INSTRUCTIONAL LAB ASSISTANT - SCIENCES en Barstow Community College, CA

About the Department

SUMMARY
Provides technical and instructional assistance to students involved in technical or scientific disciplines that include laboratory settings designed to further their knowledge.  Sets up, demonstrates, oversees, and designs, tests, or simulation situations to support learning in compliance with student lab requirements.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with students individually and in class-sized groups to enhance their learning.  Provides direct assistance in the use of equipment and materials needed for instruction as well as orienting students to the laboratory.  Sets up established laboratory experiences for students as required by course outline or faculty direction.
• Works with faculty/instructional administrator to design, construct, modify or rebuild equipment, modules, experiments that will be used in the classrooms/laboratories in a division comprised of various related but different subject areas.  Provides technical assistance to students, faculty and staff; troubleshoots and diagnoses problems with equipment; may assist in setting up laboratories.
• Assists instructors in the classroom/laboratory concurrently with lecture or discussion.  May actually perform more dangerous and/or complex procedures for students.
• Receives study and simulation modules from faculty members, then facilitates small groups of students who are participating in the exercises.
• Administers learning simulations, tests, and quizzes to students as provided by instructors in class or lab environment.  Assists instructors by administering make-up tests.
• Designs, constructs and/or fabricates equipment, modules, and experiments that will assist the instructor in the delivery of desired instructional outcomes.
• Acquires, maintains, and inventories equipment, materials, and supplies such as but not limited to, wood and wood products, metal items, live and preserved biologic specimens, etc., and written materials required for student instructional needs.  Performs repairs on equipment and learning assistance devices.  Checks out and maintains control over tools, equipment, supplies, materials used by students.  May be required to maintain contact with appropriate vendors.
• Over the telephone or in person provides students, staff, instructors and public with information relating to specific programs.  May take messages for students or instructors who are working in the area.  May copy materials for distribution for students.
• Maintains records of laboratory activity, including typing forms or inputting data or otherwise retaining information regarding the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of tools, equipment, materials, supplies, and/or written materials.  This includes document to support the handling of hazardous or dangerous materials, substances, and chemicals.
• Provides for the general cleanliness and security of the laboratory or shop work area.  Handles and disposes of harmful or hazardous materials according to specific instructions relating to their disposal.  Participates in providing for a safe environment for the conduct of the laboratory.  Reports maintenance problems as they occur.
• Oversees the work of student helpers. Coordinates their activities in support of the instructional goals. Trains student helpers in appropriate technical aspects of their work. May maintain records for pay purposes.
• Proctors exams including those from on-line, or distance learning courses.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS