JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Stockroom Manager - Biology
REPORTS TO:
Biology Department Chair
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Stockroom Manager - Biology, in collaboration with the
Chemistry Stockroom Manager and the Physics Technician, manages the Faculty of Natural
Science and Mathematics (FNSM) stockrooms and associated spaces, including purchasing,
inventory management, and handling of chemicals; organizes inventory, routine maintenance,
and repair of equipment; and supervises student workers. This position also manages the FNSM
animal facilities and provides support for teaching and research spaces in the Biology,
Psychology, and Environmental Studies departments.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibilities shared with Stockroom Manager - Chemistry
1. Physically organize, maintain, and manage the main and satellite Regents Hall stockroom
and storeroom inventory; electronically manage inventory in the ePortal system.
2. Prepare bid lists for general chemicals, supplies, and equipment, and negotiate with vendors
to encourage maximum cost savings.
3. Work with the Chemical Hygiene Officer to ensure that chemical waste material is properly
handled and disposed of, that St. Olaf Chemical Hygiene Plan requirements for labeling,
storing, and handling chemicals are met, and that faculty and students are complying with
safety regulations.
4. Organize the routine inventory and checking of equipment in teaching and research spaces;
handle routine maintenance and repair of equipment; coordinate these efforts with the
Physics Technician as needed.
5. Train and supervise the student workers in the main and satellite stockrooms; assist with
supervision of other student workers (such as teaching assistants) as relevant.
Ordering and Account Management
1. Serve as purchasing agent for the Biology department (with assistance to other FNSM
departments).
2. Maintain detailed records of purchase and billing transactions; manage Biology department
accounts and credit card statements.
Animal Facilities and Care
1. Be trained in animal care guidelines through Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(IACUC) and serve on the St. Olaf IACUC (St. Olaf College will support the training).
2. Serve as manager for the Regents Hall Vivarium and various aquaria; help to train and
supervise the student workers taking care of these areas.
Teaching and Research Laboratories
1. Provide support for Biology faculty as needed for their courses; this may include gathering
items for laboratories, helping with laboratory set-up and take-down, and running local
errands for supplies.
2. Provide similar course support for other FNSM faculty, particularly in Psychology and
Environmental Studies.
3. Assist Biology faculty in the management of the greenhouse, the aquatics room, the growth
chamber room, and the field equipment rooms.
4. Provide support for Biology, Psychology, and Environmental Studies faculty in their research
programs, especially during the summer months.
SUPERVISORY
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Training and supervision of student workers in the stockrooms,
animal care facilities, and aquarium maintenance; supervision of
one or more staff assistants, if applicable.
CONTACTS:
Stockroom Manager (Chemistry), Physics Technician, Chemical
Hygiene Officer, faculty (especially in Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Studies, and Psychology), FNSM Academic
Administrative Assistants, Associate Dean for Natural Sciences
and Math, students, manufacturers, and vendors.
EDUCATION:
Essential: Basic background in biology and interest in science;
training in safe handling of chemicals and biohazards.
Desirable: BA or BS or higher in a science field.
EXPERIENCE:
Essential: 1-3 years of comparable experience in a like facility.
Demonstrated organizational, computer, and professional
communication skills; demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to
collaborate with others.
Desirable: Experience working with students; experience applying
animal use and care regulations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
● Excellent organizational and management skills.
● Ability to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, students, manufacturers,
and vendors.
● Excellent math, clerical, and computer skills; willingness to master new technology.
● Familiarity with basic biological instrumentation and reagents; willingness to learn new
techniques and instruments.
● Comfortable with flexibility; desire to thrive in an environment with great diversity in dayto-day responsibilities.
● Drive to take advantage of professional opportunities in continuing education and in
stockroom management professionals networking.
● Passion for training, supervising, and mentoring undergraduate students.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Lifting according to strength and ability
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Office and laboratory equipment
WORK SCHEDULE:
FTE: (Full-time Equivalent): 1.0
Term: 12 months
Shift: Campus office hours: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.;
occasionally on-call.
APPROVAL:
Jean Porterfield
DATE:
January 2014