Technical Assistant, Chemistry and Geosciences

Technical Assistant, Chemistry and Geosciences, Part-time

The technical assistant's primary function is to assist the teaching faculty in their role as laboratory instructors for Geosciences courses. The nature of the position requires the technical assistant to have a close working relationship with faculty members, the department chair, and the departmental secretary. The technical assistant (TA) will be provided with an appropriate office and workspace in the laboratory area in order to facilitate the efficient support of the teaching faculty.

By contract, the TA is expected to work 16 hours per week with the specific schedule to be agreed upon after consultation with the teaching faculty and Geosciences Coordinator and/or Department Chair.

Some of the specific responsibilities of the TA are listed below, but other duties may be added as special and unexpected needs arise and as the nature of the geosciences laboratory curriculum changes. It is expected that, whenever possible, the TA will be available in the laboratory area to assist faculty with any needs or problems that arise as they teach geosciences laboratory sections.

• Maintain inventory of mineral samples, rock samples, meteorites, and fossils for all Geosciences courses. Order new materials as needed or requested by faculty.
• Maintain inventory and inspect the quality of topographic maps, geologic maps, physio graphic maps, globes, etc. Order new materials as needed or requested by faculty.
• Maintain adequate supply of equipment utilized in regularly performed labs (glass plates, streak plates, compasses, acid bottles, wet erase markers, calculators, batteries, etc.). Order new equipment as needed or requested by faculty.
• Maintain inventory of and perform routine upkeep, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation and equipment (GPS units, psychrometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, compasses, microscopes, spectrum tubes, etc.) when appropriate and maintain records of the same.
• Arrange for repair of technical equipment and computer-interfaced instrumentation (laptops, classroom computers and projectors, iPads, GPS units, etc.) and maintain records of repairs.
• Inventory and maintain all Geosciences lab supplies found in the Geosciences Resource Room (11-307).
• Investigate and complete appropriate disposal of or recycling of lab materials no longer in use.

• Obtain laboratory schedules from faculty members each semester and coordinate specific duties needed for set-up of each lab meeting (copying of weekly lab exercises, checking mineral kits, charging GPS units, compiling field supplies for field trips, prepping stream table for use in lab, setting up practicals, etc.).

• Maintain orderly, neat, and clean laboratory rooms, including, if needed, prior to and following use, washing of desktops and/or chalkboards.
• Maintain neat and organized storage areas, prep areas, and the Geosciences Resource Room (11-307).
• Ensure that any chemicals are stored in compliance with current safety standards and that laboratories and work areas are safe for students, staff, and faculty.
• Maintain and organize the Geosciences library, including textbooks, field guides, digital media, etc.

• Maintain, update, and clean Geosciences display cases and Weather Kiosk.
• Organize and display Geography student poster exhibits.
• Participate in professional development activities as approved by the department.
• Participate in department meetings when schedule allows.
• Work with faculty to reorganize storage areas and prep areas as equipment and supply needs change.
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship with Technical Assistants in related disciplines for the purpose of borrowing equipment, sharing ideas, etc.
• Support department and college events, including compiling display materials for Science Exploration Days, MCC Open House, K-12 demonstrations, Student Life Fairs, etc.
• Collaborate with faculty on special projects related to student learning, curriculum, lab spaces, etc.
• Participate in vehicle pick-up and/or drop-off of vehicle for use during field trips.

At all times, the TA's highest priorities are to ensure that preparations and set-ups for labs are completed on time, and to keep all laboratories, preparation areas, and storage rooms in good order.

• Adheres to the College Code of Conduct.
• Contributes to, supports, and maintains an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative College environment.
• Maintains technological competencies utilized by the College.
• Commits to the philosophy of a comprehensive community college.
• Commits to professional growth.which includes seeking ongoing training in diversity, equity, and inclusion to better serve students.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of an Associate's Degree in Geology, Geography, or related science. Consideration may be given to candidates with advanced-level…