Health Careers Lab Manager

At Oakton College, we know education changes lives - and that starts with the people who make it happen. For more than 50 years, we've built a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds and experiences thrive.

We're looking for passionate educators, professionals and leaders to join our team. Whether in the classroom, student support, or behind the scenes, your talents and expertise will make a difference and shape the future.

We provide dynamic learning environments that empower students and employees alike with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie and a Health Careers Education Center in Evanston.

As a proud institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton is more than a college - it's a place where innovation, equity and lifelong learning drive everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and student-centered culture.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, plan and direct the delivery of instructional support services available in the Health Careers labs at the Des Plaines campus and Evanston Health Careers Education Center. The primary focus involves supervising student workers and specialized technicians to ensure instructional labs are prepared for various health career disciplines.

Job Responsibilities

• Interview, hire, train, and supervise student employees as they prepare labs for various health career courses.
• Train and supervise the STEM and Health Careers Laboratory Specialist (in collaboration with Biology Lab Manager or STEM designee), along with part-time staff in the Health Careers division. Responsible for interviewing and hiring to fill these positions when there are vacancies.
• Review clinical and experimental procedures and equipment with lab instructors as necessary.
• Develop lab schedules and preparation guidelines for clinical skills and lab experiments.
• Develop budget requests, purchase and maintain inventory of health careers supplies, equipment, and educational materials, adhere to budget limits, and initiate request orders for supplies and equipment at applicable campuses.
• Initiate and supervise the maintenance and repair of specialized lab and medical equipment, and initiate requests for and supervise routine repairs of lab facilities (e.g., drains, faucets, safety equipment).
• Ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and instructors in the Health Careers labs. This could include but is not limited to: evaluating hazards and risks, conducting inspections, maintaining records of audits and corrective actions, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
• Ensure that applicable faculty, staff, and students receive appropriate training regarding the handling of biohazardous/medical waste, personal protective equipment, and hygiene protocols.
• Collect, organize, and remove biohazard and chemical waste from the labs to a designated area, and maintain an inventory of necessary supplies.
• Supervise the safety and security of the lab facilities, including during times when students are not in attendance, but the college is open.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Supervision Received

Administrative supervision is received from the Dean of Health Careers. Functional supervision may be received from the Program Chair, and/or designated faculty member.

Supervision Exercised

Functional supervision is exercised over the STEM and Health Careers Laboratory Specialist and part-time laboratory staff. Functional supervision is also exercised over a team of approximately 5-7 student employees.

Education, Work Experience, and Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Science with specific course work in Medical Laboratory Technology, Chemistry, Biology or health related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is required.
• Two years related clinical or laboratory experience is required.
• Two years supervisory experience is desirable.
• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with people of different levels of education, cultural…