POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
FLSA STATUS:
Science Lab Assistant
Non-exempt
CATEGORY:
GRADE:
Classified
E
JOB SUMMARY: Position is responsible for coordinating, supervising, and initiating lab procedures,
policies and activities, as well as, maintaining the general functionality for the science laboratories
(i.e. anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
YEARLY
PERCENT OF
TIME
35%
1.
Prepare laboratory experiments including consultation with instructors, mixing
of chemical solutions, and setting out all supplies necessary to conduct
experiments to include the handling of preserved dissectible specimens,
bacterial samples of mild pathogenicity, and some live animals. Assists
students with course and/or laboratory assignments.
Tutors and makes
recommendations to students of appropriate tutorial software and related
learning materials, as well as facilitating their usage.
2.
Supervises the activities of students and staff to insure a safe learning
environment. Implements the safety program for the applicable science
department as it applies to the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals
and biohazards used in the lab in order to remain in compliance with the
THCA (Texas Hazardous Communication Act) and local agencies. Provides
orientation in the use of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies. Ensures
equipment is in good working order. May perform routine repair and
maintenance.
20%
3.
Provides support to faculty by obtaining supplies and instructional materials,
proctoring exams, assist in facilitating lab assignments, and research.
15%
4.
Develops and maintains an inventory system for instructional materials,
supplies (e.g. chemicals), and equipment, including computer hardware and
software. Maintains equipment and obtains service when required to include
both science lab equipment and computers. Work with purchasing agent and
vendors to locate and requisition supplies and equipment
15%
5.
Provides supervision and personnel management of part-time and work-study
staff assigned to the laboratory.
10%
6.
Perform other duties as assigned.
5%
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Instructional Dean
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides work direction to and schedules part-time lab
assistants, tutors, and work-study staff when needed.
Effective: 09/01/01
Revised: 11/3/09
Page 1 of 4
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES: None
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years related experience.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES: None
SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Skills/Abilities: Strong interpersonal skills, ability to organize, supervise, and coordinator
laboratory activities in a set time frame, skilled in the use of different laboratory instruments, and
computer literate. Ability to work in a diverse environment and be sensitive to issues of diversity
and inclusion.
Equipment Used: Microscopes, spectrophotometers, pHmeters, centrifuges, analytical balances,
incubators, autoclaves, distillation equipment, safety equipment, fume hoods, environmental
chambers, micropipetters, dissection kits, and specialized glassware.
Software Used: M.S. DOS, Windows (3.1 to 98), Microsoft Office, Corel Office Suite, Banner,
GroupWise, Internet browsers, and a variety of tutorial software in the areas of biology, chemistry,
physics, and physiology.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle
or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is
occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or
smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
This position requires the ability to communicate with instructors, students, coworkers,
supervisors, and other members of the organization to request and transmit information.
Alternative or combined skills in understanding, counseling, and/or influencing people are
important in achieving job objectives, causing action, understanding others, or changing behavior;
and skills of persuasiveness or assertiveness, as well as sensitivity to the point of view of others.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job..
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne
particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical
shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Effective: 09/01/01
Revised: 11/3/09
Page 2 of 4
POSITION TITLE:
Science Lab Assistant
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands and work
environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. .
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
None
Stand
Walk
Sit
Use hands to finger, handle or feel
Reach with hands and arms
Climb or balance
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Talk
Hear
Taste
Smell
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
None
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Wet or humid conditions(non-weather)
Work near moving mechanical parts
Work in high, precarious places
Fumes or airborne particles
Toxic or caustic chemicals
Outdoor weather conditions
Extreme cold(non-weather)
Extreme hot (non-weather)
Risk of electrical shock
Work with explosives
Risk of radiation
Vibration
Amount of Time
Under 1/3
1/3 to 2/3
X
X
X
Over 2/3
X
X
None
X
X
X
VISION DEMANDS:
No special vision requirements
Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
Distance vision (Clear vision at 20 feet or more)
Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
Peripheral vision
Depth perception
Ability to adjust focus
Effective: 09/01/01
Revised: 11/3/09
Over 2/3
X
WEIGHT and FORCE DEMANDS:
Up to 10 pounds
Up to 25 pounds
Up to 50 pounds
Up to 100 pounds
More than 100 pounds
Amount of Time
Under 1/3
1/3 to 2/3
X
X
X
Amount of Time
Under 1/3
1/3 to 2/3
Over 2/3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Required
X
Page 3 of 4
NOISE LEVEL:
Very quiet
Quiet
Moderate
Loud
Very Loud
Exposure Level
X
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and
responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration
of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employee may be directed
to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically present in this description.
I certify that I have received a copy of this job description. I have read and understand the duties and
responsibilities of this position.
X
Employee Signature
Effective: 09/01/01
Revised: 11/3/09
Date
Page 4 of 4