Laboratory Technician Senior

Butte-Glenn Community College District

Full-time

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN SENIOR

Life Science - Biology

Application Filing Date
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

Position Title:
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN SENIOR
Life Science, Biology

Classification:
Regular Classified Service (Probationary)
Full-Time, 40 hours/week, 12 Months per Year

OVERVIEW:
Under the direction of the Department Chairperson, this position shares duties with a second Senior Laboratory Technician. Together they support sciences laboratory instruction by organizing technical and scientific supplies, hazardous chemicals and equipment, preparing equipment and supplies for laboratory sessions, repairing and calibrating scientific equipment, and assisting instructors and students. Work is performed within broad guidelines and requires high levels of independent judgment and self-motivation. The position involves performing technical tasks requiring specialized or advanced skill in one or more areas of the work assigned. Work is performed in a busy environment in the center of the Life Science building with considerable contact with students & faculty.

POSITION DUTIES:
1. This position has overall responsibility for the life sciences stockroom and equipment. Those duties in the Classification Description below that apply to astronomy, chemistry, geology, physical science, physics and weather are NOT duties of this position.
2. In addition to the duties outlined in the classification description below, this position
a. Organizes and coordinates lab preparations for each semester given faculty class schedules and lab requests.
b. Handles department purchasing and helps manage the departmental budget.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
*1. Supports instruction in the assigned science instruction area by preparing lab materials and equipment. Prepares for and cleans up after laboratory sessions.
*2. Performs laboratory functions; maintains and transfers microbial cultures and makes hazardous chemical solutions; sets up mechanical and electrical apparatus as appropriate (see department-specific duties).
*3. Organizes and coordinates lab preps for each semester based on faculty class schedules and lab requests.
*4. Organizes and arranges laboratory space and equipment to maximize efficiency and safety; maintains large and hazardous chemical storage areas and ensures proper disposal of hazardous chemical waste.
*5. Understands the operating principles of departmental equipment and independently ensures its optimal performance.
*6. Gathers information on new equipment; meets with vendors to evaluate equipment for laboratory use. Selects, orders, receives and properly stocks supplies and equipment; maintains inventory and records of items needed and used for labs.
*7. Schedules and may oversee the use and maintenance of departmental equipment which may include anatomy, astronomy, biology, cell biology, chemistry, ecology, field biology, physics, physical science, physiology, geology, microbiology, weather, and zoology as appropriate (see department-specific duties).
*8. Cleans, maintains and repairs departmental lab equipment and electrical apparatus, which may include microscopes, spectrophotometers and gel electrophoresis equipment, and Gas Chromatograph Mass Selective Detector (GCMS) as appropriate (see department-specific duties). .
*9. Works with faculty to develop new experiments and demonstrations.
*10. May maintain laboratory animals and preserved materials, museum specimens, and teaching collections of animals, plants, etc.
*11. Develops and maintains departmental inventory databases and budgets, including appropriate reports. Performs computer data entry to record and retrieve lab information and to prepare reports, spreadsheets, instructional materials, etc.
*12. Provides oversight of the student study areas (as appropriate); assists students with equipment usage, responds to inquiries, and assists with computer hardware and software.
13. Provides assistance and instruction to faculty on the use of equipment or other operations as needed.
14. Monitors Department page on the Internet and suggests changes as needed.
15. May serve on a variety of District committees as requested.
16. May perform other related duties as assigned.
* Essential functions in conformance with Americans with Disabilities Act.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES: BIOLOGY
* Maintain live and fresh material, requiring occasional weekend and/or evening work; maintenance and transfer of microbial cultures.
* Clean, maintain and perform minor repairs on discipline-specific equipment such as microscopes, automatic pipettors, gel electrophoresis equipment, etc.

Certificates, Licenses, and Other Requirements:
Must possess current standard or advanced First Aid and CPR certification during employment. (May acquire within first month of employment.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
* A Bachelor's Degree in a laboratory science or related field AND
* Two (2) years experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities of this class AND
* Graduation from high school or G.E.D. or equivalent is required.

