Instructional Lab Technician II - Biology; Temporary

Job Summary

Instructional Lab Technician II – Biology (Temporary). Reports to a Dean and works under the direction of an Instructor. The role involves complex technical work in biological sciences, overseeing operation and maintenance of a highly technical instructional laboratory, including maintaining supplies and preparing labs.

• Prepare and set up laboratory equipment, reagents, biological media and other teaching aids for class demonstrations, practical examinations and student assignments.
• Maintain stock rooms, laboratories, prep areas, and other assigned areas in a safe, clean and orderly condition; encourage awareness of and oversee the proper use of facilities and safe practices.
• Assure the care and feeding of live specimens including rodents, snakes, frogs, fish/aquariums, plants, algal, fungal and bacterial cultures.
• Prepare and issue materials and equipment for student use; monitor and maintain records of materials and equipment on loan to or checked out by students and instructors.
• Order, receive and arrange for proper storage and handling of biological specimens, chemicals and laboratory equipment; inventory materials and assure adequate quantities are available for instructional use; monitor supply budget.
• Perform technical microbiological preparation with extensive work in media production (tubed, bottled, plated), vital stains, special reagents and aseptic transfers of pathogens and non pathogens on a routine basis.
• Employ various sterilization techniques for glassware, media, equipment and apparatus.
• Test, adjust, maintain and perform minor repairs including necessary calibrations to apparatus and equipment; send equipment out for major repairs.
• Maintain a variety of files and records regarding instructional materials, inventories and equipment repairs; perform general clerical duties as needed.
• Screen, select, train and provide work direction for student workers.
• Use and operate a variety of technical equipment including autoclaves, anaerobic jars, balances, microscopes and others; biotechnology equipment such as bioreactors, chromatography, and purification systems.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, and ethnic communities.
• Demonstrate cultural humility, sensitivity, and equity‑mindedness in working with individuals from diverse communities; model inclusive behaviors; pursue equity in assignment‑related outcomes.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Any combination equivalent to: a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and two years of work experience in the field of specialty, preferably in an instructional setting.

• Principles, practices, procedures and equipment of Biological Sciences including microbiology.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Record‑keeping techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Technical aspects of Biology and microbiology.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Science laboratory operation at the community college level.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.

• Hearing and speaking to communicate with students and faculty.
• Seeing to observe condition of lab and behavior of students.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to set up and operate lab equipment.
• Lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Pulling and pushing carts.
• Reaching to grasp and move supplies.

Hazards:
Exposure to fumes and potentially hazardous solvents used to preserve biological specimens.

The Ventura County Community College District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, political beliefs, age, gender, sex, religion, transgender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, and/or physical or mental disability.

Paid holidays: 15 per year plus 2 floating holidays. Paid vacation and sick leave accrue based on tenure. Full‑time employees receive health benefits (PPO or Kaiser HMO), dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Eligible employees receive CalPERS retirement benefits for positions of 20 or more hours per week.