff, assists in the preparation of materials and demonstrations for an assigned instructional area; operates and demonstrates use of specialized equipment, supplies and materials; provides assistance to students within the assigned subject area; and maintains the general cleanliness of the assigned laboratory.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in the Lab Technician class are distinguished from the Senior Lab Technician by the level of responsibility assumed. In comparison to the Senior Lab Technician, positions at this level are assigned to less complex labs, have less exposure to hazardous or otherwise dangerous materials, and limited involvement in budget activities and ordering of supplies and equipment. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
1. Assist instructors in developing instructional materials; prepare study sheets, visual instructional aides, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments; may assist in grading exams and maintaining related records.
2. Prepare for laboratory demonstrations; set up laboratory apparatus; assist students in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments; ensure student compliance with laboratory policies, procedures and safety precautions; demonstrate proper care and cleaning procedures for laboratory equipment.
3. Provide assistance to students on a variety of laboratory and course related matters; review student work in progress and assist in resolving problems.
4. Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; clean floors, table tops, desks and furniture; perform routine and minor repairs on laboratory equipment; maintain, clean and test equipment related to biology, chemistry and other experiments and studies.
5. Make solutions and mixtures of chemicals for chemistry labs; dispense and label chemicals in vials and test tubes.
6. Monitor and dispose of chemicals and chemical waste; identify, collect and store unwanted and expired chemicals according to established safety guidelines and procedures.
7. Participate in the ordering and maintenance of supplies, materials and equipment; store, discard and rotate materials according to standard procedures; receive, assemble and test new equipment.
8. Respond to inquiries and requests for information; relay messages for faculty and staff.
9. Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment and materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.
Theories and applications of the assigned scientific discipline.
Principles and practices of laboratory operations.
Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies used within the assigned laboratory.
Mathematical principles and scientific concepts.
Methods and techniques used in handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals.
Proper methods of handling and storing equipment, materials, chemicals and supplies used within the assigned laboratory.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and demonstrations for an assigned subject area.
Correctly and efficiently set up laboratory equipment and materials used in exercises and experiments.
Operate and demonstrate the proper use of specialized equipment, supplies and materials.
Provide assistance to students on matters related to assigned laboratories.
Safely mix and dispense solutions for chemistry lab experiments.
Properly store and dispose of hazardous chemicals and materials.
Operate, understand the mechanical function of and perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment within assigned area.
Maintain the cleanliness of assigned laboratory.
Interpret and apply department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Maintain an adequate inventory of materials for instructional programs.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training:
Equivalent to two years of college level course work in chemistry, astronomy, biology, geology, physics or a related field.
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible chemistry, astronomy, biology, geology or physics laboratory experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, and gases; work with laboratory equipment and apparatus; may work with water. Moderate exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a laboratory 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 laboratory equipment and apparatus requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; may require the wearing of safety glasses or goggles, lab coats, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators or face shields.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. -
Supplemental Information
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Work Schedule: TBD – Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.
Hours per Week: Up to 25
Employment Conditions and Information:
This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”
After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.
NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).
NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 15th of the first month to the 14th of the second month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the third month.
Example : For the following reporting period: September 15th through October 14th, the NBU employee will be paid on November 10th.
NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.
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Special COVID-19 Notice :
Interviews may be held in-person (following all necessary precautions) or in a virtual format. Employees must reside in California while employed with the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), even during offsite work.
The SOCCCD is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, managers, and the communities it serves. More information can be found on the SOCCCD website by visiting https://www.socccd.edu/communications/covid-19-information .
Notice to all Candidates for Employment :
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The SOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.
California Public Employees Retirement SystemandCalifornia State Teachers Retirement System :
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations :
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Attendance Requirement :
All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness :
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity :
The SOCCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the SOCCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the SOCCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the SOCCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the SOCCCD's mission and goals for DEI and EEO.
THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
At the South Orange County Community College District, our goal as an academic community is to sustain a working environment that fosters and celebrates diversity, promotes and rewards excellence, and is welcoming to all. An exemplary academic community promotes an inclusive environment that best prepares our faculty, staff, and students to live, work, and contribute in a global society. The Plan reflects the District's commitment to equal employment opportunity and outlines the active steps that ensure nondiscriminatory practices.