Laboratory Technician, Life and Physical Sciences

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 the 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.

Assist instructors in developing instructional materials; prepare study sheets, visual instructional aids, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments; may assist in grading exams and maintaining related records.

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.

Provide assistance to students on a variety of laboratory and course related matters; review student work in progress and assist in resolving problems.

Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; clean floors, tabletops, 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.

Make solutions and mixtures of chemicals for chemistry labs; dispense and label chemicals in vials and test tubes.

Monitor and dispose of chemicals and chemical waste; identify, collect and store unwanted and expired chemicals according to established safety guidelines and procedures.

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.

Respond to inquiries and requests for information; relay messages for faculty and staff.

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 the 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.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

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.

Working 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 Demands: 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.

Range 122 of CSEA Salary Schedule

Work schedule: Monday - Thursday (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) - Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Required Documents: Resume and Cover Letter

Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.

Hours Per Week : 20 - (50% of Full-Time )

Months: 12

Closing Date/Time: Tue, 02 Sep 2025

• 

• South Orange County Community College District

• 949.582.4850

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