Chemistry Lab Technician

Lower Columbia College•Longview, WA

About The Position

Lower Columbia College’s Natural Sciences department is hiring a Chemistry Lab Technician to provide instructional support for its Chemistry program. Working in collaboration with faculty, the technician prepares and modifies teaching aids, materials, and equipment for classroom and laboratory instruction; maintains the chemistry stockroom and storage areas; and helps ensure compliance with safety protocols. The position also supports faculty in presenting laboratory materials and assists students in classroom and laboratory settings. The role is 10 months per year at 40 hours per week. The typical schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position reports to the Supervisor and is classified as an Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 2 under Washington State Classification Specifications. The position may supervise the work of others and may include other duties as required.

Requirements

Associate degree with coursework in Chemistry or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling, storage, and disposal practices.
Experience working with Google Suite and similar platforms.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to organize work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
Demonstrated ability to ensure accuracy in work.
Must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of those states.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Laboratory maintenance experience.
Experience leading demonstrations or presentations.
Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and other laboratory safety regulations.

Responsibilities

Maintain chemistry laboratories and storage areas, including chemicals, tools, and equipment, in accordance with protocols and safety standards.
Oversee chemical inventory, storage, labeling, and disposal; receive and process materials and supplies for chemistry courses.
Collaborate with faculty to write, edit, or modify laboratory handouts and manuals.
Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory and demonstration instruments and equipment, and instruct students and faculty in their use.
Monitor laboratories and storage areas for compliance with safety policies.
Collaborate with the Safety and Security department to develop safe laboratory procedures, including chemical storage and disposal, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Write and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and develop Job Safety Analyses as necessary.
Prepare equipment, materials, and solutions for coursework, projects, and demonstrations using appropriate safety procedures; advise faculty of potential problems and modify experiments as needed.
Set up, disassemble, clean, replace when needed, and store equipment used in demonstrations and class sessions.
Conduct laboratory or lecture demonstrations as requested.
Assist students with laboratory assignments and chemistry subject matter.
Determine materials, equipment, and instruments needed for assigned courses.
Maintain supply inventories and records, including estimates of the quantity and quality of needed supplies and materials.
Prepare purchasing documents and order equipment and supplies in collaboration with the office of instruction and purchasing department.
Work with faculty and/or the Dean to understand and monitor needs and expenses in alignment with the budget.
May supervise the work of others and perform other duties as required.