"Science Laboratory Technician, Chemistry (10 Months)"

Job Description

Science Laboratory Technician, Chemistry (10 Months)
Ohlone College

Salary: $28.73 - $36.68 Hourly
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Opening Date: 03/23/2026
Location: Fremont Campus and/or Newark Center
Job Number: 202300186
Department: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Bargaining Unit: California School Employees Association (CSEA)

Ideal Candidate Statement

An ideal candidate for the Chemistry Laboratory Technician position is a collaborative and dependable professional who works effectively with faculty while also operating independently. They ensure all laboratory setups and demonstrations are fully prepared, functional, and aligned with instructional needs.

The successful candidate has a strong foundation in basic chemistry and laboratory sciences, with the ability to set up, troubleshoot, and maintain college-level labs and equipment. They are detail-oriented and resourceful, able to interpret technical manuals, perform routine maintenance, and coordinate repairs when needed.

They bring experience supporting and supervising student workers, while maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant lab environment, including proper hazardous waste handling and adherence to safety regulations. Their work reflects strong organizational and documentation skills, ensuring equipment and materials are properly stored, inventoried, and accessible.

In addition, the ideal candidate effectively manages lab documentation, purchasing, and vendor coordination within budget, and demonstrates strong communication skills to support faculty and improve lab instruction. They remain current with emerging technologies and practices in chemistry education, actively contributing to innovative and effective learning experiences.

Position Description

Under general supervision, the position supports science courses by setting up labs, setting up equipment, preparing specimens and other lab materials. The position is responsible for maintaining all lab equipment, materials, supply levels, and for ensuring lab materials are functional. The position is responsible for storing and disposing of hazardous waste materials.

This position works 10 out of 12 months per year.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Prepares various solutions for laboratory activities;
2. Assembles new equipment and install in the appropriate laboratory;
3. Prepares equipment and materials for biology, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, biotechnology, physics, engineering, engineering technology, and physiology laboratory demonstrations and exercises;
4. Prepares aqueous and non-aqueous reagents;
5. Prepares mammalian and bacterial cell cultures aseptically;
6. Freezes specimens and materials to store as appropriate;
7. Dispense proper quantities of materials;
8. Monitors the use and cleanliness of lab equipment and materials to ensure the safety of students;
9. Stores hazardous waste materials, chemicals, and specimens;
10. Arranges for proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste and hazardous waste materials;
11. Performs minor repairs including necessary calibrations to apparatuses and equipment;
12. Enters data into various records and reports such as, but not limited to, hazardous waste reports, chemical inventories, logbook, preparation sheets, and other documents related to laboratory operations and activities;
13. Contacts vendors to resolve issues and discrepancies with equipment;
14. Conducts inventory of lab equipment, supplies, and materials to ensure adequate stock levels;
15. Provides lead direction to unclassified staff by developing work schedules and assigning duties;
16. Assist with inputting and providing budget management support and monitor the local lab budget to ensure the availability of funds to maintain sufficient supplies for the whole academic year;
17. Work with faculty to guide/make recommendation for safe laboratory activities
18. Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic,cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of the Colleges' students, faculty, staff andcommunity;
19. Effectively engage and support historically disproportionately impacted groups by addressing issues of equity and improving culturally responsive service-oriented practices.
20. Performs related duties as assigned

Knowledge Of

1. Common science laboratory equipment such as, but not limited to, microscopes, Bunsen burners, scales, test tubes, beakers, and flasks.
2. Common science laboratory specimens and chemicals used in biology, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, biotechnology, physics, engineering, engineering technology, and physiology laboratory
3. Proper procedures of handling and disposing of hazardous waste
4. Methods of storing chemicals and specimens
5. General office software and equipment

Skill To

1. Apply knowledge of common science laboratory equipment to set up labs in support of instructional courses, ensure equipment is adequate operating conditions, assemble and install equipment, and properly clean and store such equipment
2. Apply knowledge of common science laboratory specimens and chemicals to properly handle such items, properly store such items and set up lab materials according to instructor direction.
3. Apply knowledge of the proper procedures of handling and disposing of hazardous waste to ensure the proper storage of such materials, ensure the safety of students when handling such materials, and to adhere to proper regulations when disposing of such materials
4. Apply knowledge of the methods of storing specimens to ensure such items are in proper condition to use in laboratory settings
5. Use general office software to develop reports, aggregate data, and communicate with District staff.

Ability To

1. Maintain up to date of proper safety methods in handling and storing of hazardous material and equipment
2. Ensure the safety and conditions of laboratory materials
3. Perceive color in chemical solutions
4. Maintain the laboratory environment in a safe and orderly condition
5. Effectively maintain equipment in proper working order
6. Maintain records related to work performed and inventory
7. Effectively ensure that all interactions with students and staff exhibit sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, District staff, and departmental visitors
8. Effectively prioritize assignments and meet deadlines
9. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
10. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, students, and departmental stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: bachelor's degree with course work in science, chemistry, biology, physics or a related field and two years laboratory experience.
AND
Must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices.

Physical Characteristics

This position requires physical abilities needed to work in a standard office setting, including but not limited to: standing and/or sitting for prolonged periods; occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, and twisting; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling light and moderate amounts of weight; operating office equipment which may require repeated fine motor skills (e.g.: keyboard use); and the ability to communicate in written and verbal forms. The position requires vision and hearing in normal ranges (with or without correction) sufficient to operate any assigned equipment and the ability to clearly communicate with others in written and verbal forms.

In addition to the above, this position will necessitate working in a lab environment with and/or around chemicals and other fume-generating hazardous substances and objects. The work will require the safe handling of lab equipment and supplies, including objects of substantial weight and size.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Indoor laboratory environment;
• Hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and chemical fumes;

Required Application Materials: The below items must be uploaded as attachments for your application to be complete and considered.

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
2. A cover letter addressing the listed desirable qualifications and personal/professional qualities.
3. A list of three (3) professional references including name, position, organization, phone number, email, and relationship to the applicant.
4. Diversity question response: What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity, and how would you apply this commitment as you conduct your responsibilities in this position?

Salary Placement

Initial salary placement will be $28.73 - $31.67 per hour and is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources. Classified employees advance one step on the salary schedule each year and have the potential to reach the current maximum step of $36.68 per hour.