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Science Laboratory Technician (Biology Department)

Employer
Contra Costa Community College District
Location
Hilltop Mall, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 26, 2022

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Sustainability, Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Posting Details (Default Section)

Position Title Science Laboratory Technician (Biology Department)
Special Instructions to Applicants
This Science Lab Technician position in the Biology Department is specifically to support the Anatomy and Physiology courses. The technician will be expected to prepare solutions and equipment for the physiology laboratories. Knowledge of basic physiological lab equipment such as PowerLab, transducers, Collin's Respirometers, EKG machines, blood pressure cuffs, pH meters and other lab equipment will be useful. Some of our labs are also based on the use of frogs for live tissue experiments, the technician will need to prepare these samples before class starts.
In the anatomy course, the technician will be preparing the laboratory models and cadaver specimens with tagged labels. A general knowledge of anatomy will be needed to accomplish these tasks.
The technician may also find the need to work across the department in other lab courses such as Microbiology, Organismal Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology and General Biology to support classes when the technicians for these courses are unavailable.
Contra Costa College serves about 10,000 students, credit and non-credit, who pursue transfer preparation, career education and foundational skills. The College's student population reflects its surrounding diverse communities. Serving predominately African American and Latinx students, Contra Costa College is situated in a socioeconomically diverse, resilient and culturally vibrant community. As a proud Hispanic Serving Institution, we seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population, and our central work: strengthening West County by meeting our students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.
We seek a colleague who operates with a growth mindset, a strength-based approach centered on students, and an unflinching commitment to equity, especially concerning the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion. The ideal candidate will be eager to help construct and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness, student service, and leadership.

NOTE : New employees will be placed at the first step which is $ 4,392, second step step $ 4,616 or third step $4,847 per month, depending on experience. Based on current salary placement guidelines, all step increases for which an employee becomes eligible shall take place on July 1st of each fiscal year. These increases will occur, on an annual basis, until the maximum step of $ 5,351 per month is reached on the salary schedule.

Contra Costa Community College District is returning to some in-person activities, in a gradual, responsive process that is following all relevant local, state, federal, and CDC guidance related to COVID -19. Applicants are advised that the Contra Costa Community College District has mandated that District employees will need to be vaccinated, test regularly, or obtain a waiver for religious or medical reasons. For those employees who receive a waiver they will be required to wear a mask and test regularly. If this employment condition is unacceptable to an applicant, they should not apply for consideration.

Our Vision for Social Justice
We are seeking people who recognize the critical role community colleges play in social justice, who have ability in this space, enthusiasm for this work, ideas and vision to improve our approaches, and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 50,000+ students attending our five beautiful colleges and centers. Our social justice work calls for employees who have a sense of social responsibility, interest in our community and world in which we live.

The intention of social justice work is to strengthen humanity by understanding that every person deserves the benefits of fully participating in our society and institutions.

Academic researchers have illustrated that crucial social justice principles are a compilation of equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, engagement, environmental sustainability and human rights. These complex principles are challenging to operationalize in higher education; yet, we are steadfast in our diligence to forge ahead to advance this vital mission.

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead higher education in the work of social justice. Many of our students come from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds; students of color, students with recent immigrant histories, students from cycles of low income if not poverty, students from indigenous communities, and students from first-generation families.

The idea of promoting social mobility through education is unconditionally and uncompromisingly embraced by community colleges. This is an exciting role, and it comes with a heavy responsibility. Simply put, we need to create environments where our students achieve greater academic success, so much so that we close our persistent equity/opportunity gaps.

If you are committed to social and racial justice and if you are interested in joining a community dedicated to solving these inequities through education, please apply.

Recruitment Type: Open (Internal and External applicants)
Location Contra Costa College
Posting Number 0001490
# of Openings 1
Range 56
Salary $4,392.00 -$5,351.00 per month
Position Status Permanent
Overtime Status Non-Exempt (eligible)
Position Full-Time
If temporary, employment duration: N/A
# of Hours Scheduled Per Week 40
Work Schedule By Day and Work Hours
Monday - Friday, 8 Hours Per day

