PT Science Laboratory Technician

DEFINITION:
As a member of the Science Department, the lab technician will provide support for the instruction of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Health Sciences and Vocational/Technical programs. The technician must demonstrate commitment to the philosophy and mission of Cape Fear Community College.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from the Department Chair and Science Faculty teaching Biology (BIO), Chemistry (CHM), Geology (GEL), and Physics (PHY) courses and the full time Science Laboratory Technician.
Exercises no supervision ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:

• Completes the following primarily in support of the General Biology labs, but may also provide support to the other Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics labs.
• Works on campus up to 25 hours per week.
• Assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Science laboratory spaces at all campus locations
• Prepares for, sets up, and cleans up after student laboratory experiments and activities for full and part-time instructors.
• Prepares solutions, dilutions, and standardized solutions.
• Washes, sterilizes, assembles, and sets out glassware for laboratory experiments.
• Assists in organizing and maintaining laboratory consumables and supplies.
• Assists in maintaining the operation of general laboratory equipment (water systems, microscopes, centrifuges, refrigerators, etc.).
• Assists in maintaining bacterial cultures and preparing bacterial culture media using sterile technique. Maintains bacterial staining solutions.
• Assists in the care of living organisms and plants.
• Restocks student lockers, student tool kits, and common use areas.
• Maintains a clean, sanitary, and organized work area in all laboratory and instrumentation spaces.
• Assists in sterilizing and disposing of biohazardous materials and disposing of chemical reagents and waste according to OSHA regulations.
• Submits K-tickets to maintenance for room repairs and/or replacement of equipment.
• Assists in the storage and identification of equipment and chemicals.
• Maintains OSHA regulations including organizing Safety Data Sheets.
• Maintains current inventory and maintenance records.
• Performs equipment preventive maintenance and scheduling of repairs and service.
• Assists in laboratory activities, per instructor request.
• Attends open house events and/or classroom visitations (off-campus and on-campus), as needed, to assist in recruitment for the Science Department and the Chemical Technology program.
• Assists in on-campus engagement events with visiting groups (summer camps, outreach programs, career academies, high school field trips, etc.) as needed.
• Insures that all First Aid kits are stocked and emergency equipment routinely checked and documented.
• Routinely inspects lab equipment to include ignition sources and gas shut-off devices.
• Notifies the Instructors, Program Director, and Department Chair of absences.

Other Important Functions:

• Communicates regularly and effectively with Science Faculty, the Department Chair, and the Science Laboratory Technician.
• Works with instructors to test and improve laboratory experiments.
• Keeps updated records for the department equipment inventory list.
• Communicates effectively with maintenance or custodial staff.
• Organizes equipment maintenance visits with 3 rd party vendors.
• Works in the laboratory spaces while classes are not in session to minimize distractions.
• Trains and supervises assigned work-study students to help prepare and setup experiments.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Wears and maintains proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Lifts and moves supplies and light equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:

• The sciences, primarily Biology knowledge, but Chemistry, Geology, and/or Physics knowledge will also be considered.
• Scientific laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Sterile technique in bacterial culture and media preparation.
• Spectroscopy and chromatography instrumentation.
• Proper and safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous microorganisms, chemicals, substances, and wastes.
• Computer systems, software, and hardware common to instructional laboratories.
• Recordkeeping procedures.

Ability To:

• Follow instructions for lab set up, clean up, solution and materials preparation, equipment usage, etc.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Manage time effectively in order to prepare for several labs each week.
• Work in teams with administrators, faculty, staff, students, vendors and service individuals.
• Be organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effectively and safely operate and maintain scientific equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret and apply CFCC goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
• Making observations
• Reading and writing
• Communicating with others
• Operating assigned equipment
• Handling varied tasks simultaneously
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
• Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Operating assigned equipment
• Handling varied tasks simultaneously
• Bending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Maintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:
• Making sound decisions
• Responding to questions
• Demonstrating intellectual capabilities
  
  

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Minimum Education/Training:

• Associates degree from a regionally accredited college or university which includes Biology, Microbiology, and/or Chemistry courses.

Minimum Experience :

• At least 2 years experience working in a science laboratory setting

Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills :

• Bachelor of Science in Biology or Chemistry preferred.
• Lab experience in an academic setting, OSHA training, and CPR certified preferred. Ability to work flexible hours as some evening and weekend hours may be needed.

Special Instructions to Applicants :

• This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.
• Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If highest level of education is High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.
• Candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
• To claim veterans preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to Human Resources during the application process. Human Resources will verify eligibility.