Lab Coordination Assistant, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

RESPONSIBILITIES

Laboratory Support (40%)

• Support efforts for general laboratory improvements (those not managed by specific lab manager) through collaboration directly with faculty and lab managers.
• Provide supervision, oversight and instruction of students performing projects that require fabrication.
• Ensure that the necessary equipment, materials, and supplies related to the general labs for functional and available to students and faculty.
• Enforce all safety rules and environmental regulations.
• Purchase and when necessary, fabricate equipment, tools and supplies used in the general/shared research labs related to classes, student projects and research lab efforts.
• Ensures all lab equipment is running efficiently and properly in the research labs.
• If needed, repair and/or coordinate the repair of research lab equipment.
• Provide technical support in the design, fabrication and use of various laboratory equipment and tools.
• Coordinate facility modifications and repairs with plant facilities and other departments.
• Identify, and discuss infrastructure problems and propose solutions if lab restructuring is needed.
• As needed, responsible for ensuring that malfunctioning equipment is repaired quickly and economically.
• Assist in managing the Blaster card system for all new Hill Hall personnel.
• Assist with physical cylinder management within Hill Hall.
• Other related tasks as assigned by Lab Coordinator III.

Building Management Support (40%)

• Assists in the submittal of Facilities work orders to get building maintenance performed and or safety issues corrected.
• Assists Lab Coordinator III in Determining how best to repair malfunctioning equipment quickly and economically and ensures completion.
• Assists Lab Coordinator III to ensure that department laboratories and work spaces are compliant with Fire Safety regulations.
• Helps make recommendations to faculty concerning new equipment requirements as to support systems and infrastructure required for safe operation.
• Assists Lab Coordinator III in upgrading safety plans. For example, as new equipment is added, ensures that procedures to operate the equipment are added to the safety plan.

Technical Assistance (15%)

• Students with little or no experience will often overestimate their abilities with equipment. The technician must help make decisions on how to address unsafe or improper machine usage.
• If equipment fails, the technician must be able to diagnose and then troubleshoot and repair (or coordinate repair) of shop and laboratory equipment.
• Repairs must be timely and economical.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Other duties as assigned to meet the objectives goals of the program and/or Mines.

Physical Requirements:

must be able to lift 50 lbs

Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards:
Should be able to use a half mask respirator and pass a fit test.

Minimum Level of

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED.

One (1) year of experience supporting laboratory, machine shop, fabrication, facilities maintenance, manufacturing, technical operations, engineering, research, or related environments. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Certifications and Licenses:
Must be able to obtain and maintain training required to safely operate laboratory and fabrication equipment. Must be able to wear a respirator and successfully pass a respirator fit test.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):
Basic knowledge of shop equipment, hand tools, power tools, laboratory equipment, or mechanical systems.

Ability to perform routine troubleshooting, maintenance, and minor repairs on equipment.

Knowledge of workplace safety practices and ability to follow established safety procedures.

Ability to read and follow technical manuals, operating procedures, and safety documentation.

Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and facilities personnel.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and respond to equipment and facility maintenance needs in a timely manner.

Demonstrated customer service and problem solving skills.

Ability to supervise and instruct students in the safe operation of tools and equipment.

Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office and electronic work order systems.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in laboratory, machine shop, and research environments.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this…