Job Details

Creates and maintains a clean, organized and safe laboratory environment for students and instructors in the Biology Department at the College of Southern Idaho. Works with instructors to prepare meaningful laboratory experiences for students.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Responsible for the following on the main campus and at the MiniCassia Center. Assembles all materials, equipment, cultures, media, reagents, living organisms, apparatus, etc. in preparation for lab exercises. Transfers and maintains stock cultures of bacteria and fungi. Maintains aquaria and small indoor greenhouse. Orders instructional supplies, including chemicals, preserved specimens, microorganisms, safety supplies and equipment. Obtains price quotes from various companies and makes purchases based on lowest pricing. Coordinates the bidding process when purchasing items over $5000. Maintains departmental files of purchase orders, requests for purchase, repair and maintenance schedules, warranties, service manuals, vendors, etc. Schedules annual maintenance and repair of equipment, including microscopes and balances. Attends to unexpected failure of equipment or fixtures. Oversees laboratory safety and security. Is responsible for the safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals in the laboratory. Is responsible for the safe storage, handling, and disposal of biohazardous substances in the laboratory. Files and updates “Biology Laboratory Safety Rules and Procedures Agreement.” Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises all work-study students. Submits requests for work-study students. Conducts job and safety training for all work-study students. Conducts mid-term and end-of-term evaluations of work-study students. Monitors and submits work-study student time sheets. Directs work-study student effort to keep the Biology labs clean and organized.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A.S. degree in Biology; or two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret college-level biology laboratory manuals, government regulations (worker health and safety, chemical disposal, etc.), and Safety Data Sheets. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from instructors, students, and the general public.

Mathematical and Chemistry Skills

Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as measurement conversions and the formulation of solutions (molarity, concentrations, pH, dilutions, serial dilutions). Ability to use the metric system of measurement. Good knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials, and procedures, and the fundamental laboratory methods relating to biology or chemistry. Ability to maintain a stockroom according to safety laws and regulations.

Reasoning Skills

Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions. Detail-oriented with good organizational skills is a must.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand and sit; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to risks associated with toxic, volatile, and corrosive chemicals, carcinogenic substances, potentially pathogenic organisms and potentially dangerous laboratory equipment.

The College of Southern Idaho is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to cultivating and sustaining an environment in which our employees and learners thrive. The College prohibits discrimination on the basis of any legally protected status.

Required Skills

Required Experience