Lab Technician - Chemistry & Natural Sciences

Brief Description

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Lab Technician – Chemistry and Natural Sciences is responsible for working with the Sciences Laboratory Coordinator in managing materials, equipment, and facilities necessary to run science laboratory courses including but not limited to also maintaining inventory and safety records. The Lab Technician – Chemistry and Natural Sciences will also work with faculty who teach laboratory classes in all physical and life science disciplines.

The position will include afternoon/evening hours during the regular semester and may require occasional Saturday hours as needed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• The Lab Technician – Chemistry and Natural Sciences is supervised by and reports directly to the Division Director, Mathematics and Science Division.
• The position requires the shared responsibility of assigned student workers.
• The Lab Technician – Chemistry and Natural Sciences will coordinate most closely with the Laboratory Coordinator, full – and part-time faculty, and the Division Director. There will be occasional coordination with the Director of Public Safety and other divisions on campus.
  
  

Essential Duties

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies:
• Set up and takedown of physical and life science laboratory preparations, with preferred specialization in chemistry;
• Prepare materials & reagents for laboratories, including but not limited to: making chemical solutions to correct concentrations (Molar or Percent Volume), doing titrations, and making and dispensing biological reagents and stains.
• Carry out basic maintenance of laboratory equipment including but not limited to: basic microscope repair; changing fuses/bulbs in other equipment; troubleshooting/diagnosing basic instrument problems, such as HLC, IR, GC, etc.
• Maintain all laboratory and prep rooms in an orderly manner; including washing glassware and putting materials (glassware, equipment, supplies) away.
• Assist with inventories for the Mathematics and Science Division.
• Chemical Safety/Storage/Waste
• Maintain a list (and quantity) of all chemicals and reagents currently stored and used in laboratories for the Mathematics & Science Division.
• Maintain updated Safety Datasheets of chemicals and reagents for the Mathematics & Science Division as required by OSHA and other state or federal guidelines.
• Work with the Director of Public Safety to update and store campus-wide Safety Data Sheets as required by law and in the case of emergency response.
• Work with Sciences Lab Coordinator, Division Director, and Faculty to revise and implement staff and student laboratory safety training and documentation for all laboratory classes.
• Work with various departments as needed to schedule and arrange required training on chemical safety and waste storage and disposal procedures.
• Perform general duties as assigned:
• Provide materials or assistance to evening/weekend instructors when requested.
• Carry out other duties necessary to maintain laboratory rooms, storage and preparation areas in a neat, orderly efficient manner.
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in science. Coursework in Chemistry and/or Biology, & Physics is preferred. Candidates should have 1-2 years of basic laboratory experience; ability to identify and utilize educational instructional and laboratory equipment (including storage, handling, and basic troubleshooting or repair); knowledge of basic laboratory and clerical procedures such as record keeping; or any combination of experience, education, and training which provides the required knowledge and skills.

The Lab Technician – Chemistry and Natural Sciences will need to accurately perform mathematic calculations, perform solution preparations and maintain inventories of laboratory supplies/equipment. Candidates will need to understand proper chemical storage procedures and have knowledge and experience related to chemical safety (including Safety Data sheets) and hazardous waste disposal procedures. Candidates will also need the ability to help define and implement divisional safety rules, policies, and procedures. The Lab Technician should have clear communication and supervising skills.

Skills And Abilities

The candidate should:

• exhibit good laboratory and computer skills including a conscientious attitude towards laboratory safety and the ability to recognize common laboratory hazards;
• perform basic mathematical calculations need to prepare materials;
• troubleshoot common laboratory problems (equipment issues, unexpected results, etc.)
• develop a collaborative working relationship with staff and students and communicate effectively with these groups as needed;
• demonstrate good motor skills (for manipulation of laboratory equipment) and mobility (for transport of materials, equipment, etc.)
• demonstrate the ability to occasionally lift boxes and equipment/supplies (up to 40 pounds)
• be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  
  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Classroom/Laboratory Environment. The laboratory environment involves working with hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals, microorganisms, and biological specimens. Science Laboratories are located in the STEM Building (4 floors). The Lab Technician – Chemistry and Natural Sciences will primarily work in the STEM building but may be required to transport materials from one building to another.

Summary

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is considered open until filled. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled and considered closed.

Hagerstown Community College is committed to the recruitment, selection, hiring and retention of a diverse workforce.