Job Details

(Full-time) Science Laboratory Technician
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Position Number: 5871508
Location: Redding, CA
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Description of Basic Functions and Responsibilities

OVERVIEW

The Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District (Shasta College) sits at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley, surrounded by mountains to the north, east, and west. The area provides a wide array of outdoor amenities and activities with miles of hiking and biking trails, national parks, two lakes, and the Sacramento River. The main campus is located in the city of Redding, population 90,000. The area is characterized by excellent schools with high graduation rates, low traffic, and low housing prices (Zillow average 393,000 vs. California state average of 770,000).

Shasta College is committed to providing its diverse student population with equitable education outcomes, contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic development of our communities. The college has been recognized as a leader in developing and implementing innovative education programs to increase student success, including accelerated pathways for high school students to achieve a bachelor's degree and for returning students to complete their Associate and Bachelor's degrees. Shasta College enrolls more than 11,000 students annually and provides educational services to students with a wide range of skills and abilities.

Our ideal candidate is motivated to join a campus community prioritizing the success of our racially and socio-economically diverse staff and student population. Providing equitable outcomes so all members of our community may enjoy safe, healthy, and vibrant educational and employment environments is critical to our success.

Classified positions in the California Community College system offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of our students seeking to improve their lives and communities. Our classified staff engage with a diverse employee and student populations, facilitating equitable outcomes for all by implementing and supporting our various employment and academic programs. As a classified staff member at Shasta College, you will join a vibrant community of professionals and educators working together to provide a positive, healthy educational environment where our students experience diverse academic and cultural perspectives. A career in classified service at Shasta College offers a highly rewarding and enriching employment experience.

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide a wide range of responsible support duties in the day-to-day operations, programs, and activities associated with the sciences. Employees in this classification provide technical expertise, faculty support and advocacy in support of science lab activities and operations. Employees in this classification are under limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures and require a high degree of independence.

CLASSIFICATION: Range 35 on the current Classified Salary Schedule, 40 hours per week, 10 months per year with contract days assigned throughout 12 months. Work assignment hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.., Monday through Friday. This is a classified position with a default CalPERS retirement.

SUPERVISOR: Dean of Science, Language Arts, and Mathematics or designee

Typical Duties, Knowledge and Ability

Assists faculty in pre-lab set-up activities such as preparing materials and equipment necessary for various class laboratory experiments.
Assists faculty with post laboratory activities, such as restoring lab to pre-activity conditions.
Maintains adequate inventory in the assigned science stockrooms and performs annual equipment inventory.
Cleans and organizes assigned stockrooms.
Primary hazardous waste technician for assigned area.
Performs the chemical processes necessary to detoxify or stabilize toxic/hazardous waste for safe storage and disposal and implements a toxic waste plan.
Performs on-going calibrations on sophisticated instruments used in instructional experiments.
Performs paraprofessional duties in support of instructors in assigned science areas.
Designs, constructs, and assembles electronic and mechanical apparatus for demonstrations and experiments as needed.
Issues and picks up supplies and equipment, as needed, using district vehicle or own transportation. Orders supplies while focusing on keeping costs low.
Performs minor repairs to laboratory equipment and instruments.
Maintains records and files of information on instructional equipment.
Works in accordance with all current laboratory safety standards; undergoes training to remain current on these standards.
Conducts regular safety checks in conjunction with district safety personnel on all laboratory equipment.
Provides technical assistance in the preparation of specifications for equipment and material purchases; recommends selection of equipment as requested.
Interviews vendors to assess new equipment and supplies.
Tracks and communicates budget with administration and faculty.
Submits budget requests to Dean or designee.
Performs other related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

Marginal Functions:

Participates in District-provided in-service training programs.
Participates in in-class demonstrations as time allows.
Maintains a friendly, supportive atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff.
Trains and supervises student assistants in lab preparation, cleanup, and stockroom procedures.

Knowledge of or ability to learn:

Proper use and operation of computers
Principals, practices, and applications of assigned subject matter
The proper mixing, storage, and disposal of chemicals and chemical reagents
The proper use and operation of assigned science lab equipment
The sources of equipment, supplies, and services desirable
Safety regulations in the laboratory environment
Procedures to perform on-going calibrations on sophisticated instruments used in instructional lab experiments
Design, construction, and assembly of electronic and mechanical apparatus for demonstrations and experiments
All applicable local, state, and federal regulations in implementing a toxic/hazardous waste plan for the handling, storing, and disposal of toxic/hazardous chemicals
Record keeping methods and techniques

Ability to:

Prepare, operate, maintain, and demonstrate laboratory equipment and materials
Safely mix chemicals and chemical reagents related to assigned lab operations
Prepare and maintain accurate and up-to-date records, files, inventory, and other documentation
Learn and impart laboratory procedures to students
Maintain labs in a clean and functional condition
Communicate effectively and tactfully in both oral and written forms
Understand and carry out both oral and written directions
Respond to questions and inquiries with tact and courtesy
Work with a significant degree of independence and judgment
Organize work and set priorities
Supervise and train student stockroom assistants as assigned
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

Experience/Education

Education/Experience Required:

An associate degree or higher from an accredited institution or equivalent.
Minimum of one year science lab experience in assigned area; college level course work in assigned science areas may be substituted.
A current and valid California Driver's License
Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students, as well as staff members and students with physical and/or learning disabilities.

Possession of or ability to possess:

Required certifications and permits such as HAZWOPERS or ATF permits for the safe handling and recording and keeping of chemical agents used in labs.

Additional Information

Online Application with Additional Preferred Materials to be attached to application:

Cover letter addressing criteria listed in the position announcement
Current resume
College transcripts, if applicable (unofficial will be accepted at the time of application)

Attention Applicants:

After application has been submitted, all application materials will be screened.
Internal candidates must also submit all required materials to be considered.
Candidate evaluations will not be considered.
Reference letters from any member of the Hiring Committee or Board Members will not be considered.
Interviews will be by invitation only.
Interviews may be by Zoom.
The District does not reimburse for new hire moving expenses.

New Classified Appointments will be placed at Step 1 on the Classified Salary Schedule and will graduate to the next step on July 1st if the hire date is before February 1st, with subsequent steps annually thereafter to a maximum 21st step.

The Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District ("Shasta College") does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious preference, age, disability (physical and mental), pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Shasta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.