JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Biology Lab Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Biology - Rolla
FLSA: Non-Exempt
LOCATION: Rolla Extension Site
LEVEL: 103
REPORTS TO: Director, Rolla Extension Site
DATE: 05/27/09
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide routine laboratory tasks to assist faculty with lab preparations and disposal of waste.
ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Set up and store laboratory experiments, equipment, materials and other related items.
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Set up and check demonstration equipment.
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Schedule preparation of lab experiments.
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Store and dispose of hazardous wastes using safety procedures.
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Assist in informing faculty and staff of proper hazardous waste disposal procedures.
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Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets in an organized, accessible fashion.
 Enforce lab safety codes in all science lab areas to assure student and employee safety.
 Communicate with science faculty regarding special needs and maintenance of laboratory facilities.
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Maintain inventory system of all science supplies and special equipment and coordinate
purchasing of all science supplies and special equipment.
 Coordinate maintenance of laboratory equipment (service or replace).

Monitor and track department budget.
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Make appropriate recommendations for cost effective utilization of allocated resources.
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Maintain a reference library of scientific catalogs, instruction manuals, keys, troubleshooting.
guides, and operation and parts manuals for laboratory equipment and models as requested.
 Perform assigned responsibilities, duties, and tasks according to established practices, procedures,
techniques, and standards in a safe manner and with minimal supervision.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

Assist with supervision of student workers.
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Proctor exams when needed.
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Perform clerical tasks as needed.
 Perform other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Knowledge of laboratory and clerical procedures.
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Knowledge of laboratory equipment, safety and hazardous waste disposal procedures.
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Knowledge of ordering supplies and maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies/equipment
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Knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets
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Knowledge of OSHA standards
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Ability to operate laboratory and office equipment

Ability to perform math calculations, solution preparations and troubleshoot when needed.
 Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff and students.
LEADERSHIP and COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Follow technical instructions, procedure manuals, and charts to solve practical problems; and/or
ensure compliance with clear guidelines and standards.

Communicate to convey or exchange general work-related information or service to internal or
external customers.
DECISION-MAKING and ANALYTICAL SKILLS:
 Follow technical instructions, procedure manuals, and charts to solve practical problems; and/or compose
routine or specialized reports or forms and business letters; and/or ensure compliance with clear guidelines
and standards.
 Adhere to college and department policies, procedures, and practices.
 Perform job duties in a safe and efficient manner.
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE:
 Use computers for data entry and/or handle, use, or repair hand-held power equipment and/or light
machinery.

Use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point)
 Use office machines such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, or 10-key calculators.
WORKING CONDITIONS - the following physical conditions and hazards may be encountered in this
position:
 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and
toxic or caustic chemicals.
 The employee is frequently exposed to risk of chemical hazards, explosive hazards, burn hazards and
electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to
stand; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
 The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to
50 pounds.
 The position may also require close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus.
POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: (A comparable amount of training, education or
experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)

Completion of associate's degree
Signatures
I have read and reviewed the above job description with my immediate supervisor.
Employee Signature/Date
Supervisor Signature/Date