Environmental, Earth and Sustainability Sciences Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician I) en Holyoke Community College, MA

About the Department

The Environmental, Earth and Sustainability Science Laboratory Technician is a crucial member of the Environmental Science Department who is responsible for assisting faculty members and students in both field and laboratory technical and experimental work. This technician coordinates college field- and laboratory-related activities for courses in environmental science, sustainability, and Earth science, and oversees the work of laboratory assistants and student workers. 

Position Duties

• Collaborates with faculty to ensure that class laboratory and field activities are prepared, carried out, and cleaned up afterwards. This may include carrying out routine tests and experiments, recording data, and assisting in the interpretation of results.
• Coordinates activities in the sustainability gardens, environmental and earth science laboratory, and outdoor field study spaces on campus.  
• Coordinates and assists in the upgrading of laboratory and field instructional procedures for environmental science, sustainability, and Earth science courses.
• Prepares glassware, chemical solutions, reagents, and microbiological materials according to Standard Methods for use in field and laboratory exercises. 
• Collects and prepares samples (soil, water, organism, and plant) and quality controls from outdoor field sites according to Standard Methods.
• Maintains the laboratory and preparation room and ensures compliance with health and safety protocols, including but not limited to maintaining an active file of Safety Data sheets to comply with the Massachusetts Right-to-Know requirements, storing of potentially hazardous materials according to Standard Operating Procedures, and working with the college’s Chemical Hygiene Officer to coordinate disposal of hazardous waste.
• Supervises college work-study students, department interns, and laboratory assistants through written and oral instructions in the cleaning of laboratory spaces, in the preparation of materials for laboratory instruction, in the maintenance of an organized and functional working environment, and in the support of the teaching mission of the department.
• Provides technical, teaching, and transportation assistance (driving of vans) as needed to ensure well-organized and smooth functioning laboratory and field exercises.
• Calibrates, prepares, and performs routine maintenance and minor repair on all laboratory and field equipment for department faculty, staff, and student use.
• Conducts inventory of equipment and supplies, works with company representatives for quotes, and places orders as needed to provide materials for normal operation of the preparation room and support for laboratory instruction.
• Works with the department, division and Business Office to manage the department budget.
• Provides technical assistance to ensure the operational integrity of the ENV/GIS computer facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Twelve months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a technician or assistant working in a laboratory or classroom environment, working with chemical, biological, and related laboratory technologies; 
• Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, and graphing;
• Experience with environmental sampling and analysis equipment;
• Good verbal and written skills;
• Ability to make simple mathematical calculations and prepare statistical data and records of results of classroom experiments;
• Ability to make minor adjustments to audio/visual equipment and provide students technical assistance;
• Ability to carry out written and oral instructions;
• Ability to lift heavy items and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity;
• Ability to work effectively as a team player with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body;
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

*A comprehensive list of duties and qualifications may be found at the Massachusetts Human Resources Division- Classification Specification under the “Laboratory Technical Series” series: https://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/home.asp

Equivalency Statement:
We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• GIS/GPS computer skills;
• An understanding of inclusive practices when working with students. 

Other Qualifications

Full-Time AFSCME Unit Position:
Biweekly Rate: $2,068.95/Grade 15

Hours:  37.5 hours/week