Job Description:

C.S.E.A. Classified Bargaining Unit Salary Range 130
Initial Screening Date: November 14, 2022

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction from a Dean or other administrator, performs complex technical work in a chemistry laboratory environment; exercises judgment and initiative in preparing and supplying all chemistry laboratory sections prior to the start of each class; supervises the preparation, handling and disposal of all chemicals according to proper safety practices and in compliance with all environmental regulations; provides a high level of academic assistance to assigned instructors; may oversee and provide lead direction to Lab Technician positions, part time hourly staff and/or student volunteers.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in the Senior Lab Technician class are distinguished from the Lab Technician by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity and range of duties assigned. Employees assume greater responsibility for more technical aspects of a learning program, perform at a skill level with a considerable degree of independence, and operate complex apparatus, equipment and machines. The Senior Lab Technician is expected to possess extensive technical and academic training and experience in the chemistry field, operate and maintain all the instruments in the chemistry department, including the associated printers; handle hazardous materials; oversee and manage assigned budgets; specify, order and inventory laboratory equipment, supplies and materials; ensure all chemical and material waste is disposed of in accordance and compliance with current environmental and regulatory requirements; and ensure that operations and procedures within the Chemistry stockroom are safe and in compliance with current environmental and OSHA regulations. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to chemistry area of responsibility and are fully aware of the operating policies and procedures of the work unit.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Ensure all sections of laboratory classes have sufficient chemicals and equipment in the labs prior to the start of classes. Ensure chemical and material wastes from each lab sections are collected and disposed of in compliance with appropriate safety and environmental regulations.

2. Assist faculty, when requested, with set-up of laboratory demonstrations, including the demonstration of proper care and cleaning of lab equipment.

3. Assist instructors in developing experiments and laboratory activities; develop and prepare lab practicum tests, study sheets, visual instructional aides, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments.

4. Assist faculty in resolving technical experimentation problems.

5. Assist instructors, as needed in demonstrating safety and emergency procedures in class and laboratory situations.

6. Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; diagnose and repair malfunctioning laboratory equipment; maintain, clean and test equipment relating to chemistry.

7. Oversee the ordering and maintenance of supplies, materials and equipment; acquire and maintain an inventory of materials for instructional programs including but not limited to a variety of specimen collections, chemicals, laboratory supplies, glassware, books, slides and films; store, discard and rotate materials according to standard procedures; receive, assemble and test new equipment.

8. Prepare the chemistry department budget for all laboratory classes in the Chemistry department; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for budget items; monitor and control expenditures.

9. May oversee and provide lead direction to Lab Technician positions, part time hourly staff and/or student volunteers.

10. Check out and collect borrowed equipment including but not limited to gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers, analytical balances, voltmeters, power tools, calculators and model sets; inspect equipment and materials for proper condition upon return.

11. Prepare solutions and mixtures of chemicals for assigned laboratory use; dispense and label chemicals in appropriate containers.

12. Monitor and dispose of chemicals and chemical waste; identify, collect and store unwanted and expired chemicals in compliance with established safety guidelines and procedures.

13. Maintain de-ionized water purification system and monitor system for maintenance needs.

14. Respond to inquiries and requests for information; answer phones; relay messages for faculty and staff.

15. Respond to laboratory emergencies including injuries and chemical spills.

16. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment and materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.

Advanced theories and applications of the assigned scientific discipline. Advanced principles and practices of laboratory operations.

Methods and techniques used in handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals.

Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, chemicals and supplies used within the assigned laboratory. Advanced mathematical principles and scientific concepts. Must be capable of performing stoichiometric and

concentration-type calculations.

Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Perform complex technical work in an instructional learning environment for a highly technical or complex subject area.

Perform duties at an advanced skill level with a considerable degree of independence.

Provide assistance to instructors on matters related to assigned laboratories.

Provide assistance to instructors in the development of laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Correctly and efficiently set up laboratory equipment and materials used in exercises and experiments.

Safely mix and dispense solutions for chemistry lab experiments.

Properly store and dispose of hazardous chemicals and materials. Troubleshoot and repair electronic and mechanical equipment.

Anticipate resource needs of the department and individual instructors.

Operate, understand the mechanical function of, and perform routine maintenance and repairs on, laboratory equipment within assigned area.

Interpret and apply department policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Participate in budget preparation and administration.

Maintain an adequate inventory of materials for instructional programs. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in monitoring and implementing a laboratory program.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

Possession of a valid certificate in hazardous materials management or equivalent may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, and gases; work with laboratory equipment and apparatus; may work in, near, or with water. Moderate exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a laboratory setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; may require the wearing of safety glasses or goggles, lab coat, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators or face shields.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTICE:

Interviews may be held in-person (following all necessary precautions) or in a virtual format. Employees must reside in California while employed with the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), even during remote work. Thank you for your continued interest in working at the SOCCCD.

The SOCCCD is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the communities it serves. Beginning January 8, 2022, all employees and volunteers must be fully vaccinated (as defined by the Centers for Disease Control) against COVID-19 unless approved as exempt due to a verified disability/medical condition or sincerely held religious belief (as defined in federal or state laws and regulations). More information can be found on our District website by visiting https://www.socccd.edu/about/about_covid-19.html.

NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country.

PLEASE NOTE:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with this District will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the District to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT:

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

CAMPUS CRIME AND SAFETY AWARENESS:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu. Paper copies are available in the District Human Resources office upon request.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Our District and our colleges are looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join our District, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Important: You must make sure that you have completed your application for a posting by 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on the posting's Job Close Date, along with any required documents, in order to be considered for the position.

Applicants must complete all fields/sections on the application. Do not type "See Resume" or leave any fields blank. Applicants must enter their work experience, education, etc. on the District application. Applications reflecting "See Resume" will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for recruitment.