Interim Chemistry Stockroom Manager

Reports to: Chemistry Department Chair

FLSA: non-exempt

If non-exempt, standard work week: 20 Hours per week

Purpose:

The Stockroom Manager is to supervise the operation in support of the chemistry teaching laboratories, ensuring that adequate supplies of reagents and equipment are available for student laboratories. The Stockroom Manager will supervise staff and student stockroom assistants in tasks such as required by the manager; the manager will coordinate, hire and approve timecards of student workers for stockroom and laboratory assistants. The manager will negotiate with vendors to ensure maximum cost savings on chemicals, supplies, and equipment needed in the chemistry teaching laboratories and research laboratories; to include student grant monies to do research with faculty members: examine and store all incoming orders, process invoices and communicate with the specific faculty members who placed the order.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Prepare, coordinate and update chemicals, supplies and equipment for all Chemistry laboratory classes in coordination with the Laboratory Coordinator and faculty.

2. Supervision of staff and student stockroom assistants (in coordination with the Laboratory Coordinator) to make sure there is sufficient quantities of reactants and reagents for the laboratories. Supervision of the maintenance of all chemistry teaching laboratories to ensure that they are in an orderly and safe condition, including bench and hood spaces.

3. Organize and maintain the chemistry-related stockroom and storage facilities; maintain a proper stock of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including gloves, goggles, and lab coats, as needed.

4. Ensure that all chemical labeling and storage meets the requirement of the Knox College’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). Assist in the collection of chemistry laboratory wastes and arrange for temporary storage of wastes.

5. Responsible for purchasing, negotiation and inventory of chemicals, supplies, and equipment. Contribute to a computerized inventory of chemicals, apparatus, and equipment stored in the Chemistry Department.

6. Purchasing agent for the Chemistry Department: issue purchase orders for chemicals, supplies, and equipment as requested by faculty to facilitate the teaching and research laboratory operations; maintain records of purchase orders and communicate with suppliers for any delays or discrepancies in orders; examine, inventory, and store all incoming orders; process invoices when orders are complete; determine proper storage requirements of the department orders; procure and make available SDS sheets for each chemical as required by law; and perform an annual inventory with assistance from the Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator.

7. Transport incoming packages and mail relating to the stockroom when necessary. Perform other special job-related tasks for faculty in the Chemistry Department. Serve on the departmental and college Safety Committee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Superior organizational skills.

• Ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, manufacturers, and vendors.

• Ability to hire, train and supervise student workers in basic stockroom-related practices.

• Responsible and independent stewardship of inventory resources and management.

• Safe handling of hazardous materials.

• Willingness to develop new skills as needed.

• Assist the Laboratory Coordinator in the handling of compressed gas cylinders and cryogenic liquid dewars.

• Be able to transport the incoming orders and outgoing waste containers.

• Use safety precautions and proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when potential exposure to dangerous situations/chemicals and environmental issues.

Minimum Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field.

Additional Qualifications: (Preferred qualifications)

• Training in safe handling of chemicals, biohazards and proper waste disposal methods.

• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety standards, OSHA, EPA and related safety rules, regulations and procedures.

• Training in chemical stockroom and inventory management.

• Preparation of solutions as needed.

• Familiarity of spreadsheets and/or databases.

• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Experience working with college students in a laboratory environment.

Application:

To apply, please submit:

• A letter of interest outlining training, experience, and qualifications for the position as described above.

• A resume or curriculum vitae.

• Names and contact information of three confidential professional references.