Job Description

Part-time (8 hours/week), seasonal Chemistry Lab Assistant position available

beginning August 20, 2024 to assist students and instructors with general science projects. In addition, this position is responsible for the organization and cleaning of the chemistry lab material and prep rooms. In addition, this position will serve as the collegeâ™s Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) by documenting and maintaining chemical waste procedures. Must have post-secondary coursework in Chemistry sufficient to provide technical lab services for students, faculty, and staff, or 6 months of teaching/tutoring experience in Chemistry at the high school level or above, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervise and assist students with faculty designed lab projects specific to liberal arts MnTC goal 3 science courses to ensure successful completion. Tasks include:

• Assist faculty with lab preparation (set-up and clean up);
• Maintain/clean labs;
• Correct lab reports, proctor tests; 
• Provide logistical assistance to faculty during lab sections, when requested;
• Maintain safety protocols in the lab to ensure equipment is used properly and safely. Direct students, if lab safety is at risk, during lab classes.

This position is not responsible for providing clerical support, instructional

technology support, or developing curriculum, assessments, or assignments other than described above.

Priority: A

Percent of Time: 60%

                                                           

2. Provide oversight of lab security, verifying the presence of equipment, keeping an inventory record of equipment and supplies, and monitoring consumption of supplies by students. Control laboratory supplies assuring appropriate inventory is maintained, order supplies when needed, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Perform repair and maintenance of lab equipment to ensure that it is fully operational and safe to use by students by regularly conducting tests of the working condition of the equipment, making minor repairs, and ordering major repair service from vendors.

Priority:  A

Percent of Time: 20%

3. Serve as Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) at ATCC.  Document, measure, and test chemical waste and dispose of all chemical waste properly. Specific tasks include:

• Communicating with the U of M to set up pick up days for shipment of chemical waste.

• Document sewer waste and fax paperwork to required environmental offices.

• Write and maintain a Chemical Hygiene Plan for ATCC. The CHO has primary responsibility for ensuring the implementation of 8 CCR 5191, "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories." The CHO is a member of EH&S and, with support from other EH&S personnel, is responsible for:

â‹a. Informing PIs/Laboratory Supervisors of chemical-related health and safety requirements and assisting with the selection of appropriate safety controls, including engineering controls, laboratory and other workplace practices and procedures, training, and personal protective equipment;  

b. Helping to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices;  

c. Working with departments and lab groups to develop and review standard operating procedures for use of hazardous chemicals;

d. Conducting periodic inspections and immediately taking steps to abate hazards that may pose a risk to life or safety upon discovery of such hazards; 

e. Performing hazard assessments, upon request; and 

f. Reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the Laboratory Safety Manual and making updates as appropriate annually. 

Priority: A

Percent of Time: 20%

RELATIONSHIPS

This employee must have the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all relationships at the college; convey a feeling of confidence in her/his ability to serve students and other stakeholders; and must interact with others within and outside of the college.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary coursework in Chemistry and/or Biology sufficient to provide technical lab services for students, faculty, and staff, or

• 6 months of teaching/tutoring experience in Chemistry and/or Biology at the high school level or above, or

• An equivalent combination of education and work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of general science within the college lab sufficient to clarify the task and guide students.

• Experience using science lab equipment and materials.  

• Experience performing repair and maintenance of lab equipment to ensure that it is fully operational and safe.

• Knowledge and awareness of chemical waste disposal methods and documentation.

• Skills in inventory control and procedures.

• Ability to effectively manage time and work independently.

NOTICE:   In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota Stateâ™s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND CREATIVITY

While working with students and instructors, this employee must have the ability to solve problems as they arise utilizing knowledge of lab safety and lab practices.

This employee is expected to develop a working knowledge of and comply with all college safety rules, regulations and policies.

This employee is expected to conduct himself/herself in a professional and customer service-based manner at all times to promote a harassment-free environment. All communications and interactions with internal and external customers are to be conducted with courtesy and respect.

FREEDOM TO ACT

This employee has the freedom to act within the guidelines communicated by the Academic Dean, and General Science Faculty and the policies set forth by Minnesota State and ATCC. Lead workers and administrators are readily available to provide both assistance and guidance as necessary.

About Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, System Office

With its 31 institutions, including 24 two-year colleges and seven state universities, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is the largest single provider of higher education in the state of Minnesota. The colleges and universities operate 54 campuses in 47 Minnesota communities and serve about 250,000 students in credit-based courses. Overall, the system produces about 33,500 graduates each year. In addition to credit-based courses, the system offers customized training programs that serve about 153,200 employees from 6,000 Minnesota businesses each year. The law creating the system was passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 1991 and went into effect July 1, 1995. The law merged the state's community colleges, technical colleges and state universities into one system. The system is separate from the University of Minnesota.

Connections working at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, System Office

Job Tags

Part time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Immediate start,

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