Laboratory​/Safety Technician

Responsibilities

• Assemble and dismantle chemistry laboratory experiments; maintain, monitor and store a variety of chemicals; coordinate and monitor the disposal of hazardous waste materials.
• Assist in the development and evaluation of laboratory manuals; develop, implement and maintain a laboratory safety program in compliance with standard regulations; recommend procedural improvements.
• Issue chemistry laboratory equipment to students and staff; inspect equipment upon return; track and report breakage debts; collect and deposit breakage payments from students; maintain related records.
• Estimate need for and prepare special reagents and precise chemical solutions for laboratory classroom use; maintain related records; assist in the coordination of the use of laboratory facilities; assure the availability of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; control and maintain hazardous waste materials produced during laboratory experiments; assure proper chemical storage and hazardous waste disposal.
• Perform campus-wide hazardous materials safety assessment; assist in the training process of college personnel and students regarding hazardous materials usage; respond to hazardous spills on campus; determine need for professional response; coordinate legal disposal of hazardous waste.
• Assist in monitoring compliance with environmental and labor regulations regarding hazardous materials; secure permits related to the legal storage and use of hazardous materials.
• Inventory and order new chemicals, supplies and equipment for the chemistry laboratory and stockroom; submit justifications and cost estimates; monitor and control expenditures.
• Organize stockroom; adjust, clean, maintain and perform minor repairs to equipment; coordinate laboratory equipment maintenance and servicing; maintain related records.
• Prepare and maintain various records and reports including hazardous waste reports related to laboratory and stockroom operations and activities as required.
• Train and provide work direction to student workers and assigned staff; assign and review work; participate in the selection of new employees.
• Operate a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Any combination equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with coursework in chemistry, physics, physical science or a related field and two years of increasingly responsible laboratory experience.
• Knowledge
  • Operation, preparation and maintenance of a chemistry laboratory.
  • Principles and practices of chemical storage.
  • Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
  • Advanced principles of chemistry and physics.
  • Materials and equipment used in experiments.
  • Health and safety regulations.
  • Principles and practices of providing work direction and training.
  • Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
  • Curriculum, goals and objectives of the department.
  • Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Proper methods of hazardous waste disposal.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Technical aspects of field of specialty.
  • Inventory methods and practices.
  • Operation of a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment including a computer.
• Ability
  • Assemble and dismantle chemistry laboratory experiments.
  • Interpret, explain and apply laws, rules and regulations related to hazardous materials.
  • Safely clean up and dispose of hazardous materials.
  • Properly assemble and store chemistry equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Prepare special reagents and precise chemical solutions.
  • Issue and receive equipment and supplies.
  • Maintain equipment in proper working order.
  • Perform light repairs to equipment.
  • Maintain records and prepare reports related to work performed.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Train and provide work direction to others.
  • Assign and review the work of others.
  • Meet schedules and time lines.
  • Work independently with little direction.
  • Operate a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment including a computer.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.