Skilled Trades Laboratory Technician

Primarily responsible for all laboratory preparation for Welding/Fabrication, General Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems programs on the Wye Mills campus, Cambridge campus, Caroline Career and Technology Center (CCTC), the Mobile Welding Classroom, and any modular instructional labs associated with these programs.

Laboratory preparation ranges from ordering and maintaining the necessary supplies and equipment for each laboratory class to having such materials prepared in an advanced, organized manner to meet the laboratory schedule of full- and part-time instructors in Welding/Fabrication, Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems programs.

The Skilled Trades Laboratory Technician works under the supervision of the Skilled Trades Department Chair.

Examples of Duties Put together orders for supplies, materials, equipment, and parts for Welding/Fabrication, General Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems laboratories; ensure proper repair and condition of all supplies and equipment. Comply with state and federal safety regulations across all lab environments, including proper handling of fuels, lubricants, refrigerants, electrical systems, and marine-related materials and equipment. Work with instructors and program coordinators on lab procedures for operation and use of facilities and equipment across all program areas, including marine systems training equipment and vessel-related components.

Prepare materials, tools, and/or coordinate preparation for welding, construction, advanced manufacturing, and marine systems laboratory classes, including staging tools, work spaces, components, and diagnostic tools for student hands-on instruction. Assist Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems instructors during classes and lab sessions. Troubleshoot equipment issues and malfunctions across all lab areas. Maintain and update inventories including equipment, tools, consumables, MSDS, and Chemical Inventory List (CIL) for all labs.

Flexible availability in-person during evening and weekend hours when classes are in session.

Maintain welding equipment including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW machines; plasma cutters; oxy-fuel cutting systems; and metal fabrication tools such as saws, grinders, presses, and ironworkers. Ensure proper setup, calibration, preventative maintenance, and safe operation of all welding and fabrication equipment. Inspect and maintain ventilation systems, fume extraction units, and gas cylinder storage in accordance with safety regulations.

Support preparation of welding coupons, base materials, and fabrication projects for instructional use. Maintain inventory of consumables including electrodes, filler metals, shielding gases, and raw materials. Ensure proper handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders and hazardous materials.

Maintain fixed training spaces, electrical tools, plumbing tools, carpentry tools, layout equipment, and jobsite safety equipment; assist with setup of construction training modules.

Maintain HVAC trainers, refrigerant handling systems, gauges, recovery units, and electrical/HVAC control systems.

Maintain and support operation of CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and automated/robotic training systems. Assist with setup of digital manufacturing projects, calibration, troubleshooting, and safety compliance.

Maintain marine engines (outboard/inboard), fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and marine electrical systems used in instruction. Support setup of marine training modules including engine stands, diagnostic tools, and wiring systems. Assist with inspection, basic…