Position Description – Laboratory Technician

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:	Laboratory Technician	FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Reports to:	Chair of Division of Science and Mathematics
Department:	Division of Science and Mathematics
Date Prepared:	June 2005

BASIC FUNCTION

The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate the preparation, setup, and breakdown of laboratory experiments in biology, chemistry, and physics laboratory rooms. Other duties include purchasing and taking inventory of supplies and materials, hiring and supervising student laboratory assistants, and maintaining and repairing equipment.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Laboratory Technician reports to the Chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics and supervises approximately three student workers. While the supervisor conducts a yearly review of work, most daily decisions are made by the incumbent. The incumbent has the latitude to consider alternatives within well-defined procedures and precedents. Although the tasks that are undertaken are generally follow established procedure, the incumbent has the latitude, resulting from changing work conditions, to consider the most appropriate procedure or precedent to follow.

The Laboratory Technician’s primary goal is maintaining inventories of science lab equipment, chemicals, and computer and electronic equipment. These materials are critical to the continuous operation of the laboratories. This function requires an understanding of the chemicals and equipment involved and an ability to mix chemicals in proper proportions and concentrations. The incumbent must be responsible in dealing with these materials and have them stocked in a reliable manner. In addition, the incumbent is tasked with updating the software in two Macintosh laboratories. This requires an extensive knowledge of software and applications.

The Laboratory Technician works closely with faculty instructors in the division in order to prepare the laboratories. The incumbent must practice good interpersonal skills, yet also be able to work individually. In addition, he/she must update laboratory manuals for the campus bookstore

Position Description – Laboratory Technician

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Ø Prepares equipment, materials, and supplies for biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, zoology, and other science laboratory classes

Ø Manages and purchases supplies and equipment

Ø Revises, edits, and copies laboratory manuals

Ø Manages two computer laboratories, including updating software and hardware and aiding faculty and students in computer use

Ø Advises division and faculty on the use of office technology

Ø Maintains exotic animal collection and natural history displays and gives tours of collections to school groups

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has the responsibility of purchasing laboratory supplies and materials as needed on a continuing basis. Also, this position monitors the payroll expense of student workers in order to maintain a budget.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

This position requires and a four year college degree and one to three years of work experience in the field. The incumbent must also have an extensive knowledge of the subject area and in various computer software (Excel, Word, WordPerfect, Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Fish Farm, Hyper Fly, Mac Diet, A.D.A.M., Norton Utilities, and others) in order to prepare laboratories.