FOREIGN TRANSCRIPTS:
Foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation. Please contact the Department of Human Resources for a list of agencies providing this service.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Significant coursework in one or more of the related sciences.
* Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
* Experience with a variety of laboratory procedures.
* Particular experience with educational science lab preparations.
* Experience with purchasing and budget management.
* Knowledge of microbial culture maintenance.
* Experience with modern biological techniques.
* Knowledge of chemical and/or biological storage and disposal.
* Experience with setting up and trouble shooting multimedia equipment such as computers, laser disc players, graphic projectors, CDROM players and video monitors.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of: the principles of supervision; laboratory equipment, supplies and procedures as used in college biological, life, or physical sciences laboratories (as appropriate); fundamental principles of the appropriate sciences consistent with a Bachelor's degree in that science, and the safety factors necessary in handling chemicals, equipment and apparatus; tutoring techniques and procedures; basic bookkeeping procedures; modern office practices, including record-keeping; classroom procedures and instructional practices; skill is using standard English; and advanced principles of the appropriate sciences.
Ability to: ensure compliance with all department policies, procedures and safety precautions; issue and receive supplies and equipment and to maintain records of supplies and equipment issued; use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet preparation, and database management; develop and maintain all appropriate departmental databases and records, including budgets and reports; clean and repair laboratory equipment and apparatus; apply techniques of precise measurement and notation using appropriate scientific terms; identify and work with equipment, supplies, solutions and materials common to biological, life, or physical sciences laboratories (as appropriate); assemble, calibrate and repair biological, life, or physical sciences electronic test equipment (as appropriate); work with a high level of independence; make sound, educated decisions; keep detailed records and prepare advanced reports; demonstrate laboratory procedures and other skills to students; learn and interpret Federal, State, County and District rules, regulations, policies and procedures; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL EFFORT / WORK CONDITIONS:
Frequent moving of laboratory equipment and boxes of light to moderate weight; requires dexterity in the use of fingers for the operation of computers, machine tools, and the manipulation of laboratory equipment, specimens or supplies. May be exposed to extremely hazardous chemicals which may be classified as toxic, mutagenic or corrosive; pathogenic bacteria; and harsh odors. All subject to changing priorities while meeting established deadlines.

DISTRICT DRIVING POLICY:
Employees driving on District business or driving a District vehicle must possess a valid California driver's license.

SALARY / BENEFITS:
Range 34, $3,925 per month (initial placement based on experience and current compensation). The District offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees and family members, valued at $12,895 annually, with currently no out-of-pocket expenses to employees for monthly premiums. The package includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits include Income Protection, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), 403b tax shelter retirement plan, 11 accrued vacation days initially, 12 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.

IMPORTANT:
The District reserves the right to modify, rescind or re-advertise this announcement without notification or to delay indefinitely the employment of a person for the position.

STARTING DATE:
The successful applicant is expected to be available for work no later than two (2) weeks after Board approval.

APPLICATION FILING DATE:
4:00 P.M. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
All offers of employment are contingent upon Board approval.
This position is open until filled, but the above date is the priority date for receipt of application materials to be considered in the initial selection committee review. The position may close for consideration of application materials on the above date or any time thereafter, and interested persons are encouraged to submit their application materials so that they are received not later than the aforementioned date (postmarks are not accepted). It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the application filing date.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Department of Human Resources (800) 933-8322
Butte-Glenn Community College District (530) 895-2400
3536 Butte Campus Drive FAX: (530) 895-2836
Oroville, California 95965-8399
(Hearing Impaired Line Only) TDD: (530) 895-2817

* Applications are available in the Department of Human Resources on the main campus, on our website http://www.butte.edu/hr or call (530) 895-2400 to have an application mailed/emailed to you.
* Submit applications by fax or deliver to the Department of Human Resources on the Main Campus.
* Normal office hours Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

SELECTION PROCESS:
A selection committee will review and evaluate applications to select a limited number of candidates to interview. This screening process can take up to 3 weeks or more, after which interviews will be conducted. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a position does not assure the candidate an interview. The District is not able to compensate candidates for interview-related expenses. Applicants selected for an interview and requiring reasonable accommodations for the interview process must notify the Department of Human Resources in advance.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
1. The successful applicant will be required to complete a medical history questionnaire and must agree to undergo and pass a pre-employment physical examination, based on the physical requirements of the position, prior to employment. The physician will be selected and paid for by the District. Disabilities not related to the essential physical job requirements will not preclude the applicant from being hired.
2. Education Code § 87408.6 states that no person shall be initially employed by a community college district in an academic or classified position unless the person has submitted to an examination within the past sixty (60) days to determine that he or she is free of active tuberculosis.
3. As a condition of employment the position you are applying for will require that you provide fingerprints to the local police department. The fee charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the fingerprint report is the employee's responsibility. If you should be offered this position you will be asked to sign a payroll deduction form which will authorize the District to deduct the fee charged by the DOJ from your first paycheck.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS - READ CAREFULLY