Shift Differential % N/A
# of Months 10
Non-work Periods: 2 mos
EEO Job Category Technical/Paraprofessional
Employee Group Classified
Department C7002-Biological Sciences
Position Definition
To operate a science laboratory and maintain equipment, tools, materials and supplies; provides assistance to faculty and students; selects, trains and supervises student assistants to work in science laboratories and storerooms.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Examples of Duties/Essential Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs the timely preparation, set-up and issuing of materials, equipment and lockers for use in student laboratory demonstrations, experiments, exercises and exams.
Operates and demonstrates the use of specialized equipment and instruments commonly found in community college laboratories
Maintains a clean and safe learning environment in the laboratory, laboratory office and storage areas.
Prepares and maintains a variety of records, logs and files related to supplies and equipment.
Monitors utilization of supplies to assure a well-stocked laboratory.
Prepares and manages a supply budget.
Prepares various media, cultures, solutions, and stains.
Assembles, tests, installs, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and materials.
Notifies appropriate personnel of needed repairs, maintenance, or any hazardous condition that exist in the laboratories.
Assists faculty in the planning and implementation of experimental design and preparation of laboratory exercises.
Inspects areas for hazardous material spills.
Communicates with instructors, vendors and suppliers regarding science laboratory purchases, operations and equipment.
Provides appropriate student safety training; maintains records of training.
Collects, monitors, controls, labels, keeps detailed logs and stores and arranges for safe disposal of hazardous chemical, reagent and hazardous chemicals and biological waste.
Recruits, selects, trains and supervises assistants; schedules, assigns and reviews work to ensure optimal use of the lab.
Provides instructional guidance and assistance to individuals and small groups of science students; reinforces concepts, techniques and practical applications presented by the instructor.
Attends periodic training to maintain current knowledge of proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and related record keeping requirements.
Performs general clerical duties.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
One (1) year of responsible experience in a college, public health, hospital, clinical or research setting performing discipline-specific tests and processes, including experience in workplace safety.
EDUCATION / LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a discipline relevant to assigned area, or equivalent.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Cal OSHA Certification.

Minimum Qualification-Knowledge Of
Methods, techniques and procedures used in the planning, development and delivery of a science laboratory program.
Subject matter and theoretical principles of assigned discipline.
Methods of gathering and presenting general statistical data.
Scientific laboratory equipment, materials, supplies, methods, practices and techniques.
Tools, materials and equipment used in the repair, calibration, and maintenance of science laboratory equipment and instruments.
Principles, practices, and environmental health and safety regulations necessary to use and dispose of hazardous materials or work with laboratory equipment.
Modern software applications (Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).
Principles of record keeping and budget administration.

Minimum Qualification-Skill To
Minimum Qualification-Ability To
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Organize and prioritize laboratory activities.
Research, adapt, and apply laboratory methods, practices and techniques common to assigned department.
Perform routine and analytical work needed to prepare equipment and materials for laboratory assignments.
Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain scientific equipment.
Understand the function of, operate, demonstrate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair and calibrate technical instruments.
Perform administrative work accurately and efficiently, including budget monitoring.
Interpret and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Lift, move and manipulate objects and equipment within laboratory.
Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Stay current with changing environmental health and safety regulations.
Safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous materials.
Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, and religious background of all students, faculty and staff, and with all individuals encountered in the performance of required duties.

Desirable Qualifications
• Knowledge of the use of the AD instrument package known as PowerLab for the collection of Physiological Lab data.
• Experience with using frogs for live tissue experiments in neural conduction, skeletal muscle contraction and cardiac function.
• Ability to prepare lab solutions with correct dilutions.

• Experience with physiological labs, including using students for blood pressure, EKG , respiration and exercise physiology.
• Knowledge of anatomical terminology and experience with identifying anatomical structures on models and cadavers.
• Experience with ordering lab materials and maintaining needed stocks of chemicals and supplies.
• Experience with working with students in a lab environment
• Experience with other lab courses such as microbiology, introductory biology, organismal biology, or cell and molecular biology

Job Open Date: 08/30/2021
Job Close Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Foreign Degree and Credit Statement:
In accordance with the Human Resources Procedure 3050.05, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. You must upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position to be considered. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date. The candidate bears all responsibility and costs associated with obtaining the evaluation.

About Us
About the District
The mission of the Contra Costa Community College District is to transform lives by providing outstanding learning opportunities that nurture and empower all students to achieve their educational goals. The dedicated faculty, classified professionals and administrators in the District are committed to core values and action that promote excellence in learning and equitable student success. The District is committed to hiring and developing a diverse staff that understands that cultural diversity in the academic environment promotes academic excellence; fosters cultural, racial and human understanding; provides positive role models for all students; and creates an inclusive and supportive educational work environment for its students, employees, and the community it serves.

Located in Contra Costa County, in the beautiful and diverse San Francisco East Bay area, the District serves the 1 million residents of the County through education, business partnerships and service in the community. The District first opened its doors in 1949 and is the second oldest and eighth largest multi-college community college district in California. The District consists of three colleges and two centers; Contra Costa College in San Pablo; Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill; Los Medanos College in Pittsburg; and the centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District Office located in downtown Martinez, supports the mission and functions of the colleges.

As evidenced by the rich diversity in Contra Costa County, the District enrolls a highly diverse student population. Serving over 50,354 students a year, in 2019-20 fiscal year the demographic make-up of the students was 9% Black/African American; 17% Asian/Pacific Islander; 35% Hispanic/Latino; 26% White/Caucasian; and 13% Other.

The District actively encourages a diverse pool of applicants to serve the dynamic student population and work collaboratively with existing colleagues that are equally dynamic and diverse.

Contra Costa College
Contra Costa College is a dynamic, comprehensive community college with a diverse student population. The institution has served the communities of West Contra Costa County for more than 69 years. Most of the 10,500-plus students who attend the college come from local communities, but many also come from neighboring communities and from countries throughout the world. The college offers certificates and degree programs in 70 areas. It prepares students for immediate employment and for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Faculty and staff are proud to be affiliated with an institution that has a tradition of excellence and a reputation for educating students to live and work in a diverse global environment.

