Lab Technician Assistant (Hourly)

Austin Community College•Austin, TX

31d•$36

About The Position

The Lab Technician Assistant position is a part-time role designed specifically for individuals within the fire service seeking future instructional opportunities at the ACC Fire Training Academy. All new hires who intend to become instructors are required to serve in this position for a minimum of one semester. This ensures a thorough understanding of the operational systems, safety expectations, and logistical demands that support academy training. The Lab Technician Assistant plays a critical role in maintaining daily operational continuity. Responsibilities include supporting hands-on training evolutions, managing and replenishing consumable supplies, assisting with preparation of equipment and training props, and helping ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations during all instructional activities. This position works closely with the Lab Technician to perform day-to-day setup, routine maintenance duties, and readiness tasks that keep the Fire Training Academy operating efficiently and safely. This role is essential for providing reliable, consistent support to meet the instructional, safety, and logistical needs of our fire academies and for developing future instructors who understand the foundation of academy operations from the ground up.

Requirements

Minimum TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter with 1 year of firefighting experience.
Basic knowledge of NFPA 1970: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open-Circuit SCBA for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS).
Basic knowledge of NFPA 1850: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting and SCBA.
Basic understanding of SCBA fill procedures using a cascade system.
Basic understanding of firefighting inventory, ordering procedures, maintenance practices, and safety procedures.
Ability to follow instructions precisely and handle lab materials carefully.
Organizational and planning skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
Effective communication and teamwork skills; ability to work well with multicultural groups.
Proficiency with basic computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
High school diploma or equivalent (some college or associate degree preferred).
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs (occasionally heavier).
Willingness to complete annual training and other required safety training as required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a technical or related support role is helpful.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lab Technician with daily setup and teardown of training evolutions, props, and instructional equipment.
Maintain and restock consumable supplies (OSB, PPE components, fuel, ice, hardware, etc.) used during training scenarios.
Conduct routine equipment checks to ensure functional readiness, cleanliness, and compliance with TCFP, NFPA, OSHA, and ACC safety requirements.
Support instructors by preparing live-fire props, hand tools, ladders, ropes, SCBA equipment, and other training assets.
Assist with maintaining accurate logs, inspection records, and supply inventories.
Help ensure safe work areas by performing standard housekeeping, hazard identification, and risk mitigation practices.
Provide operational support during live-fire burns, technical rescue training, EMS simulations, and other hands-on activities.
Assist with student experiences and demonstrations by preparing materials and ensuring equipment functions properly.
Follow established laboratory safety procedures, including safe handling and storage of chemicals, tools, and equipment.
Help with routine cleaning, maintenance, and minor troubleshooting of lab equipment under supervision.
Provide general assistance to students in using lab equipment and facilities, as directed by the lead technician.
Coordinate with academy staff to ensure efficient scheduling, setup, and transition between daily training modules.
Maintain familiarity with academy SOGs, safety plans, emergency procedures, and training field operational standards.
Participate in special projects or assignments as needed by the department.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support instructional readiness and academy operations.