Specialist II - Lab (Physics

Department:
Physics General Statement of Job

The Lab Specialist II
- Physics provides direct support to all faculty in the Physics Department and is responsible for supporting day-to-day laboratory operations in one or more of the following areas:
Physics, Physical Science, University Physics, Geology, Meteorology, and Astronomy. Maintains safety in the lab according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Global Harmonized System (GHS) guidelines, which includes but is not limited to maintaining eye wash stations, properly labeled receptacles for broken equipment and used batteries, receptacles for various waste-streams, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) files.

• Collaborates with faculty to plan and organize weekly lab activities to ensure that instructional materials and lab experiments are available as needed.
• Assists lab instructors during regularly scheduled labs or as needed.
• Develops adequate training aids to train students and/or faculty on equipment use, as needed.
• Performs and assists in preparatory work for the labs, including reagent preparation, and preparing carts with materials for lab.
• Manages waste for the labs in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Assists with completion of chemical hygiene plan for the division.
• Maintains laboratory inventory and equipment.
• Maintains accurate records related to inventory and operation of laboratory.
• Orders, receives, issues, and stores materials, parts, and supplies.
• Assists with the review of bids on materials and equipment purchases, as needed.
• Performs routine repairs on equipment and notifies proper personnel for warranty maintenance and major non-warranty repairs.
• Supports, assists, and represents the Physical Sciences and Engineering department during special events and community workshops, as needed.
• Recommends laboratory equipment and researches potential new laboratory experiments, as needed or as requested by faculty.
• Maintains equipment and lab rooms in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintains knowledge of and practices preventive safety measures to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Identifies, addresses and reports facilities unsafe conditions.
• Cross-trains in other physical sciences (astronomy, geology, physical science, physics) to assist faculty in the other disciplines within the Physical Science and Engineering department, as needed.
• Responsible for managing the labs and may be temporarily assigned to other campuses, as needed.
• Assists with interviews, conducting reference checks, trains, and supervises the Engineering part-time staff.
• Travels throughout the college district, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Physical Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, with an emphasis on laboratory-based coursework. At least two (2) years of experience in a science lab is required. Experience in calibration procedures, troubleshooting equipment issues, instrumentation, such as e/M apparatus, oscilloscopes, force sensors, or other analytical tools; and conducting environmental or physical testing methodologies is preferred.

Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, the Windows environment, and internet research skills. Knowledge of the physical science field, preferably physics and/or engineering. Familiarity of a science laboratory, including safety and precautions. Ability to use specialized instruments, equipment, software and perform experiments and demonstrations in the specialty area.

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Global Harmonized System (GHS) guidelines. Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete multiple tasks with attention to detail, within stated deadlines. Ability to adapt to constant change and periods of fast-paced, high-intensity work situations. Ability to work independently as well as a team player within department and with others.

Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed; willing to travel throughout the college district using own means of reliable transportation. Demonstrated commitment to achieving the vision and mission of South Texas College. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries from groups of students, faculty, staff, and the general public.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and…