SCIENCE LAB TECHNICIAN II, BIOLOGY - PART-TIME

R-01686
San Diego County - Cuyamaca College

Transforming lives through learning isn't just the vision of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. It happens every day with our 30,000 students who take the first step in their higher education, become trained for a new career, or learn knowledge that transforms their world perspective.

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District honors a diverse academic community and fosters equity mindedness across our institutions. As such, the District is committed to eliminating achievement gaps among different student groups by promoting a culture of appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusivity, and social justice, and continuously examining our processes and practices through an equity lens.

The District provides an excellent health and welfare benefits package to its employees. We take care of our employees and have continued to offer medical, dental and vision coverage to eligible employees and their dependents at no charge for any of the plans we offer.

Become a part of this dedicated team in beautiful San Diego County!

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Job Summary
Application Deadline: Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

NOTE: Application materials that are submitted on the last day of application and are timed out will not be accepted.

Department: Biology

Months worked out of the Year: 10 months

FTE: .50

Work hours: M - F 8am to 1pm
Hours may vary

Shift Differential: None

Starting Salary Range:
Range: CL-32: $2,352 (Step A) or $2,487 (Step B)
Based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: February/March 2023

Job Description

The Biology department at Cuyamaca College is currently seeking a part-time laboratory technician. Successful candidates will have 2 years of work experience in a biology lab in an educational, research or biotechnology lab environment, and core biology coursework at the college level. Candidates must have strong laboratory skills and will be energetic, detail oriented, and must demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral and written communication. The preferred candidate must be capable of coordinating and executing a complex workload on a tight schedule, while maintaining excellent communication with faculty and staff members. The preferred candidate will demonstrate high quality skills necessary to prepare complex biology labs while adhering to all safety regulations, including preparation of chemical solutions, use and care of common and specialized equipment such as pH meters, balances, microscopes, specialized glassware, preserved biological specimens, computers, coordination of materials necessary to support the lab classes, and maintenance of lab prep protocols and records.

SUMMARY:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of technical and specialized instructional support functions to individual students or group of students in a classroom or laboratory environment in a specific instructional area to facilitate effective learning.

Assist in the maintenance of the animal house, lath house, greenhouse, exhibit areas, and other storage facilities, including dusting, cleaning, and disinfecting (as necessary) of all surfaces and equipment, etc. Assist the Biology Technician, Senior in the preparation of the annual department budget in researching budget requests, monitoring expenditures and maintaining spending limits. Assist in the regular care of animals kept in the animal house, labs, or prep areas, and maintain or raise cultures of protozoa, insects, brine shrimp, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures that all department assigned facilities laboratories, prepare areas and stockrooms are maintained in a clean, well-organized and safe condition.
  
• Performs required tasks to ensure these conditions, or assigns and follows up on completion of tasks to other department technical staff in order to achieve efficient and safe operation of department facilities.
  
• Coordinates general laboratory operations for a discipline.
  
• Works closely with discipline faculty to define supplies and materials needed to support existing and new curriculum.
  
• Orders supplies, materials and equipment to meet the needs of laboratory classes; receives supplies, materials and equipment and works with junior staff to coordinate proper storage.
  
• Works closely with faculty or senior staff to develop protocols for preparation, organization and delivery of scientific instructional materials and equipment for basic and advanced laboratory experiments and exercises.
  
• Assists faculty in the classroom as requested to carry out instructional exercises.
  
• Assists instructors and students (as requested by instructor) in the use of advanced instructional equipment typically found within the discipline.
  
• Assists with open lab sessions as requested by faculty. Calibrates, adjusts and performs daily maintenance of standard equipment found in discipline labs.
  
• Operate a wide variety of specialized equipment including telescopes, lasers, test equipment, chemical instruments, microscopes, audio-visual equipment, computers and printers and other electrical and mechanical devices for areas of assignment.
  
• Given adequate training, performs basic procedures and protocols using complex analytical equipment.
  
• Reports issues with equipment or protocols to senior staff, and partners with senior staff to solve/ repair issues or to make protocol improvements.
  
• Handles, stores and disposes of hazardous materials in a safe and proper manner in compliance with local, state and federal laws and standards.
  
• Correctly labels secondary containers of all materials. Maintains currency on relevant safety standards for area of discipline.
  
• Works with junior staff members to ensure recordkeeping requirements are met.
  
• Works with Department Chair or lead discipline faculty to provide information necessary to prepare department budget; determine costs for specific courses; develop complex budgets for research projects including new or unusual equipment or supplies.
  
• Works with discipline faculty to conceptualize and assemble complex experimental preparations involving a broad range of standard and specialized laboratory equipment in a specific discipline.
  
• Develops and implements training protocols for laboratory technicians, assistants and student workers as needed to ensure efficient department operations.
  
