Chemistry Laboratory Technician

Los Angeles Community College District•Los Angeles, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Prepares and assembles media and equipment used in chemistry experiments and demonstrations; operates and services scientific equipment; assists students and faculty with instructional activities; and orders, issues, receives, and stores laboratory materials and supplies. A Chemistry Laboratory Technician applies knowledge of chemistry and scientific laboratory procedures and techniques in performing a broad range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of chemistry laboratories which includes the preparation of media, supplies, materials, and equipment; maintenance of equipment and facilities; storekeeping functions; and proper and safe use of equipment and materials.

Requirements

Basic principles of biochemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry
Scientific laboratory procedures and techniques used in a chemistry laboratory
Scientific laboratory equipment and apparatus
Scientific methods of measurements
Health and safety practices and precautions applicable to a chemistry laboratory
Proper and safe handling and disposal of harmful chemicals, substances, and hazardous wastes
Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware common to instructional laboratories
Recordkeeping procedures
Provide instructional assistance to students and instructional staff
Follow complex instructions and formulae in the preparation and construction of media and equipment set-ups
Prepare chemical and reagent solutions, extracts, and dilutions to specifications
Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain scientific equipment
Perform minor repairs and adjustments to a variety of laboratory equipment
Stay abreast of technical subjects, practices, and developments in the field of chemistry
Keep detailed and precise records
Maintain an inventory of equipment, supplies, and tools, including preparation of necessary request forms and/or purchase orders
Secure and safely store supplies
Work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse pool of students and instructional staff
Give clear and concise instructions
Effectively utilize computer hardware and software applications in assigned program area
Learn general and specialized software applications
An associate degree or its equivalent, from a recognized college or university, with a major in chemistry or a related field.
Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of full-time, paid experience as a laboratory technician in a chemical laboratory.

Nice To Haves

Elementary glass blowing in making simple laboratory equipment.
Assist instructional staff in writing instructions and study aids and designing apparatus for specialized experiments.
Provide training and work direction to student employees.

Responsibilities

Schedules and oversees the use of one or more chemistry laboratories by students, faculty and staff.
Instructs students individually in the proper and safe use and operation of a variety of equipment and tools and orients students to established policies within the instructional laboratory.
Prepares and dispenses solutions and chemical materials used for lab classes which may include reagents, chemicals, acids, bases, buffers, and stains.
Ensures the return of all solutions and chemicals used in laboratory exercises.
Assembles supplies and constructs apparatus; sets up, takes down, and may assist in conducting classroom experiments and demonstrations.
Issues and receives materials and equipment for student use in laboratory and classroom assignments; keeps records and effects the return of supplies and equipment checked out to students for laboratory use.
Operates, maintains, and makes minor adjustments and repairs on laboratory equipment such as microscopes, balances, centrifuges, emulsifiers, and homogenizers.
Maintains inventory records of supplies, materials, and equipment, and prepares request forms and/or purchase orders to restock inventory as needed.
Safely stores supplies and equipment, arranges for disposal of solutions according to guidelines, and keeps storerooms and working areas orderly and clean.
Washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware.
Performs clerical work related to laboratory activities such as word processing, record keeping, filing, and answering telephone inquiries.
Maintains material safety data sheets for all department chemicals and products.
May perform elementary glass blowing in making simple laboratory equipment.
May assist instructional staff in writing instructions and study aids and designing apparatus for specialized experiments.
May provide training and work direction to student employees.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
19 paid holidays per year.
Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District.
Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System.
Employees are also covered by Social Security.
Employee Assistance Program