DEFINITION

Under supervision of the Division Dean, supports and facilitates instruction in the Chemistry department by preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory materials and the distribution and control of study materials and equipment and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of several areas; these include but are not restricted to: auto shop, computer programming, chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics, microbiology, natural sciences, health sciences, music and data processing. Employees will be required to have specialized training in the area to which they are assigned so that they may prepare demonstrations and assist students with any difficulties encountered in the performance of laboratory assignments. Strong computer skills are required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a supervisor or other appropriately designated management classification. Will not act in the capacity of a supervisor but may be required to lead other staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITILES (Illustrative Only)

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Prepares or supervises students preparing laboratory apparatus, charts, displays, models, unknown samples and solutions used in Chemistry; stocks each laboratory with necessary supplies for the days instruction and schedules work so that instructional materials are ready for appropriate lab at appropriate time.
Operates, uses and may repairs or adjusts a variety of instruments and equipment necessary in Chemistry classes for conduct of work.
Maintains or supervises maintenance of stockroom, lab rooms, department lost and found, and maintains security of stockroom and laboratories.
Performs periodic minor maintenance, repair, adjustment, and set-up of equipment which may include soldering, wiring, carpentry, and mechanical work; performs miscellaneous troubleshooting on equipment and instruments.
May supervise lab aides and student helpers and answer questions of students using the laboratories.
Issues, stocks and checks-in chemistry supplies; collects and accounts for fees.
Ensures that chemicals are stored and used according to established safety regulations.
Collects chemical waste from the laboratories and arranges for its proper disposal.
At the request of supervisor, performs a variety of unscheduled duties normally and traditionally performed by a Department Laboratory Technician II.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A minimum of an Associate’s degree; one year of college Chemistry with quantitative laboratory work.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Organic chemistry with laboratory and biochemistry with laboratory. Additional chemistry courses above the minimum. One year of paid experience working in a chemistry laboratory. Experience with chemistry instruments such as gas chromatograph, infrared spectrophotometer, etc. Excellent interpersonal skills. Genuine enthusiasm for student success.

KNOWLEDGE of:

Chemistry lab equipment and analytical instruments, materials, supplies and procedures appropriate to the chemistry area
Elementary stock control methods
Use of computer to maintain inventory and other records

ABILITY to:

Plan and organize workload so that lab materials are available and set-up at appropriate times
Keep records and carry out complex oral and written instructions
Modify and revise equipment and instruments
Troubleshoot and do minor repairs on devices found in the chemistry labs
Organize stocking and issuing of student chemistry supplies and equipment and check-out and return procedures
Collect and account for laboratory fees
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and instructors
Work in a multiethnic environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One year

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Pasadena City College
1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 585-7361 direct ⋅ (626) 525-7924 fax