Instructional and Classroom Support Technician - Science

Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 3

This Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 3 position coordinates and provides laboratory support to undergraduate courses in life science laboratories, primarily in Biology and A&P (anatomy and physiology). The position provides professional and technical support requiring knowledge of scientific discipline including equipment, materials, techniques, and procedures. Under general direction, the position completes lab set-ups, maintains organized lab rooms and prep rooms, and coordinates with faculty to modify and/or adapt experiments and demonstrations or implement new experiments and demonstrations.

This position reports to the Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 4.

This is an eleven-month, forty-hour per week, cyclic position, with four unpaid weeks off annually. The cyclic break schedule may consist of four consecutive weeks off from August 16 through September 15 or may be divided into two weeks following the conclusion of Summer Quarter and two weeks during Winter Break, based on departmental and operational needs.

Schedule may vary to meet laboratory and campus needs.

Hours of work will primarily be 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The work schedule may vary to meet laboratory and campus needs.

Instructional Support:

• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to support student learning by setting up instructional lab materials.
• Operate, maintain, and repair laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Determine need for materials, equipment, and instruments necessary for assigned course load; order or procure necessary items within budgetary limitations.
• Maintain and develop lecture demonstrations, test lab experiment procedures.
• Develop and construct apparatus used in demonstrations; prepare and set up equipment and materials for laboratory experiments using safe procedures in handling hazardous materials; prepare solutions, specimens, media and organisms for all lab classes, demonstrations, and class projects.
• Search literature to determine methods to improve laboratory techniques and the teaching of scientific principles to students.
• Organize and prioritize tasks to meet strict deadlines as set forth in syllabus/class schedule.
• Advise faculty and students of potential safety problems with equipment or chemicals.
• Train faculty and students in use of equipment and advanced instrumentation.
• Follow appropriate disposal method for waste generated in laboratory experiments.
• Assist instructors in optimizing the laboratory learning environment.
• Adhere to procedures and guidelines established by the college.

Laboratory Monitoring:

• Responsible for all aspects of laboratory coordination including instructional support, equipment purchasing, and stock room functions.
• Maintain assigned space, equipment, chemicals, and use of space.
• Monitor laboratory areas to ensure compliance with safety policies.
• Maintain safe working environment; understand and follow applicable laws, regulations, established standards.
• Provide clean and organized labs and materials.
• Develop standard operating policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Environmental Safety Manager or college designee in developing safe laboratory procedures and practices.
• Order and dispense supplies, equipment, and materials; maintain records.
• Maintain and/or implement an up-to-date electronic database of equipment, supplies and chemicals in the lab stock room.
• Evaluate equipment specifications and make purchase recommendations.
• Prepare cost estimates, may coordinate with outside vendors and maintain budgetary spreadsheets.
• Provide direction to work study students.

Other Duties:

• Participate in campus-wide events as directed.
• Participate in committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree with major study in a physical science (physics, Earth science, geophysics, etc) or related field; OR two years of full-time experience as Scientific Instructional Technician; OR equivalent education and experience.
• Experience working with and knowledge of safe laboratory practices.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with fostering a climate of multicultural understanding and appreciation.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate, coordinate, and cooperate within a team setting.

• Experience working in higher education.
• Prior responsibility for technician support of a college level science course.
• Specific experience in support of science laboratory curriculum.
• Experience with the design and construction of laboratory materials and equipment.
• Experience working with advanced instrumentation including lasers, microscopes, and sensors.
• Experience working with chemicals in a laboratory setting; handling chemicals and hazardous and or biological waste.
• Significant coursework in physics.
• Actively acquires new skills and competencies;…