Biology Lab Manager (Instruction And Classroom Support Tech 4)

Please Note: This announcement has been extended for an additional three weeks with a closing date of May 10, 2024.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

The Biology Lab Manager (Instruction and Classroom Support Tech 4) supports the biology faculty in offering educational, relevant, interesting, and safe laboratory experiences for our students. The Instruction and Classroom Support Tech 4 is responsible for working with other instructional classroom support technicians to order and maintain equipment and supplies and set up and take down the equipment and supplies for student laboratory sessions.

The Biology Lab Manager (Instruction and Classroom Support Tech 4) will work closely with faculty to revise and design laboratory exercises, undergraduate research, field trips, and lecture demonstrations.  This position actively supports and engages in Pierce College's goals for equity and inclusion in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners and our goal of becoming an anti-racist institution. This position reports to the Chair of Biology Department.

About the District

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve, and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.

The Biology Lab Manager (Instruction and Classroom Support Tech 4) will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

Lab Session Preparation

• Laboratory, Undergraduate Research, and Field Trips

• Prepare equipment, materials, and solutions for laboratory sessions, field-oriented classes and undergraduate research using proper safety procedures.

• Arrange, set-up and take down laboratory equipment and supplies for experiments and demonstrations.

• Design, construct, and test equipment used for lecture demonstrations or laboratory experiments.

• Liaison with off-campus organizations to prepare for field trips and research.

• Conduct literature searches and assist instructors with determining most suitable methods to be used in laboratory experiments.

• Write, edit or modify laboratory handouts or manuals; advise instructors of potential problems with existing programs.

• Maintain/update documents with lab set-up details.

Equipment & Inventory Supply and Maintenance

• Estimate quantity and quality of supplies and materials needed; order equipment and supplies; follow through with purchasing department or procurement of supplies; maintain adequate stock levels.

• Evaluate equipment specifications and make purchase recommendations.

• Maintain computerized inventory.

• Operate and perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory and demonstration instruments and equipment.

Financial Records

• Maintain records of all purchases, record, review, compile and produce monthly financial reports.

• Monitor budget status reports and makes corrections.

Classroom and Laboratory Coordination & Safety

• Coordinate and maintain safe conditions of the laboratories, store rooms, equipment and chemicals.

• Coordinate the preparation of all materials and equipment for courses using proper safety procedures in handling hazardous materials such as acids and pesticides.

• Coordinate laboratory support, maintenance and store room functions.

• Coordinate the schedule/use of the laboratory rooms.

Leadership and Training

• Lead and train students, staff and faculty in proper lab procedures to include use of MSDS sheets, proper chemical handling and lab safety.

• Provide training for students and faculty in the proper and safe use of equipment and materials.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field.

Experience Required

• Experience/knowledge in the fields of cell and molecular biology and/or other Biological Sciences.

• Experience in an in-person biology laboratory, preferably as a lab staff member.

• Experience in the calculation and preparation of molar solutions.

Special Requirements

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge required to manage the biology department's laboratory and research program; proficient in safety procedures, equipment use, microscopy, and basic biology principles.

• Demonstrates appropriate depth of knowledge in assigned areas; takes initiative to learn new equipment and techniques; proficient in biology lab equipment operation and maintenance, and safe preparation of chemical solutions.

• Promotes respect, cooperation, and effective relationships across diverse backgrounds.

• Works cooperatively with others as an active member of a team; listens and responds honestly and constructively to teammates' ideas; provides assistance as needed; works toward solutions that all team members can support.

• Communicates plans and activities in a manner that supports the biology department; collaborates with other departments and technicians district-wide.

• Models and maintains the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty.

• Maintains accurate records of materials and equipment purchased; identifies process improvements for better resource allocation.

• Shows initiative and takes responsibility for own work performance; effectively manages time, conflict, and stress; utilizes organizational systems to prioritize tasks, balance critical job requirements and maintain accurate records; demonstrates attention to detail and ability to multitask in high-pressure environments.

• Demonstrates responsible professional conduct; achieves excellent results with minimal oversight.

• Develops solutions that support various department members with different needs.

• Possesses proficient computer skills, including MS Office and internet.

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.

• Apply for the specific job opening.

• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)

• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)

• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)

• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)

• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)

The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Special Note

To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-exempt position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Puyallup campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekend work. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary of this position is $4,842.00 a month dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $5,900.00 monthly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

Physical Work Environment

This position entails working both indoors and outdoors, encompassing laboratory prep rooms and laboratory spaces with exposure to risks such as chemicals, biohazards, and sharp instruments. Additionally, this position works in an open office environment indoors, requiring visual concentration on detail, dexterity, and precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please Note

This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

Conditions of Employment

Pierce College is a "fully vaccinated campus" under the state's higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@pierce.ctc.edu or call (253) 964-7342.

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke

• Title IX Coordinator

(253) 840-8472

Davi Kallman

- ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 912-3715

Deena Forsythe

• Interim Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6586

Paula Henson-Williams

- District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229