Laboratory Specialist, Science

Position DetailsPosition Information Position Title Laboratory Specialist, Science Job Type Staff Department School of Math & Science - OSL Campus Introduction About College of the DesertThe College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 15,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines. College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression. When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below. The Community - Coachella Valley College of the DesertWho We Want : College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to : Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices; Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility; Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference; Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives. Basic Function BASIC FUNCTION Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist instructors in the physical and life sciences in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; schedule, maintain and issue supplies and equipment utilized for instructional purposes; assist academic staff by handling administrative laboratory functions.Schedule & LocationThis position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 10 months per year.The schedule is Monday - Friday, 9 : 00 a.m. - 6 : 00 p.m.The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need. Additional Position Information EMPLOYMENT STATUSBargaining Unit PositionRange 13FAQsFor additional information, click here : Recruitment - Frequently Asked QuestionsPLEASE NOTE : Employment is contingent on residence in California.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Representative Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIESAssist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; set up materials and equipment for experiments and remove them when done; ensure that stock solutions and lab supplies are always restocked and ready to use.Prepare requisitions and process purchases of instructional supplies and equipment; oversee safety and security of instructional materials.Receive, issue, store and care for laboratory, classroom, or other instructional material and maintain facilities in a clean and orderly condition.Maintain storeroom and inventory records maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), records , equipment, supplies, specimens and other materials.Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; assist in the upgrade of equipment and supplies.Prepare media stock cultures and subcultures; properly label and safely store live, hazardous biological materials (microbiological bacterial cultures); properly dispose of inoculated and contaminated materials.Prepare chemical solutions and serial dilutions; properly label and safely store chemicals; properly dispose of chemicals and chemical waste materials.Maintain hazardous materials storage and handling as assigned; troubleshoot problems and make modifications as necessary, insuring that all procedures are in compliance with the guidelines of various regulatory organizations including, but not limited to, CalOsha and the EPA.Oversee safety and security of equipment and materials; arrange for quarterly pickup of hazardous waste materials following appropriate District procedures.Calibrate equipment and make minor adjustments as necessary; arrange for maintenance, repair, and replacement of equipment; assist in upgrade of equipment and materials.Attend periodic training and certification in chemical HAZMAT handling and storage procedures; biological blood borne and microbiological pathogen handling and storage; OSHA and Cal OSHA requirements and others as deemed necessary.Tutor students individually or small groups in a variety of instructional and tutorial situations; prepare or oversee students in preparation of laboratory setups.Administer and score tests as assigned; maintain student record and test files; develop reports as requested.Train and assign duties to student workers.Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree preferred or any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in physical or life science. One year laboratory work in analytical and organic chemistry or biological science laboratory in an academic or laboratory environment. Training in hazardous materials and / or one year of experience handling hazardous materials. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION A minor in an area that would complement the major (e.g. Biology major with a Chemistry minor etc.).Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of Knowledge of : Principles, practices, procedures and equipment of assigned subject area; laboratory equipment and materials safety regulations involving area of specialty; characteristics of chemicals pertaining to health, flammability and reactivity; hazardous materials storage and handling; principles and practices of providing work direction and training; record-keeping techniques; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; district organization, operations, policies and objectives; technical aspects of field of specialty; oral and written; communication skills; operation of a computer terminal and related software; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; principles of training and providing work direction. Ability toAbility to Ability to : Perform specialized and technical duties to ensure efficient lab operations; provide information and assistance to students and staff; assure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials and supplies; maintain instructional equipment in proper working order; issue and receive equipment and supplies; plan and organize work; understand and follow oral and written directions; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; meet schedules and time lines; maintain records and prepare reports; operate laboratory equipment; research new methods, materials and equipment related to assigned subject area; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; bend at the waist; stand for extended periods of time.Physical DemandsWorking Conditions WORKING CONDITIONS Environment : Laboratory environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Subject to exposure to reagents, chemicals and other harmful substances.Full Time / Part Time Full Time Weekly Working Hours 40 Work Schedule & Hours Monday - 9 : 00 a.m. - 6 : 00 p.m., Tuesday - 9 : 00 a.m. - 6 : 00 p.m., Wednesday - 9 : 00 a.m. - 6 : 00 p.m., Thursday - 9 : 00 a.m. - 6 : 00 p.m., Friday - 9 : 00 a.m. - 6 : 00 p.m. Salary Schedule Range Classified Salary Schedule Row 13 Specific Departmental NeedsPosting Detail Information Posting Number 24-083 Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start DatePosition End Date (if temporary)Tentative Interview Date 02 / 26 / 2025 Posting Open Date 01 / 10 / 2025 Posting Close Date 02 / 02 / 2025 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY : REQUIRED DOCUMENTS : Applications missing any of the required documents listed will not be considered. The following documents are required at the time of application : Online Application : Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.Resume : Must include length of employment (month / year start & end dates) for each employer.Cover Letter : Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.College Transcripts : For consideration of college coursework, transcripts must be attached. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.IN YOUR APPLICATIONProfessional References must include at least three supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, relationship and current phone numbers. Letters of reference and personal references will not be accepted in lieu of the required professional references.FAQsFor additional information, click here : Recruitment - Frequently Asked QuestionsPLEASE NOTE : Employment is contingent on residence in California.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.