Laboratory/Safety Technician

Laboratory/Safety Technician

Kern Community College District

Salary: $69,910.56 - $98,781.84 Annually

Job Type: Classified

Job Number: FY25-2600338

Location: Bakersfield College -- Panorama Campus, CA

Department: Physical Science

Basic Function
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assemble and dismantle chemistry laboratory experiments; maintain, monitor and store a variety of chemicals; coordinate and monitor the disposal of hazardous waste materials.

Representative Duties

• Assemble and dismantle chemistry laboratory and classroom experiments; assist in the development and evaluation of laboratory manuals; develop, implement and maintain a laboratory safety program in compliance with standard regulations; recommend procedural improvements.
• Issue chemistry laboratory equipment to students and staff; inspect equipment upon return; track and report breakage debts; collect and deposit breakage payments from students; maintain related records.
• Estimate need for and prepare special reagents and precise chemical solutions for laboratory classroom use; maintain related records; assist in the coordination of the use of laboratory facilities; assure the availability of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; control and maintain hazardous waste materials produced during laboratory experiments; assure proper chemical storage and hazardous waste disposal.
• Perform campus-wide hazardous materials safety assessment; assist in the training process of college personnel and students regarding hazardous materials usage; respond to hazardous spills on campus; determine need for professional response; coordinate the legal disposal of hazardous waste.
• Assist in monitoring compliance with environmental and labor regulations regarding hazardous materials; secure permits related to the legal storage and use of hazardous materials.
• Inventory and order new chemicals, supplies and equipment for the chemistry laboratory and stockroom; submit justifications and cost estimates; monitor and control expenditures.
• Organize stockroom; adjust, clean, maintain and perform minor repairs to equipment; coordinate laboratory equipment maintenance and servicing; maintain related records.
• Prepare and maintain various records and reports including hazardous waste reports related to laboratory and stockroom operations and activities as required.
• Train and provide work direction to students workers and assigned staff; assign and review work; participate in the selection of new employees.
• Operate a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree with course work in chemistry, physics, physical science or a related field and two years of increasingly responsible laboratory experience.

Knowledge & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Operation, preparation and maintenance of a chemistry laboratory.
• Principles and practices of chemical storage.
• Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
• Advanced principles of chemistry and physics.
• Materials and equipment used in experiments.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Principles and practices of providing work direction and training.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Curriculum, goals and objectives of the department.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
• Proper methods of hazardous waste disposal.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Inventory methods and practices.
• Operation of a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment including a computer.

ABILITY TO

• Assemble and dismantle chemistry laboratory experiments.
• Interpret, explain and apply laws, rules and regulations related to hazardous materials.
• Safely clean up and dispose of hazardous materials.
• Properly assemble and store chemistry equipment, materials and supplies.
• Prepare special reagents and precise chemical solutions Issue and receive equipment and supplies.
• Maintain equipment in proper working order.
• Perform light repairs to equipment.
• Maintain records and prepare reports related to work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Train and provide work direction to others.
• Assign and review the work of others.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Operate a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment including a computer.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.