Physical Science Lab Assistant

Job description

General Description

This position prepares (sets-up, maintains, and takes down) the lab for student activities in the chemistry and physics area of the Physical Science Center and in related group labs; cleans and organizes the labs; maintains lab safety; makes the reagents, maintains equipment, and tutors students in the Physical Science Center; maintains inventory; schedules appointments as needed; makes sure that the lab professors and students have an easy transition into the lab space; and ensures that the setup is well maintained to prevent variations in between the labs in terms of reagents and setup.

Reports To Physical Science Lab Supervisor What position(s) reports to this position?

None Minimum Education/Experience Associate Degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field

Equivalency/Substitution: 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge:
Safety procedures for storing, handling, and disposing of hazardous materials;

Laboratory equipment, materials, procedures, and theoretical concepts.



Skills:
Dealing with human relations issues;

Using basic algebra, trigonometry, etc.

to solve elementary chemistry and physics problems (., molarity, normality, percentages by weight or volume, ;

Communicating verbally.



Abilities:
Observe and detect signs of hazards and obstacles that may cause injury to students and staff in the Science Lab.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work is medium work which requires the person in this position to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Additionally, the following physical abilities are required.

This position requires the person to position self to access equipment in storage areas that may be above head or ground level.This position requires the person to remain in a stationary position for sustained periods of time.


Position requires the person to move about the laboratory and campus.

This position requires the person to operate a computer and other laboratory equipment.

This position requires the person to frequently communicate with and listen to administration, faculty, staff, students, and others to perform the essential functions of the position; must be able to exchange accurate information in various situations.

This position requires the person to judge, and assess the accuracy, neatness, thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations, including those in color; to observe and detect signs of hazards and obstacles that may cause injury to students and staff in the Physical Science Center or labs.

Work is performed in an indoor laboratory setting.

Person in position is at risk for occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious material as well as chemical reagents as a result of the performance of duties.Subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.Work is performed part of the time working in an environment where errors on this job can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for self or others.

Work is performed during a normal work week including daytime, evening, and Saturday hours as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.

Required Training Quarterly compliance training as assigned by institution Work Hours This position will work 40 hours per week.

Work hours will be scheduled according to the need of the Physical Science Center during the following times: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday.

Department Physical Science Lab Job Open Date 09/17/2025 Job Close Date Open Until Filled No Job Duties Job Duties (Position Specific) To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Job Duties (Duties Assignment Statement) Monitors and guides students in individual lab exercises; answers questions concerning computer software and other resource materials available in the Physical Science Center; schedules appointments; and tutors students in chemistry and physics courses even on a walk-in basis during Center’s hours.


Communicates with professors for upcoming semesters and courses; sets up, maintains, and takes down labs for next lab period; prepares materials; assembles, disassembles, cleans, organizes, and stores equipment needed for individual and group laboratory experiments; organizes back and storage rooms for stock; prepares laboratory solutions and standard and special reagents; uses the necessary calculations to prepare solutions of specified molarities, normalities, or percentage composition; and explains the various experiments conducted in the chemistry, physics, and Physical Science Laboratories following the given procedures and instructions;


Understands, obeys, and enforces all safety and health regulations applicable in a science laboratory including the state and federal regulations concerning the handling of hazardous materials; makes minor instrument adjustment; and explains to students the operation of all equipment used in the laboratories including balances, meters, spectrophotometer, IR, GC, etc.


Supervises Work Study personnel in the maintenance of an orderly, clean environment in the laboratory areas as well as in the lab preparation and stock room areas; effectively interacts and communicates with students, faculty, and staff while performing duties.


Assists students with chemistry and physics questions in regards to their class work or lab work weather in person or in a virtual situation; fulfills student and institutional needs by maintaining a flexible work schedule assigned by the Physical Science Lab Supervisor; maintains attendance records in the Physical Science Center; assists personnel in the maintenance of an orderly, clean environment in the laboratory areas as well as in the lab preparation and stock room areas; identifies and requests in a timely manner supplies needed in the chemistry, physics, and Physical Science Laboratories; maintains inventory; and keeps records of supplies, equipment, and materials used or maintained to support laboratory activities.


Performs various clerical tasks; answers phones/emails; and uses spreadsheets as needed.

Job Duties (Safety / Policy & Procedures) Abide by the policies and procedures published in the Board of Regents Policies and College Policies & Procedures.

Contribute to a safe educational & working environment.

Adhere to established safety and health procedures and practices for the purpose of providing injury and illness prevention for self and others.

Complete quarterly health and safety training pursuant to OCCC’s established safety and health procedures and practices.

Participate in all applicable OCCC emergency, evacuation, shelter in place drills, and be prepared to take action and assist others in taking appropriate action should a health or safety emergency occur.

Required Skill Profession

Life, Physical, And Social Science Technicians