Contra-Costa.png

Science Laboratory Technician

Job Description

Position Title

Science Laboratory Technician

Special Instructions to Applicants

This Science Lab technician position in the Biology Department will be part of a team and will specifically support General Biology courses. As a team member they will also work in other areas of the Department such as Anatomy, Physiology, Organismal Biology, Microbiology and Biotechnology. An important part of the position includes working in the teaching laboratory to support student learning.
A willingness to work collaboratively with faculty and Lab Technicians to support student success is necessary to be successful in this position. This work will include set up, maintenance, and support of laboratory classes. While knowledge of laboratory methods and use of lab equipment is desired, training is available for an otherwise qualified candidate. Additional duties include preparing solutions and equipment for the biology laboratories and preparing laboratory models and specimens.

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.

Our Vision for Social Justice

We are seeking people who recognize the critical role community colleges play in social justice, who have ability in this space, enthusiasm for this work, ideas and vision to improve our approaches, and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 50,000+ students attending our five beautiful colleges and centers. Our social justice work calls for employees who have a sense of social responsibility, interest in our community and world in which we live.

The intention of social justice work is to strengthen humanity by understanding that every person deserves the benefits of fully participating in our society and institutions.

Academic researchers have illustrated that crucial social justice principles are a compilation of equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, engagement, environmental sustainability and human rights. These complex principles are challenging to operationalize in higher education; yet we are steadfast in our diligence to forge ahead to advance this vital mission.

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead higher education in the work of social justice. Many of our students come from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, students of color, students with recent immigrant histories, students from cycles of low income if not poverty, students from indigenous communities, and students from first-generation families.

The idea of promoting social mobility through education is unconditionally and uncompromisingly embraced by community colleges. This is an exciting role, and it comes with a heavy responsibility. Simply put, we need to create environments where our students achieve greater academic success, so much so that we close our persistent equity/opportunity gaps.

If you are committed to social and racial justice and if you are interested in joining a community dedicated to solving these inequities through education, please apply.

Recruitment Type:

Open (Internal and External applicants)

Location

Contra Costa College

Posting Number

0002112

# of Openings

1

Range

56

Salary

YEARLY: $62,268, step 1 - $75,864, step 5 (see special instructions for initial step placement)

Position Status

Permanent

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt (eligible)

Position

Full-Time

If temporary, employment duration:

N/A

# of Hours Scheduled Per Week

40

Work Schedule By Day and Work Hours

Monday-Friday
8 hours per day including two days with possible evening assignments

Shift Differential %

N/A

# of Months

11

Non-work Periods:

January 6-10, 2025; July 28-August 15, 2025

EEO Job Category

Technical/Paraprofessional

Employee Group

Classified

Department

C7002-Biological Sciences

Position Definition

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.

Distinguishing Characteristics

N/A

Examples of Duties/Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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.

Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
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.

EDUCATION / LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a discipline relevant to assigned area, or equivalent.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Cal OSHA Certification.

Minimum Qualification-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.

Minimum Qualification-Skill To

N/A

Minimum Qualification-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.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience working with students and displaying good communication skills.
  • Experience with student support, such as tutoring or other classroom activities.
  • Ability to prepare lab solutions with correct dilutions.
  • Experience with various Biology lab courses such as microbiology, introductory biology, organismal biology, or cell and molecular biology.
  • Experience with maintaining needed stocks of chemicals and supplies.
  • Experience using a compound microscope.

Job Open Date:

12/17/2024

Job Close Date:

01/17/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Foreign Degree and Credit Statement:

In accordance with the Human Resources Procedure 3050.05, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. You must upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position to be considered. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date. The candidate bears all responsibility and costs associated with obtaining the evaluation.

Employee Benefits:

Insurance: The District offers health, vision, dental and life insurance for monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors and their eligible dependents. Monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors covered by another health medical plan may waive District coverage and receive a monthly cash stipend.



Retirement: Most employees are members of the PERS (Public Employees Retirement System). Faculty employees and Academic Managers are members of the STRS (State Teachers Retirement System). Police Service employers are members of Safety Public Employees Retirement System.



Deferred Compensation: The District offers two optional deferred compensation plans. Eligible employees have a choice of the 457, 403b plans and a selection of savings and investment options.



Leave Allowance: The District offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers/supervisors a generous vacation and sick leave benefits as well as 20 paid holidays annually (which can vary based on length of winter break).



Additional Benefits: The District also offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers/supervisors educational reimbursements, employee assistance programs, a travel assistance plan, longevity compensation, retiree benefits, employee discounts on health memberships and a comprehensive wellness program.



Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $45.00 and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $2.50. (All confidential, supervisory and management positions are exempt from union membership)



For further information regarding benefits eligibility and details please refer to the following documents available on the 4CD website:

Classified Employees Local 1 Contract (Article 20-Benefits):
https://www.4cd.edu/hr/localonecontract/2019-2022%20Local%201%20Contract.pdf



Managers/Supervisors/Confidential Personnel Manual (Section 8-Insurance Benefits):
https://www.4cd.edu/gb/policies-procedures/manuals/MSC_08.pdf

POST OFFER PRE-PLACEMENT EVALUATION PROGRAM (PEP)

All job offers of employment are conditional upon the applicant’s satisfactory results of the Post Offer Pre-Placement Evaluation Program. This involves a physical strength test to demonstrate a minimum level of strength to perform the essential duties of the job. There is no charge for this service. Please do not make an appointment for testing until you have received notification from the Human Resources Department after a job offer is extended. The positions we currently evaluate are: Building Maintenance Worker, Custodian I and II, Lead Custodian, Cook, Food Services Assistant, Food Services Supervisor, Food Services Supply Clerk, Food Services Coordinator, Grounds Worker/ Gardener I and II, Senior/ Lead Grounds Worker/Gardener, Lead Maintenance Mechanic, Senior Equipment Maintenance Worker. If you are not hired in a listed classification, you may disregard this notification.

ADA Accommodations:

In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests for reasonable accommodations may be made to slever@4cd.edu. For administrative purposes, requests must be made at the time of application.

COVID-19 Information

N/A

Quicklink

https://www.4cdcareers.net/postings/11035

Diversity Statement

It is the District’s policy to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity, and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of ethnic group identity, race, color, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, parental status, citizenship or because an individual is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

*Please mention you saw this ad on AcademicJobs.*

Apply Now

Be Seen By Recruiters at the
Best Institutions

Create Your FREE Profile Now!