Diablo Valley College
DVC is committed to increasing student success. The college has distinguished itself as one of the nation's most successful community colleges by offering incomparable transfer opportunities and exceptional career-technical programs. In both Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, a diverse student body engages with high-quality instruction and support services designed for excellence and equity in student learning. DVC's career-technical programs keep pace with emerging technologies and skill requirements, while unparalleled transfer programs prepare students to be successful in four-year colleges and universities. DVC continuously ranks among the top transfer pathways to UC Berkeley.

Los Medanos College
Los Medanos College, opened in 1974, is the newest campus of the Contra Costa Community College District. The college prepares students to excel and succeed economically, socially and intellectually in an innovative, engaging and supportive learning environment. LMC provides quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities to serve the needs of a rapidly-growing and changing East County while enhancing the quality of life of the diverse communities it serves. Los Medanos College is known for its transferable general education program and career technical programs strongly connected with local business and industry. The college serves approximately 10,000 students.

Employee Benefits:
Insurance: The District offers health, vision, dental and life insurance for monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors and their eligible dependents. Monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors covered by another health medical plan may waive District coverage and receive a monthly cash stipend.

Retirement: Most employees are members of the PERS (Public Employees Retirement System). Faculty employees and Academic Managers are members of the STRS (State Teachers Retirement System). Police Service employers are members of Safety Public Employees Retirement System.

Deferred Compensation: The District offers two optional deferred compensation plans. Eligible employees have a choice of the 457, 403b plans and a selection of savings and investment options.

Leave Allowance: The District offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers/supervisors a generous vacation and sick leave benefits as well as 20 paid holidays annually (which can vary based on length of winter break).

Additional Benefits: The District also offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers/supervisors educational reimbursements, employee assistance programs, a travel assistance plan, longevity compensation, retiree benefits, employee discounts on health memberships and a comprehensive wellness program.

Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $45.00 and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $2.50. (All confidential, supervisory and management positions are exempt from union membership)

For further information regarding benefits eligibility and details please refer to the following documents available on the 4CD website:

Classified Employees Local 1 Contract (Article 20-Benefits):

http://www.4cd.edu/hr/localonecontract/2015-2018%20Local%201%20Contract.pdf

Managers/Supervisors/Confidential Personnel Manual (Section 8-Insurance Benefits):

http://www.4cd.edu/gb/policies_procedures/ MANUALS /MSC_08.pdf

POST OFFER PRE-PLACEMENT EVALUATION PROGRAM (PEP)
All job offers of employment are conditional upon the applicant's satisfactory results of the Post Offer Pre-Placement Evaluation Program. This involves a physical strength test to demonstrate a minimum level of strength to perform the essential duties of the job. There is no charge for this service. Please do not make an appointment for testing until you have received notification from the Human Resources Department after a job offer is extended. The positions we currently evaluate are: Building Maintenance Worker, Custodian I and II, Lead Custodian, Cook, Food Services Assistant, Food Services Supervisor, Food Services Supply Clerk, Food Services Coordinator, Grounds Worker/ Gardener I and II, Senior/ Lead Grounds Worker/Gardener, Lead Maintenance Mechanic, Senior Equipment Maintenance Worker. If you are not hired in a listed classification, you may disregard this notification.

ADA Accommodations:
In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests for reasonable accommodations may be made to slever@4cd.edu. For administrative purposes, requests must be made at the time of application.

COVID-19 Information
Quicklink https://www.4cdcareers.net/postings/7307
Diversity Statement
It is the District's policy to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity, and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of ethnic group identity, race, color, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, parental status, citizenship or because an individual is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  • * Tell us how you meet the job qualifications: 1) One year of responsible experience in a college, public health, hospital, clinical or research setting performing discipline-specific tests and processes, including experience in workplace safety. AND 2) Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a discipline relevant to assigned area. Submit a bachelor's equivalency form if you do not hold the degree. AND 3)Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate. AND 4) Possession of, or ability to obtain, Cal OSHA Certification.
    (Open Ended Question)
  • * Describe your experience in a physiology lab environment. Include any experience you have with the use of frogs for neural, skeletal muscle or cardiac tissue labs. Also include any experience you have with using human subjects for physiological tests including cardiovascular, respiratory or exercise physiology. Please include any experience in the laboratory setting using various types of equipment to collect data with as many different types of equipment as you can.
    (Open Ended Question)
  • * Please describe your experience with taking or working in an Anatomy lab, including any experience with the use of cadavers (human or animal). Please also include any experience working with models, bones, or microscopes in the context of anatomical structures.
    (Open Ended Question)
  • * Please describe any experience you have had working with students either in the laboratory or classroom setting.
    (Open Ended Question)

  • Required Documents
    Required Documents
  • Resume/CV
  • Unofficial Transcript (must show degree(s) conferred)
  • Optional Documents
  • Application for Equivalency
  • Unofficial Transcript 2
  • Unofficial Transcript 3
  • Unofficial Transcript 4
  • Foreign Degree Evaluation Form (NACES Approved Agency)
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