Application Deadline: April 26, 2017; 5:00 p.m.
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN – (Biology/ Chemistry)
11 month/year; 40 hours/week
Mendocino College is hiring for a Laboratory Technician in the Biology Department.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under direction of the assigned supervisor, obtains and prepares instructional and demonstration materials, equipment and chemical reagents for a variety of biology and chemistry courses and labs; safely receives, stores, handles, dispenses, and disposes of supplies including hazardous chemicals and/or pathogens; assures adequate inventory of lab supplies needed for the operation of science labs.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Prepares chemistry and biology labs for instructional and demonstration activities; prioritizes tasks; prepares and sets up solutions, media, live specimen (including pathogens) and supplies; researches some media and reagents and makes from scratch; prepares and sets up lab equipment.
Organizes lab times; assures critical lead time for labs are maintained; troubleshoots experiments that failed during experiment process or through student errors; researches new adopted experiments as directed.
Maintains laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment in a safe and orderly condition; cleans lab after use; stores glassware, equipment, and other materials; checks and assures eye washes, safety showers, fume hoods, first aid kits, and fire blankets are operational as required.
Completes periodic inventory of supplies and chemicals; allocates priority to supplies needed; initiates requisitions for the purchase of supplies and equipment and submits to
appropriate personnel for signature and approval.
Communicates with vendors and sales representatives; makes cost comparisons and obtains technical information regarding equipment and instruments being considered for purchase; maintains budget records and petty cash.
Properly receives, stores, and dispenses supplies and equipment including hazardous chemicals and pathogens; must be able to store pure cultures for months; assures the sterilization of bacterial cultures; collects, stores, and is responsible for off site disposal of hazardous wastes.
Assures safety in the labs; explains labeling and safety procedures; maintains current knowledge of proper handling of chemicals and maintains safety data files; assures proper handling of chemicals including pathogens and hazardous chemicals by students and disposal of hazardous materials.
Operates a variety of biology and chemistry-related equipment; maintains and performs minor repairs of instruments such as microscopes, stereoscopes, Mettler Balances, Spectrophotometers, Gas Chromatographs, pH meters, etc.
Issues and checks student drawers for cleanliness; restocks as necessary.
Serves as a resource for part-time instructors in the use of facilities, equipment, instruments, and supplies including safety regulations.
Communicates with inspectors and safety officers and explains the layout of facilities; inspects classrooms and chemical storage facilities.
Attends meetings and workshops as directed.
Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Biology/chemistry theories related to the courses offered
Safe receiving, handling, and storage of hazardous chemicals and pathogens
Proper operation and set up of lab equipment
Safety procedures for a biology and chemistry lab
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
Basic instructional methods and techniques
Basic recordkeeping techniques
Basic computer operation
Basic research methods in media preparation
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
ABILITY TO:
Prepare and set up solutions, media, live specimen and supplies
Learn curriculum, goals, and objectives of the program
Organize and monitor critical lead times for labs
Maintain laboratory and equipment in safe operating condition pursuant to safety regulations
for hazardous chemicals and pathogens
Perform maintenance and minor repairs on instruments
Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.
Operate and demonstrate the use of laboratory materials and equipment.
Work cooperatively with others.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Operate a microcomputer and related software.
Prioritize and schedule work.
Learn, apply, and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the operation of
the program.
Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Biology and chemistry lab environment; possible exposure to chemical fumes and hazardous materials and chemicals such as pathogens, carcinogens, teratogens (birth defect causing),
poisons, potential explosives, etc.
Physical demands include reaching, bending, walking, moderate lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing for long periods, and the ability to handle and preserve live animals including a human cadaver
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The monthly salary range is $3,646-$4,561 over five years. Twelve days of vacation leave and sick leave are earned each year. Vacation leave increases with the length of service. Family medical, dental, and vision benefits and employee life insurance are provided. There are 20 paid holidays annually.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: By April 26, 2017 5:00 p.m ., submit the following application materials to Human Resources, Mendocino College, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, CA, 95482. These materials may also be scanned and submitted electronically via email to Kris Bartolomei, kbartolo@mendocino.edu, or faxed by the deadline date above to 707-467-1023.
Completed Mendocino College Non-Academic Application and Voluntary Applicant Survey:
/sites/default/files/docs/personnel/Application-Classified.pdfCover letter – explain your education and/or experience as it relates to this position, including your knowledge of biology labs and procedures, relevant equipment, and safety protocols.
Resume
Two recent letters of recommendation (within the last two years)
Interviews are by invitation only.
The college does not reimburse applicants for related travel expenses.
T H E COLLEGE: Established in 1973, Mendocino College is a vibrant and inclusive academic community rich in culture, creativity, diversity, and cutting-edge technology. A fully accredited two-year community college, the District serves more than 4,500 students in the greater parts of Lake and Mendocino Counties.
The beautifully landscaped main campus is located in Ukiah, California -– ranked among the best small towns in the United States. With clear skies and panoramic views of oak-covered hills, sprawling vineyards, and distant mountains, the 127-acre campus is equipped with a new state-of-the-art Library/Learning Center, high-tech Allied Health Facility, and Student Center. The college operates two newly constructed and fully equipped centers in Willits and Lakeport, conveniently providing our valued students with quality instruction, academic support and administrative services in neighboring communities.
With a comprehensive curriculum and engaging instruction, Mendocino College, provides a wide variety of degree, certificate, transfer, occupational and community service programs. Mendocino College students learn in a nurturing and supportive environment enhanced by small-sized classes, personalized academic advising, and several hundred dedicated faculty and staff.
Complete with a friendly small-campus academic setting and a respectfully collaborative work environment, Mendocino College boldly prepares students for a future of innovation and success.
T H E COMMUNITIES: Mendocino and Lake Counties include some of California’s most picturesque landscape. Because of the geographic location, climate, and natural beauty, Mendocino and Lake Counties attract many visitors. Agriculture, timber, and tourism industries form the economic base of the area with some light manufacturing. Mendocino County has a long and colorful history as a premium grape-growing region within the state’s famous North Coast wine country, while Lake County is noted for its pear production and as an attractive spot for retirement and vacationing. A relaxed and friendly lifestyle is characteristic of our communities. Recreational opportunities abound for water skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, sailing, camping, hiking, tennis, and golf.
Mendocino College welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of our community college students.