Laboratory Technician - Science BIO/CHM (Temporary/Part-time) at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona

Job Description:

Pima Community College
Pima Community College Named Top University/College Employer in Arizona



Position Title: Laboratory Technician - Science BIO/CHM (Temporary, Part-Time, up to 19.5 hours per week)


Department: Science - All Campuses


Rate of Pay: $18.08/hour


Closed Date: January 31, 2025; 5:00 PM Arizona Time



Position Summary:




Anticipated start date for this position is January 2025.


The Laboratory Technician, Science is responsible for providing assistance to instructional faculty, staff, and students in the science laboratory. This position works in the instructional areas of the natural/physical sciences performing a variety of skilled technical support duties across multiple scientific disciplines.

There are opportunities available at multiple PCC campuses.

Evening and/or weekend hours may be required.


Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares or assists in the preparation of laboratory experiments by calculating, checking, and producing needed quantities of stock solutions, chemicals (some of which may be classified as hazardous), lab materials, cultures, and media; gathering necessary materials, and dispensing chemical solutions and/or solids; preparation may include the operation of equipment such as autoclaves, pH meters, pipettors, etc.; inputting necessary information into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Break down lab experiments by gathering lab materials from the classroom; cleaning and inspecting classroom, glassware, and materials used; restocking classroom and lab materials; inputting necessary information into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Assists students in the student study areas (e.g. - checking students and equipment in and out
• Stock and monitor laboratory supplies and equipment in the science laboratory preparation areas. Maintains a clean and sanitary workplace in accordance with standard laboratory practices and procedures
• Maintains a safe workplace and comply with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and practices. Attend safety training/s and report any infractions of safety procedures to the supervisor immediately
• Train, monitor, and assist student workers and volunteers by demonstrating how to prepare non-hazardous lab materials and basic laboratory procedures utilizing safe lab and workplace practices; teaching Learning Lab operating procedures
• Performing regularly scheduled and between-semester maintenance and deep cleaning by restocking of classrooms and prep area; disinfecting and cleaning, inventorying and restocking quantities of equipment, glassware, PPE, student items, and materials specific to classroom or prep area; basic repair, calibrating, maintaining, and cleaning scientific equipment
• Conduct safety audits and process waste by completing safety audit forms that are then reviewed by the supervisor and implementing corrections as directed; gathering and combining waste according to lab protocol, which may include neutralization of non-hazardous chemicals, autoclaving biological waste that includes filling out log forms, and disposal into the appropriate waste receptacle in accordance with lab standards.
• Assists in maintaining current inventories
• Receives, verifies, and enters order information into the Laboratory Information Management System
• Cleans equipment and ensures it is in good working order; performs preventive maintenance or minor repairs on laboratory equipment and reports issues. Assembles and tests new equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Associate's degree in a life or physical science discipline

• Two years of non-classroom laboratory experience

• Candidates who possess similar, minimum objective qualifications are encouraged to apply and should describe in detail the work experience and education regarded as establishing the equivalency

• Laboratory techniques including appropriate laboratory safety procedures
• Handle, store, and dispose of hazardous chemicals, solutions, and biohazardous materials common to science
• Prepare laboratory solutions and/or cultures
• Federal, state, and local OSHA and EPA guidelines for safe laboratory practices and management of hazardous materials
• Applicable computer equipment and software such as Excel and Access
• Subject matter terminology
• Record keeping principles
• Inventory maintenance principles and procedures
• Basic mathematics
• Prepare laboratory solutions and/or cultures
• Prioritize tasks
• Prepare laboratory exercises
• Report preparation
• Maintain databases
• Problem solve
• Monitor and evaluate student aides
• Cross-train in multiple science laboratory disciplines
• Effective communication and interaction as appropriate for working with coworkers, supervisor, faculty, administrators, students, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

• Positions in this class typically require: talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, and fine finger movements - using the fingers to manipulate and handle objects such as typing, sorting papers, activating button, sorting/separating small parts; balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting
• Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, dusts, chemicals, workspace restrictions, and intense noises
• Must be capable of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include: goggles, gloves, closed-toe-shoes, face shield, dust masks, and lab coats/aprons
• Must be able to handle and safely dispose of chemicals, solutions, and bio-hazardous materials common to the science department