What are the responsibilities and job description for the Science Lab Coordinator/Instructor position at Western Nevada College?
Thank you for your interest in employment with our institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
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- Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact:
Human Resources
(775) 445-4237
2201 West College Parkway
Carson City, NV 89703
humanresources@wnc.edu
(775) 445-4237
2201 West College Parkway
Carson City, NV 89703
Job Description
Academic Faculty Contract, 171-day, Benefits Eligible, Non-Tenure Track (Tenure Track Possible After 3 Years)
This position will oversee the operations, maintenance, safety and compliance of WNC’s science laboratories across all campuses (Carson, Fallon, Douglas), as well as teaching part time, in person, at a college or high school campus location.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field
- Teaching experience, preferably in a community college setting
- Experience with curriculum, program development and online education
- Three years experience coordinating lab operations, preferably in an educational setting, to include lab maintenance, inventory management, and safety compliance
- Experience in microbiology and culturing
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations for laboratories
- Familiarity with hazardous waste management procedures
Science Lab Coordination Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee Biology, Chemistry and Physics lab operations and safety across all WNC campuses
- Develop protocols for safe lab practices, cleanliness, and effective function
- Collaborate with EH&S to address any identified issues
- Maintain comprehensive files, records and documentation related to lab operations and safety
- Generate reports, as needed, to assist in budgeting, planning, and regulatory compliance efforts
- Provide direction and supervision for student workers and/or teaching assistants assigned to the lab
- Assist science faculty in planning and preparing for lab exercises which may include (but is not limited to) lab space set up, preparing solutions and media, maintaining cultures for microbiology, setting up lab exercises and designing/fabricating customized lab and demonstration apparatus
- Communicate regularly with faculty, staff, facilities and environmental health/safety to understand needs and solve problems
- Maintain and track inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment for all science courses
- Regularly inspect and restock lab supplies to ensure adequate resources for scheduled lab activities
- Order lab supplies as needed, working closely with the division assistant, to ensure timely procurement and availability for student experiences
- Manage chemical, hazardous and other lab waste
- Catalog, label, and maintain safe storage of all chemicals, biological specimens, and dissection materials in compliance with safety regulations
- Coordinate disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste, ensuring adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards
- Conduct regular inspections of hazardous materials storage and handle appropriate disposal processes, as required
- Order and arrange transport and disposal of cadavers
- Ensure all equipment is maintained and operational to include, but not limited to, autoclaves, microscopes, Anatomage tables, electrical test equipment, vacuum pumps, low power lasers, optical systems, sterilizers and other science demonstration equipment.
- Schedule and conduct routine maintenance of all lab equipment, documenting inspections, repairs, and services
- Perform minor repairs and arrange external maintenance as needed, coordinating with vendors and WNC facilities department
- Maintain accurate records of equipment servicing and usage to support lab operations and audits
- Collaborate with the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Coordinator to conduct safety and compliance training for faculty and staff utilizing lab spaces
- Ensure completion of weekly, monthly, and annual safety checks, as required for compliance
- Provide education, training, and feedback on lab safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, emergency procedures, and chemical handling
- Stay informed of state and federal regulations regarding lab safety and make recommendations for improvements in lab safety practices
- Assist faculty with planning and preparation for lab exercises
Teaching Duties and Responsibilities:
- Teach science courses, as needed (preferably no more than 6 equated load hours/semester)
- Design standards-based instructional content and delivery systems including online instruction
- Develop and grade assignments, projects and exams and projects to evaluate student learning and progress
- Maintain accurate attendance rosters and submit student grades, as required
- Maintain office hours each semester
- Support student learning by incorporating pedagogical strategies that promote student engagement and success such as active learning, projects, and authentic, problem-based activities
- Assist, where needed, with promotion through open houses, school visits, tours, development of promotional material, social media, or other relevant activities
- Assist with student advising and registration, as needed
- Use a student-centered focus to engage in regular data collection and program review/assessment; identify and recommend opportunities for program improvement to maintain industry relevance
- Participate in strategic planning, goal setting, course and program assessment, and development of course outlines and learning objectives
General Responsibilities
- Participate in meetings, activities, and gatherings, as appropriate, that support student achievement, school/lab operations, departmental/institutional collaboration, etc.