To be considered in the initial screening, applicants are required to submit one (1) set of application materials of all required documents to the Department of Human Resources on the main campus on or before the application filing date (postmarks are not accepted). All materials submitted become District property, will not be returned or copied, and will be considered for this opening only. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded for further consideration.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

* BUTTE COLLEGE CLASSIFIED APPLICATION:
All applications must be made on a Butte College Classified Application. All applicable parts of the application must be completed.
AN APPLICATION WITHOUT A SIGNATURE OR WITH THE WORDS "SEE RESUME" OR SIMILAR PHRASE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

* COVER LETTER:
Please describe in your cover letter how your past experience and qualifications meets the responsibilities of this position. As you describe your qualifications, reference where in your application materials we can find independent verification of this information (letters of reference or recommendation, transcripts, performance evaluations, awards, certificates, etc.).

* RESUME

* DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
Butte College serves a diverse population. In a separate statement, address how your skills, experience and education have prepared you to serve and meet the needs of a diverse student/staff population.

* TRANSCRIPTS:
- You are required to provide copies of transcripts/coursework for the degree which qualifies you for this position. The transcripts must include the date the institution granted the degree. Legible copies of transcripts are acceptable at this point in the process. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to hire.
- If you have foreign transcripts please include copies of a U.S. evaluation and translation. Please contact the Office of Human Resources for a list of agencies providing this service.

* CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of (attach to application) or the ability to obtain current standard or advanced First Aid and CPR certifications within the first month of employment.


ABOUT BUTTE COLLEGE:
Butte College, located on a 928 acre wildlife refuge in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, is a fully accredited two year community college and a national leader in sustainability.  The college offers associate of arts and associate of science degrees, along with certificates in nursing, fire, law enforcement, building inspection, welding, automotive, business, and accounting, among others. Serving over 16,500 students a semester, Butte College faculty and staff are committed to helping students achieve success in all aspects of campus life from academics to extracurricular activities. Graduates leave the college ready to transfer to other public and private four year institutions.  Butte College transfers more students to California State University, Chico, than any other community college. The college's international honor society for two year colleges--is currently ranked third in the world and the college's football team is ranked number one in the nation. The college received its re-accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2009. "Students First" has always been a key value for Butte College and we remain dedicated to providing the best educational experience for our students.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY:
Butte College is located in the heart of Northern California, just 75 miles north of Sacramento and three hours Northeast of San Francisco. The area is located in Oroville with centers in Chico and Glenn County. The city of Chico is recognized as one of the Top 10 Art Towns in America, and is home to Bidwell Park--one of the largest municipal parks in the nation, along with Lake Oroville--the second largest lake in California. A growing community, Chico offers cultural activities: music, art and theater, all in close proximity to California State University, Chico.  Bicycling Magazine named Chico as the best town in the U.S. for bicycling.  Oroville is the gateway to great Northern California recreational opportunities including: fishing, hunting, boating, cycling, and skiing.  Bassmaster Magazine ranked Lake Oroville the best bass fishing lake in California while another leading attraction is Feather Falls -- a magnificent 640-foot waterfall which is named the sixth tallest waterfall in the United States. 

The Butte-Glenn Community College District hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. After employment is offered, all new employees shall submit, within three (3) days to the Department of Human Resources, required documentation establishing (a) personal identity, and (b) authorization to work in the U.S.

It is the objective of the Butte-Glenn Community College District to achieve a drug-free workplace. Any applicant for employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service and the special trust placed in public servants.

It is the policy of Butte-Glenn Community College District to provide all persons with equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or disability. Inquiries may be addressed to the Director for Human Resources, Claudia Trujillo at (530) 895-2400.

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The Butte Community College District Board of Trustees also assures that all employees and applicants for employment will enjoy equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, political affiliations, ancestry, religion, national origin, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.