Laboratory Assistant (SC-Substitute)(EMS Program)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

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.

Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 st through June 30 th ). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 15 th of the first month to the 14 th of the second month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the third month.

Example : For the following reporting period: September 15 th through October 14 th , the NBU employee will be paid on November 10 th .

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Closing Date/Time: Fri, 30 May 2025

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• South Orange County Community College District

• 949.582.4850

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