Laboratory Assistant (SC - EMT/Paramedic Program) (Substitute)

Number: 202401248 Office, Division, or School: SC - School of Health and Wellness Closing Date: 10/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Culture of Care : At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect. Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District-one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team. Application Instructions : Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents - incomplete applications may not be considered. Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application. Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents. For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration. For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled. Description 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 an appropriate level manager or administrator, 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 Laboratory Assistant class are distinguished from the Laboratory Technician class by the depth of subject knowledge required and the level of responsibility assumed. In comparison to the Laboratory Technician, positions at this level work under closer supervision and perform more routine functions requiring less knowledge of the subject area. Laboratory 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. Assist instructors in preparing instructional materials; prepare study sheets, visual instructional aids, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments, as directed; may assist in maintaining related records. Assist in preparing for laboratory demonstrations; set up laboratory apparatus; demonstrate proper care and cleaning procedures for laboratory equipment. Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; clean floors, tabletops, desks, and furniture; maintain, clean, and test assigned equipment. 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. Respond to inquiries and requests for information or forward to appropriate departments or individuals; answer phones; relay messages for faculty and staff. 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. Basic office procedures and practices, including the use of computers and applicable software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and related administrative tasks. 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 functions of and perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment within the 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. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job. 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 coursework or other technical training in a field related to the area of assignment and that provides exposure to a laboratory 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 are in place to ensure 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 wearing 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. Supplemental Information 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 within one department and at one worksite. ASL Interpreters and Art Models are the only exceptions to the single-worksite requirement. NBU employees may not work remotely and must be supervised while performing their assigned duties. NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1 st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month. Example : For the following reporting period: January 1 st through January 31 st , the NBU employee will be paid on February 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. Notice to all Candidates for Employment : The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications. Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD. California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System : A California Public Employees Retirement System ("CalPERS") retiree may not accept employment as a CalPERS retired annuitant (i.e., "extra help" or "interim or acting for a vacant position") with the SOCCCD until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting employment in a position that qualifies for membership in CalPERS with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status. Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS. Disability Accommodations : If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu . Attendance Requirement : All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job. Campus Crime and Safety Awareness : Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu . Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request. Non-Discrimination Notice : The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. California Fair Chance Act : The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access : The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally. Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024. Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024. These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD's goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Equal Employment Opportunity : The District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is compliant and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants are evaluated for employment without regard to ethnicity or race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran status, political or organizational affiliation, or any other protected characteristic in compliance with federal and California law. THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER