Temporary - Laboratory Technician - Biology​/Chemistry - Coast Center

Job Overview

Job Title: Short-Term, Non-Continuing Laboratory Technician - Biology/Chemistry

Salary: $27.54 per hour

Job Type: Short-Term, Non-Continuing

Job Number: 2026-STNC-LABTEC-COAST

Location: 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, CA

Department: Coast Center

Mendocino-Lake Community College District is currently accepting applications for a Short-Term, Non-Continuing Laboratory Technician – Biology/Chemistry at our Coast Center Location located in Fort Bragg. This is a temporary, non-continuing position and is open until filled. We are seeking an equity-minded person who is committed to supporting our diverse student population and faculty within the District Mission.

• Prepare chemistry and biology labs for instructional and demonstration activities; prioritize tasks; set up solutions, media, live specimen (including pathogens), and supplies; research media and reagents and prepare from scratch; set up lab equipment.
• Organize lab times; ensure critical lead time for labs is maintained; troubleshoot experiments that fail due to process or student errors; research new adopted experiments as directed.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment in a safe and orderly condition; clean lab after use; store glassware, equipment, and other materials; check and ensure eye washes, safety showers, fume hoods, first aid kits, and fire blankets are operational.
• Complete periodic inventory of supplies and chemicals; prioritize essential supplies; initiate requisitions for purchase of supplies and equipment and submit for approval.
• Communicate with vendors and sales representatives; make cost comparisons and obtain technical information regarding equipment; maintain budget records and petty cash.
• Properly receive, store, and dispense supplies and equipment, including hazardous chemicals and pathogens; store pure cultures for months; ensure sterility of bacterial cultures; collect, store, and dispose of hazardous wastes.
• Ensure safety in labs; explain labeling and safety procedures; maintain current knowledge of proper chemical handling; enforce proper handling of chemicals, including pathogens, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Operate and maintain biology and chemistry equipment; perform minor repairs on instruments such as microscopes, stereoscopes, Mettler balances, spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, pH meters, etc.
• Check student drawers for cleanliness and restock as needed.
• Serve as a resource for part-time instructors in using facilities, equipment, and supplies, including safety regulations.
• Communicate with inspectors and safety officers; explain facility layout; inspect classrooms and chemical storage facilities.
• Attend meetings and workshops as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Biology and chemistry lab environment; possible exposure to chemical fumes and hazardous materials including pathogens, carcinogens, teratogens, poisons, potential explosives, etc.

Salary: $27.54 per hour; 10 hours per week.

Benefits: Bronze level benefit plan at employee cost.

Paid Time Off: Earn forty (40) hours of sick leave per fiscal year.

Retirement: May be eligible for CalPERS Retirement, contingent upon number of hours worked within fiscal year.

Must meet Human Resources guidelines for qualified hiring; including background check (Live Scan) and completion of TB test.

Basic skills and knowledge:

• Biology/chemistry theories related to offered courses.
• Safe receiving, handling, and storage of hazardous chemicals and pathogens.
• Proper operation and setup of lab equipment.
• Safety procedures for a biology and chemistry lab.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Basic recordkeeping techniques.
• Basic computer operation.
• Basic research methods in media preparation.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

• Prepare and set up solutions, media, live specimens, and supplies.
• Learn curriculum goals and objectives.
• Organize and monitor critical lead times for labs.
• Maintain laboratory and equipment safety.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on instruments.
• Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.
• Operate and demonstrate laboratory materials and equipment.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Operate a microcomputer and related software.
• Prioritize and schedule work.
• Apply and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.

Reaching, bending, walking, moderate lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for long periods, and the ability to handle and preserve live animals including a human cadaver.

Mendocino-Lake Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age,…