Job Description / Essential Elements:
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SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of technical duties in providing instructional assistance and support to teachers and students in an assigned science laboratory; set up, organize and oversee the operation and maintenance of the lab including maintaining supplies and preparing labs; participate in the maintenance of department budget.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Perform a variety of technical duties in providing instructional assistance and support to teachers and students in an assigned science laboratory; assist teachers and students with a variety of lab activities and exercises. E
Set up, organize and oversee the operation and maintenance of the lab including maintaining supplies and preparing labs; review, order, receive and arrange for proper storage and handling of equipment, materials and supplies; locate, order and supply room stock for distribution to teachers; maintain science video materials. E
Participate in the maintenance of department budget; assist in planning, developing and monitoring the science department budget; monitor expenditures and maintain related records; provide recommendations concerning budget allocations. E
Set up, organize and oversee the operation and maintenance of the lab including issuing and maintaining equipment and supplies and preparing labs; test, adjust, maintain and perform minor repairs to equipment; troubleshoot and determine if replacement is necessary; send equipment out for major repairs. E
Perform a variety of clerical work; design, compose, prepare and copy worksheets, lab tests, homework assignments and others; enter and delete student information as requested. E
Prepare and maintain records for departmental budget; process, track, compile and maintain accurate and complete documentation on budgetary expenditures; maintain records of supply inventory and repair documentation; notify appropriate personnel of discrepancies and related issues. E
Operate and maintain a variety of lab and office equipment including an autoclave, electronic balance, power supplies, centrifuge, computer and related software applications, calculator, copier and other equipment. E
Follow appropriate procedures to assure compliance with County, State and federal regulations for chemical safety including purchase, use, storage and disposal of chemicals; assure compliance with fire safety and District waste reduction mandate; notify site administrators of safety issues. E
Make arrangements for testing rooms; order, pick up and prepare tests; arrange for test proctors; assist in scoring tests; prepare and deliver related information to District office as assigned. E
Assist in the design and set-up of new science labs as assigned. E
Provide assistance during chemical splashes or spills in the areas of student assistance and appropriate cleanup of the incident. E
Answer and forward calls from teachers, parents and vendors to appropriate staff or student. E
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles, practices, procedures, equipment and terminology of physical and life sciences.
Health and safety regulations including chemical safety.
Methods, procedures and equipment used in an instructional laboratory.
Record-keeping techniques.
Correct English, scientific and technical usage of grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Technical aspects of physical and life science.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
Operation of a computer terminal and data entry techniques.
ABILITY TO:
Perform a variety of technical duties in providing instructional assistance and support to teachers and students in an assigned science laboratory.
Set up, organize and oversee the operation and maintenance of the lab including maintaining supplies and preparing labs.
Participate in the maintenance of department budget.
Assure the care and security of assigned lab equipment, specialized materials and supplies.
Assemble, maintain and perform minor repairs on lab equipment.
Issue and receive equipment and supplies.
Plan and organize work.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working and cooperative relationships with others.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college level course work in biology, chemistry or related field and two years of work experience in an instructional laboratory setting.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Science lab environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to communicate with students and faculty.
Seeing to observe lab conditions and student behaviors.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to set up and operate lab equipment.
Lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Pulling and pushing carts.
Reaching to grasp and move supplies.
HAZARDS:
Exposure to fumes and potentially hazardous materials used in a science lab.