Instructional Laboratory Technician - Biology

San Diego Community College District

San Diego, California

THE POSITION
Applications are currently being accepted to establish a current six-month eligibility list to fill any vacancy for Instructional Laboratory Technician – Biology. There are two vacancies currently available. The first vacancy exists at Mesa College for a 37.5% (15 hours per week) position in Natural History and Environmental Science. The hours of assignment include Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and Fridays. The second vacancy exists at Miramar College for a 100% position in Microbiology. The hours of assignment are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and may include evenings and weekends. An employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Instructional Laboratory Technician, Biology will assist in the instructional program by performing complex technical work in an instructional laboratory environment in the subject of Biology.

Other duties include:
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of Biology laboratory classrooms and the main and auxiliary preparation rooms; train and furnish work direction to instructional assistants and student assistants; maintain laboratory and/or storeroom in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
- Order, receive, catalog and store live and preserved materials, chemicals, glassware, AV equipment, collecting gear nets and prepare microscope slides; maintain inventories, ensuring that adequate quantities are available for timely instructional use; mark equipment with approved identification.
- Prepare instructional materials and equipment for instructors' demonstration and student laboratories as requested, according to approved procedures.
- Prepare live cultures, plants, chemical solutions and regents and glassware for student use; issue lockers to students; maintain records of materials and equipment loaned to students.
- Assist instructors, staff and students in the use of equipment (such as, microscopes, Spectrophotometers, balances, dissecting scopes, environator, PH meters, autoclaves, water baths), materials (live and preserved plants and animals, chemical solutions, indicator solutions, human cadavers, algae, fungi, micro organisms) and supplies (such as, glassware, bunsen burners, dissection equipment).
- Test, adjust and maintain equipment i.e. clean lenses on microscopes and stereoscopes, check all electrical cords for fraying or looseness, check equipment for proper operation, clean test tube washers, clean and care for aquarium filters and pumps monthly, adjust knobs on equipment.
- Perform minor repair on equipment i.e. replace light bulbs, stage clips and lamps when needed, repair frayed cords, replace filters, fix centrifuges, repair models and charts.
- Provide technical assistance in the preparation of specifications for equipment and material purchases; recommend selection of equipment as requested; may interview vendors to assess new equipment and supplies.
- Assist in the preparation of the laboratory budget; monitor budget expenditures.
- Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess knowledge of:
- General principles of hazardous waste management of both chemical and biological materials;
- Principles, practices and procedures of sterilization techniques for microbiology, chemical handling for solutions/reagent making;
- Basic knowledge of Biology/Science equipment such as: microscopes, spectrophotometer 20, centrifuges, autoclaves and balances;
- Safety regulations involving the handling of chemicals, preserved materials, bacteria and protozoan cultures;
- State and local regulations;
- Basic laboratory safety techniques;
- General first aid;
- Principles and practices of work direction and training;
- Record-keeping techniques;
- English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary;
- District organization, operation, policies and objectives;
- Preparation of chemical solutions and bacteria media; and,
- Oral and written communications skills.

A successful candidate must demonstrate the ability and skill to:
- Demonstrate competence in hazardous waste management;
- Learn and apply techniques of precise measurement and notation;
- Ensure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials and supplies;
- Assemble, maintain and repair laboratory equipment;
- Demonstrate competence in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Botany, Microbiology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics;
- Issue and receive equipment and supplies;
- Plan and organize work;
- Train and furnish work direction to others;
- Understand and follow oral and written directions;
- Operate a microcomputer;
- Work cooperatively with others;
- Work independently with little direction;
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
- Meet schedules and time lines; and,
- Maintain records and prepare reports.

Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.

A typical way for applicants to meet the qualifications would be equivalent to the following: satisfactory completion of core courses required for an AS degree in any biological science and at least two years of successful work experience in the field of Biology or a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Experience in an instructional setting is desirable.

If your application indicates that you possess a college degree, you will be asked to submit official transcripts if you are selected for this position (even if a degree is not a requirement for this position).

MONTHLY SALARY
Range 23, $2874 - $4577, Office Technical Unit. Initial salary placement of newly employed unit members will be based upon education, applicable experience and current salary. For a 100% assignment, the District pays the employee's share of PERS (Public Employees' Retirement System), which is equivalent to an additional 7% of the monthly salary, and excellent benefits are provided to the employee and also to all eligible dependents.
For a 37.5% (15 hours per week) position, the salary range would be $1078 - $1716, and would include vacation and sick leave on a pro-rated basis. This position is non-exempt (accrues overtime).

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit all requested materials to be considered. Online applications available at: http://employment.sdccd.edu/. Qualified persons interested in being considered for this classification must submit a:
1. District Application for Classified Employment;
2. Supplemental Application—ILT-Biology;
3. College transcripts (copies acceptable);
4. A résumé
5. Drug Authorization Form;
6. Confidential Conviction Questionnaire;
7. Affirmative Action Information (information voluntary)
to the Employment Office, San Diego Community College District, 3375 Camino del Rio South, Suite 330, San Diego, CA 92108-3883, no later than 4:30 p.m. on the FILING DEADLINE – THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2008.

SELECTION PROCESS
All completed applications received in the Employment Office by the filing deadline will be reviewed by a committee appointed for this purpose. Incomplete applications will not be considered for interview. Only those applicants showing the best combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to further participate in the selection process. ILT-Biology has been designated as a sensitive position, and as part of the pre-employment physical examination, the selected candidate is required to pass a drug screening test. Please note that correspondence may be sent to you via e-mail. U.S. mail will be used if no e-mail address is included on your application form.

Job Code J1102-S

An Equal Opportunity Employer

THE DISTRICT - The San Diego Community College District serves the educational needs of approximately 100,000 students; employs over 6,500 full and part-time faculty and staff; maintains control of an annual budget which exceeds $300 million; and is among the largest community college districts in the nation and second largest in California.

APPLICATIONS - The Human Resources Employment Office is located in Mission Valley at 3375 Camino del Rio So., Room 330, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Applications may be obtained at that location. NOTE: Please notify the Employment office and Payroll Department (if currently an employee) of any address changes.

Postmarks are not acceptable.
Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit materials for each position. The District does not return materials submitted in application for a position. (Copies of original documents are acceptable.) Applications are kept in our active files for the current academic year.

A Committee will screen all applications received by the filing deadline. All initial interviews will be conducted after the date of the filing deadline. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a position does not assure the applicant an interview. It is, therefore, important that the application be thorough, detailed, and clear. Current District employees who are applying for a position should be aware that materials from their personnel file (this includes address changes) will not be included as a part of the application packet, and they should, therefore, provide information on past and present employment in the same degree of detail as any other applicant.

Applicants who are eliminated from final consideration during the initial selection process will be notified. Applicants will be notified of interview by e-mail or letter.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Each candidate for appointment will be required to pass a medical screening, which may include the requirement for a medical examination at the candidate's expense.

TUBERCULOSIS EXAMINATION – All new SDCCD employees must provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment, and must renew the certificate every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - The District provides a comprehensive program of benefits for its full-time classified employees. The program includes group long-term disability and life insurance, dental and vision insurance, paid sick leave, and a professional development plan. The District also contributes toward the cost of the premium (including dependent coverage) for the health insurance plan options. Contract employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) upon appointment.

JOB TAPE RECORDING INTERNET WEB SITE
(619) 388-6580 http://employment.sdccd.edu