• Ensures that appropriate timesheets are filled out for junior staff and that new employees are adequately trained and monitored.
  
• Carries out department or discipline research projects as directed by senior staff or lead faculty.
  
  SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
  
• Communicates clearly and effectively with department and interdepartmental staff and faculty both orally and in writing; prepares reports necessary for department operations.
  
• Consults with vendors regarding supplies, material and equipment needs.
  
• In cooperation with discipline faculty, designs and implements standard operating procedures to ensure recordkeeping requirements are met.
  
• Maintains inventories of supplies and equipment in order to achieve department needs.
  
• May coordinate with other discipline technicians to ensure proper set up and turnaround of materials and equipment for scheduled science labs.
  
• May participate in hiring process for part-time, temporary laboratory technicians or student workers.
  
• Participates in modification and improvement of instructional facilities.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  
  KNOWLEDGE OF:
  
• General safety equipment and protocols for the specific discipline in which employed.
  
• Complex methods for preparation of materials and supplies necessary for laboratory exercises and demonstrations;
  
  ABILITY TO:
  
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide variety of college and district personnel as necessary to solve problems and ensure smooth daily operations.
  
• Operate a variety of equipment typically found in discipline where employed.
  
• Understand and follow oral and written directions; write reports and other discipline documents that can be followed by other department employees.
  
• Follow and apply safety regulations involving the care, storage and handling of materials used in the department or discipline.
  
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
  
• Provide information and assistance to faculty, other staff members, students (if requested by faculty members) and other members of the campus community.
  
• Perform complex calculations as necessary to prepare materials necessary for laboratory materials.
  
• Operate a personal computer and use a variety of software packages consistent with the needs of the department. Operates some specialized computer equipment and software specific to unique discipline or department needs.
  
• With minimal direction, effectively participates in coordinated operations in order to meet department timelines and goals. Exhibits high quality decision-making and judgement skills allowing independent work for substantial time periods
  
• Learn new and updated techniques when instructed by senior staff.
  
  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: two years college-level course work in related science discipline and two years of experience in a science laboratory.
  
  WORKING CONDITIONS: Instructional lab or classroom environment, subject to fumes, chemical preservatives, noise, and heat. May be exposed to outdoor environment with various weather conditions and encounters, depending on area of assignment. May be subject to frequent standing and occasional lifting, bending and stooping depending on area of assignment. May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
  
  
  • 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.
  
  Additional Information
  
  SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
  
  Applicants may find it helpful to refer back to the job posting, specifically the special instructions, while applying. Consider saving the job description or opening a new browser window.
  
  *ATTENTION* Application materials with pictures or personal information will render your application incomplete. Please do not include any materials that were not asked for.
  
  Having the following materials prepared and ready to attach BEFORE beginning the application may make the application experience more seamless.
  
  REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS):
  
  1. A complete and updated resume.
  
  2. In 1-2 page cover letter, please address the following two questions:
  
  • This position requires laboratory knowledge of Biology. Please describe your experience with lab equipment in a biology laboratory setting, and handling various biological specimens.
    
  • What is your knowledge of safety practices in the handling, storage and disposal of biological materials? Do you have specialized training in any of these areas? If so, please describe.
    
    
  
  
  Under Federal Law, employers are required to verify that all new employees are eligible for employment in the United States. Prior to appointment to a position, you must present acceptable proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States.
  
  GCCCD is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX employer.
  
  Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who require accommodations for completing the application process or interviewing should notify the Human Resources Department by emailing D-HR-Jobs@gcccd.edu.
  
  Offers of employment are contingent upon successful fingerprint clearance. A processing fee plus Live Scan fee will be required.
  
  To apply, visit https://gcccd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/gcccdcareers/job/San-Diego-County-Cuyamaca-College/SCIENCE-LAB-TECHNICIAN-II-BIOLOGY-PART-TIME_R-01686.
  
  The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, a two-college district in eastern San Diego County, has been providing a high-quality education to the region since Grossmont College opened its doors in 1961 and Cuyamaca College began operating in 1978. The district is tied closely to the suburban and rural communities that it serves, providing a $1 billion economic impact to the region through its payroll, purchasing, and spending by students and alumni.
  
  The district has a strong commitment to diversity and equity with a student population representing a broad variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, cultures and abilities. The district strives to provide an educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding, and respect that ultimately also benefits the global community.
  
  The colleges offer more than 150 degrees and certificates in a wide range of programs. Both colleges have signature programs that have become well-renowned. Grossmont College is recognized for its top-notch Administration of Justice, Culinary Arts, Nursing and Allied Health and Theatre Arts programs, while Cuyamaca is known for its Automotive Technology, Ornamental Horticulture, Environmental Health and Safety and Water/Wastewater Technology programs.
  
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