Saddleback College

Laboratory Assistant, Categorical

Job Category: 

CSEA

Job Opening Date: 

July 19, 2023

Location: 

Saddleback College

Work Location:

Mission Viejo , CA

Department:

Division Of Health Science & Human Services

Pay Grade, for more information click on this link: 

https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules

Pay Rate Type:

Monthly

Work Days:

Monday - Thursday

Work Hours:

10:00am - 3:00 pm

Hours Per Week:

20

Percentage of Employment:

50%

Months of Employment:

12

Salary:

Starting at $2,154 per month

Required Documents:

Resume and Cover Letter

Job Description: 

C.S.E.A. Classified Bargaining Unit Salary Schedule, Range 116

Initial Screening Date: August 07, 2023

NOTE: Employment in this position is contingent upon funding from Strong Workforce Local - Medical Assistant Program Expansion.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision from administrative or academic staff, assists in the preparation of materials and demonstrations for an assigned instructional area; ensures adequate inventory of supplies and materials is maintained; ensures lab equipment is maintained; may provide limited and routine assistance to students within the assigned subject area; and maintains the general cleanliness of the assigned laboratory.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in the Lab Assistant class are distinguished from the Lab Technician by the depth of subject knowledge required and the level of responsibility assumed. In comparison to the Lab Technician, positions at this level work under closer supervision and perform more routine functions requiring less knowledge of the subject area. Lab Assistant positions may have a basic understanding of the functional use of specialized equipment but are not required to demonstrate the use or troubleshoot major problems. Incumbents in this class will learn to use specialized lab equipment over time and are expected to be able to operate and perform routine demonstrations and troubleshooting by the end of the probationary period. Employees at this level should have some related experience and are expected to become fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices:

1.    Assist instructors in preparing instructional materials; prepare study sheets, visual instructional aides, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments as directed; may assist in maintaining related records.

2.    Assist in preparing for laboratory demonstrations; set up laboratory apparatus; demonstrate proper care and cleaning procedures for laboratory equipment.

3.    Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; clean floors, table tops, desks, and furniture; maintain, clean, and test assigned equipment.

4.    Participate in the ordering and maintenance of supplies, materials, and equipment; store, discard and rotate materials according to standard procedures; receive, may assemble, and test new equipment.

5.    Respond to inquiries and requests for information or forward to appropriate departments or individual; answer phones; relay messages for faculty and staff.

6.    Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of laboratory operations.

Basic operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment, and materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.

Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies used within the assigned laboratory.

Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Understand and follow directions.

Learn and apply department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Learn to operate a variety of specialized equipment.

Learn the use of supplies and materials specific to the subject area.

Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and demonstrations for an assigned subject area.

Correctly and efficiently set up laboratory equipment and materials used in exercises and experiments.

Properly store materials.

Understand the basic mechanical function of and perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment within assigned area.

Maintain the cleanliness of assigned laboratory.

Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Effectively monitor and maintain an adequate inventory of materials for instructional programs.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education/Training:

Some college level course work or other technical training in a field related to area of assignment and that provides exposure to a lab environment is highly desirable.

Experience:

One year of experience working in a related field is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: 

Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting; may be exposed to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, and gases; work with laboratory equipment and apparatus; may work with water. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort; limited exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a laboratory setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; may require the wearing of safety glasses or goggles, lab coats, rubber or plastic gloves, respirators or face shields.

Vision: 

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTICE:

Interviews may be held in-person (following all necessary precautions) or in a virtual format. Employees must reside in California while employed with the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), even during remote work. Thank you for your continued interest in working at the SOCCCD.

The SOCCCD is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the communities it serves. More information can be found on our District website by visiting https://www.socccd.edu/communications/covid-19-information.

NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. SOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.

PLEASE NOTE:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with this District will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the District to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT:

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

CAMPUS CRIME AND SAFETY AWARENESS:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu. Paper copies are available in the District Human Resources office upon request.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Our District and our colleges are looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join our District, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Important: You must make sure that you have completed your application for a posting by 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on the posting's Job Close Date, along with any required documents, in order to be considered for the position.

Applicants must complete all fields/sections on the application. Do not type "See Resume" or leave any fields blank. Applicants must enter their work experience, education, etc. on the District application. Applications reflecting "See Resume" will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for recruitment.