Senior Laboratory Technician, Math, Science, & Engineering (SC- Substitute)

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 the Dean, Math, Science and Engineering, performs complex technical work in an instructional learning environment for a highly technical or complex subject area; exercises judgment and initiative in coordinating labs and other instructional facilities and materials within the assigned area; provides a high level of academic assistance to assigned instructors; may oversee and provide lead direction to Lab Technician positions.

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. In addition, the Senior Lab Technician must possess extensive technical and academic training and experience in the assigned field, set up complex labs such as chemistry or biology, handle hazardous materials, oversee and manage assigned budgets, specify, order and inventory laboratory equipment, supplies and materials and provide significant academic and technical assistance to assigned instructors. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned 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.

Participate in the planning and implementation of laboratory exercises, experiments and procedures; implement new or modified policies and procedures as required.

Prepare for laboratory demonstrations; set up laboratory apparatus; assist students in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments; ensure student compliance with laboratory policies, procedures and safety precautions; demonstrate proper care and cleaning procedures for laboratory equipment.

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.

Provide assistance to students on a variety of laboratory and course related matters; review student work in progress and assist in resolving technical experimentation problems.

Assist instructors, staff and students in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment, materials and supplies in an instructional setting; monitor students involved in laboratory activities; ensure student compliance with laboratory policies, procedures and safety precautions; demonstrate safety and emergency procedures in class and laboratory situations.

Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; diagnose and repair malfunctioning laboratory equipment; maintain, clean and test equipment relating to biology, chemistry and various other experimentation and study including microscopes, balances, lasers, cameras, vacuum pumps, optical systems, computers, hand power tools, telescopes, meters, generators and heaters.

Oversee and participate in 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.

Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for budget items; monitor and control expenditures.

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

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

Monitor and dispose of chemicals and chemical waste; identify, collect and store unwanted and expired chemicals according to established safety guidelines and procedures.

Maintain de-ionized water purification system; maintain contract with outside vendor; read and log usage; monitor system for maintenance needs.

Check out and collect borrowed equipment including microscopes, lenses, balances, power tools, magnifiers, calculators and study sets; inspect equipment and materials for proper condition upon return.

Provide for and maintain a suitable environment for a variety of living organisms utilized in lab experiments; feed, clean and monitor organisms and maintain records of condition.

Prepare and sterilize specialized media for growth of bio hazardous microorganisms; maintain bacteria and microorganisms under safe and sterile conditions; perform proper decontamination and disposal of all microbial and fungal bio hazardous waste.

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

Respond to laboratory emergencies including injuries and chemical spills; serve as floor monitor during evacuations.

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.

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.

Properties and safe handling of bio hazardous and pathogenic materials.

Electronics and related repair techniques.

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 students 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, dispense and store solutions for chemistry lab experiments.

Properly store and dispose of hazardous chemicals and materials.

Troubleshoot and repair electronic, optical 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 math, science, engineering or a related field.

Experience:

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

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.

Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 40

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 st through June 30 th ). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1 st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.

Example : For the following reporting period: January 1 st through January 31 st , the NBU employee will be paid on February 10 th .

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Closing Date/Time: Fri, 12 Dec 2025

• 

• South Orange County Community College District

• 949.582.4850

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