- Build and sustain relationships with current and potential external partners and collaborators, to include accreditors/inspectors, industry professionals, service people, etc.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues, as needed or assigned
- Serve on college and NSHE committees, as needed/assigned
- Maintain and apply industry-standard knowledge and skill
- Perform other duties as assigned to provide a high-quality learning experience for students
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge and proficiency with laboratory techniques and instrument/equipment operations; health and safety protocols; and chemical handling procedures
- Ability to work independently and use good judgement to make decisions with minimal supervision
- Knowledge and ability to use a computer, digital applications, software and internet
- Strong organizational skills
- Effective communication skills with students, faculty and other stakeholders
- Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and/or confidential issues
- Knowledge of and ability to execute current teaching methods, vocational and academic curriculum, and education programs
- Ability to evaluate, design, and implement curriculum and assessment using appropriate teaching methodologies
- Effective teaching, facilitation and classroom management skills
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse populations
- Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports
Minimum Starting Salary Information:
The salary grade is based on the selected candidate's level of academic preparation:
COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC SALARY GRADES
. The selected candidate will be placed at or above the minimum based on years of related, professional experience. WNC's placement range falls within the NSHE salary schedule: ACADEMIC SALARY SCHEDULE-COMMUNITY COLLEGES
.
Retirement – NSHE Faculty Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA)
All faculty and professional staff working at least half-time equivalent must participate in the
NSHE Faculty Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA)
as a condition of employment. The current contribution rate is 17.5%. Your contribution is matched by the College at 17.5% for a total contribution rate of 35%.
Your contributions are made by pre-tax salary reduction and you are 100% vested from your first day. You choose how to invest your own and NSHE’s contributions. The plan administrator provides dedicated financial consultants that are available to assist you in your investment deliberations. NSHE provides participants with a three-tiered investment line-up that provides investment options for everyone, from the less engaged investor to the investor who prefers to more actively manage their retirement savings. The tiered structure provides a simplified investment selection process, allowing you to make your decision based on your investment expertise and comfort level. See
Your Retirement Benefits
for additional information.
Faculty and staff who have previously participated in the
Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (PERS)
may be required to continue participation in PERS.
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) does not participate in the federal Social Security System but does contribute to the federal Medicare program. This means that while you are employed by NSHE neither you nor NSHE contribute to Social Security and you do not earn a Social Security benefit. For additional information, please see:
Windfall Elimination Provision
Perks of Working at WNC
- Beautiful campus located along numerous biking and walking trails.
- Voluntary supplemental retirement plans, both pre-tax and Roth options available (403b, 457b plans)
- Employer paidLong Term Disability (LTD) Program
- Health insurance options including dental and vision -Health Insurance
- Generous annual leave (A contract), sick leave (A & B contract), 12 paid holidays -Faculty Benefits
- The WNC Fitness Center offers free Faculty and Staff membershipWNC Fitness Center
- ComPsych ourEmployee Assistance Programoffers resources and assistance to Faculty and Staff
- Discounted WNC Staff rates for ourChild Development Centerwhich has received Four Star Recognition from the Nevada Silver Star Quality Rating and Improvement System.
- Voluntary benefits including accident, disability, legal services, and more –Voluntary Benefits
- An academic faculty senate represents full-time, academic faculty
- Free parking and plenty of it!
- No State income tax!
Education Benefits for Faculty Employees and Family Members
WNC is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and their qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Qualified dependents of faculty can take unlimited credits per semester. More information can be found in the
Board of Regents Handbook
.
Exempt
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
This posting is open until filled
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Lists of eligible candidates will be established and hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
Newly hired faculty must assure that their official transcript is sent by the degree granting institution(s) to Western Nevada College, Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment.
Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.
Employment is contingent on the completion of appropriate background verification, which may include criminal history, credit history, sex and violent offender registry, education verification, licensure, and employment history to be administered by the Western Nevada College Human Resources office.
