This is a NON-CLASSIFIED employment opportunity. Visit the State of Colorado for Classified employment opportunities.
Purpose Statement:
The Division of Science, Engineering & Math is seeking part-time lab assistants for the science labs. This position will prepare labs to be used in biology, chemistry, and sciences courses. This position will also provide support to faculty with troubleshooting equipment or lab experiments. All responsibilities are in support of student success as outlined in Pikes Peak State College’s Strategic Plan.
The college offers the possibility for alternative work arrangements such as flexplace, remote work, or flextime scheduling upon completion of training and department needs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Completed High School Diploma or completed GED.
- One semester of college level biology, chemistry or environmental science with passing grade.
- Basic mathematic skills.
Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge. Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Additional degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Additional years of experience in the science lab.
Applications are accepted until position is filled.
Pikes Peak State College reserves the right to close the job posting once a sufficient applicant pool has been obtained.
Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.
Visa support is not available for this position.
Application Instructions: Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:
- Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
- Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
- Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.
This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits. Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.
Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.
Essential Functions
- Weekly setting up new biology/chemistry lab carts according to write-up prepared by the department chair.
- Prepare weekly chemicals and biological solutions needed for labs.
- Storing chemicals and solutions according to safety standards set by the Science Lab Manager or Science Lab Specialist.
- Maintain up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used in the laboratory.
- Collect and set up equipment and instruments needed for the labs, and ensure items are operational.
- Break down used lab cart from prior week, clean and return items to their respective stored locations.
- Assist Science Lab Specialist/Science Lab Manager with disposing chemical waste properly with basic understanding of chemical properties according to Federal, State and local laws.
- Assist Science Lab Specialist/Science Lab Manager with maintaining a detailed chemical inventory and storage according to Federal, State and local laws.
- Assist Science Lab Specialist/Science Lab Manager with identifying chemical waste classifications for professional waste collection.
- Assist in testing and maintaining all safety equipment located in lab classrooms and prep area.
- Prepare and maintain bacterial culture using sterile technique. Prepare and maintain microbiology media for labs using the autoclave.
- Kill used microbiology media with bacteria according to regulations.
- Assist with maintaining accurate supply inventory of lab usage and identifying any inventory shortages.
- Clean, calibrate and trouble shoot errors with lab equipment.
- Assist Science Lab Specialist/Science Lab Manager with teaching faculty the use of new equipment and software that supports the equipment.
- Assist the Science Lab Specialist/Science Lab Manager with running new experiments to determine expected results upon the department chair's request.
- Assist faculty with un-operable classroom equipment such as computer issues, ceiling projector, screens and specialized classroom equipment.
- Assist Science Lab Specialist/Science Lab Manager in training and overseeing progress of new lab assistants.
- Care for plants and animals in the lab prep or classrooms.
- Clean work areas in the labs, prep area, replenish consumables and inspect furnishings for breakage and safety issues.
- Assist with classroom emergencies, i.e., broken glass, chemical spills, minor first aid. Assist faculty with getting emergency resources for major emergencies.
- Assist other lab assistants as needed due to increase activities, and due to lab assistant’s absences.
- Maintain organization and set priorities to work assignments daily. Work independently to complete tasks.
- Continue to research and learn new lab techniques when extra time is available or as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft 365.
- Skills in organization with strict attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
- Position requires willingness to learn lab preparation in biology or chemistry. Willing to work with others lab personnel and faculty.
As part of the State of Colorado, PPSC offers a competitive benefits package:
This job description reflects Pikes Peak State College’s best effort to describe the essential duties and qualifications of the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.
EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
