Chemistry Laboratory Specialist Page 1 Long Beach Community College District Date Adopted: October 9, 2007 CLASS SPECIFICATION Chemistry Laboratory Specialist FLSA Status: Nonexempt EEOC Job Category: Professionals Union Representation: Represented GENERAL PURPOSE Under general supervision, maintains and manages a chemistry laboratory; coordinates and prepares materials for laboratory classes and exercises; coordinates and oversees activities of the Life Sciences Learning Center; orders, stores and inventories lab materials, supplies and consumables; maintains safety and cleanliness of lab equipment and facilities; and performs related duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Chemistry Laboratory Specialist is responsible for overseeing and maintaining a chemistry laboratory including maintaining an inventory of required materials, supplies and consumables and preparing and setting up equipment and materials for laboratory exercises. The incumbent is also responsible for coordinating and overseeing day-to-day activities of the Life Sciences Learning Center. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the safety and cleanliness of laboratory equipment and facilities. Work assigned requires a detailed knowledge of the scientific subject matter applicable to the assignment and the ability to assist in providing instruction to others in an effective manner. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. 1. Maintains, manages and oversees the activities of a chemistry laboratory; prepares and sets up equipment and materials for laboratory classes, exercises and experiments; makes chemical calculations and prepares a variety of stock solutions and chemical reagents; grows cultures and gathers specimens; takes down, cleans and stores equipment and materials following experiments; assists faculty in demonstrating and conducting laboratory experiments; confers with faculty in planning for and coordinating multiple lab sections for various life science courses. 2. Determines types and amounts of materials and supplies to order for lab exercises and experiments; orders and maintains an inventory of laboratory chemicals; receives, inspects, catalogs, organizes, stores, handles, utilizes and maintains microscopes, magnetic stirrers, water baths, pH meters, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, fume hoods, microcomputers, slide projectors, laminators and other laboratory supplies and consumables; disposes of chemicals and other hazardous materials in accordance with state and federal requirements. 3. Coordinates and oversees the day-to-day activities of the Life Sciences Learning Center; explains, demonstrates and clarifies foundational college-level biological concepts to students; answers questions and provides reference materials and learning aids; provides suggestions on fundamental research techniques and study methods to assist students in mastering scientific concepts, theories andChemistry Laboratory Specialist Page 2 principles; retrieves and provides relevant information and resources for students and faculty members regarding Center facilities and opportunities provided. 4. Maintains and tracks movement of equipment and instruments, office and laboratory supplies and chemical inventories from the stockroom, classrooms and the Learning Center; makes minor repairs and adjustment to equipment and instruments and ensures proper working order; contacts appropriate maintenance personnel or third-party vendors to schedule major repair/maintenance requirements; updates computer software and hardware as required by the District. 5. Ensures proper maintenance and cleanliness of laboratory and Learning Center equipment and facilities to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff; ensures proper storage, sterilization and disposal of chemicals, biological specimens and solutions; follows established procedures in the disposal of organic and animal tissue waste and other hazardous materials. 6. Prepares and maintains a variety of lab records; files and consults material safety data sheets; prepares a variety of records and reports on operations of the Learning Center. 7. Supervises work study students assigned to the program; coordinates and assigns work; monitors and provides instruction on safe work practices and procedures; trains new stockroom workers in the setting up of labs for different courses; provides performance feedback; prepares and submits time cards for student workers. OTHER DUTIES 1. Confers with faculty and Department Head regarding Learning Center policies and procedures and reference materials and other learning apparatus and resources; develops and recommends changes and improvements. 2. Attends a variety of meetings, training sessions, seminars and workshops as required. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: 1. Theory, principles, laws and scientific fundamentals applicable to assigned responsibilities in a chemistry laboratory. 2. Theory, principles, laws and scientific fundamentals applicable to assigned responsibilities in a Life Sciences Learning Center, including biology, physiology, biochemistry, chemistry and human anatomy. 3. Uses of various chemicals, biological specimens and solutions in reinforcement of science classroom instruction. 4. Use and operation of standard life science and chemistry laboratory equipment. 5. Research techniques and standard reference materials in the field of specialty. 6. Basic chemistry formulas and equations, solutions, substances, weights and measures, reactions and symbols used in the area of specialty.Chemistry Laboratory Specialist Page 3 7. Laboratory safety rules, practices and procedures, including the storage and disposal of specimens, chemicals and hazardous materials in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. 8. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. 9. Administrative practices and procedures, including purchasing, record keeping and filing practices and procedures. Ability to: 1. Assist instructors in planning, organizing and preparing classroom and laboratory materials and experiments. 2. Demonstrate the safe and efficient operation of specialized chemistry and life