Job Details

Biological Laboratory Technician
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Position Number: 5913247
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Position Type: Science - Biology

Biological Laboratory Technician

Cuesta College

Salary: $60,624.00 - $66,840.00 Annually
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: FY2425-00119
Location: San Luis Obispo Campus, CA
Department: Instruction
Closing: 2/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description Summary

This position will primarily be assigned to the San Luis Obispo campus. Occasional support may be needed at the North County Campus in Paso Robles.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Dean of Academic Affairs Sciences and Mathematics in conjunction with the Biology Division Chair, provide technical assistance to the Biology faculty for the effective operation of the instructional program; and to perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Biology Laboratory Technician class is distinguished from other Laboratory Technician classes in that the incumbent is required to be knowledgeable in the biological sciences and biological laboratory equipment, methods, techniques, and materials.

Incumbents in this position support student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by helping to maintain a safe and structured environment for students and instructors in Biology laboratory classes.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Where You Will Work

Serving all of San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. The main campus is located along scenic Highway 1, west of San Luis Obispo and east of the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Cuesta College has a North County Campus in Paso Robles, and South County Center, in Arroyo Grande.

Who We Are

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our culture and the work we do. Cuesta College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) committed to racial and socio-economic diversity as it reflects our communities and student populations. We actively seek to attract candidates who share this commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

Additional information about the college can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/index.html
The college planning documents can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/collegeplans/index.html
Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/info/student-equity-initiatives/equity/index.html
We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/benefits-insurance/index.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Prepare laboratory materials such as reagents, equipment, specimens, chemicals, etc., for Zoology, Botany, Biology, Marine Biology, Physiology, and Microbiology;
Collect necessary specimens, and handle/maintain live organisms for laboratory use in Zoology, Botany, Biology, Marine Biology, Physiology and Microbiology;
Collaborate with lab instructors to facilitate laboratory set-up;
Review and delegate instructions for student help working in laboratory preparation; assist student workers in performing necessary tasks;
Be available to assist lab instructors during lab times;
Review and analyze new laboratory exercises determining effectiveness in classroom use;
Design and change labs to fit the classroom lab setting;
Establish supply lists and work with sales representatives for purchases used in laboratory exercises in Microbiology, Biology, Botany, Physiology, Anatomy, Marine Biology, Zoology, Ecology, and Life Science;
Maintain inventory of supplies and chemicals, ordering materials as needed;
Maintain SDS files on chemicals;
Assist in the development of the laboratory budget;
Prepare lab schedules and supply needs each semester;
Maintain daily laboratory hygiene in the laboratory;
Service and repair electrical and mechanical laboratory equipment as required;
Perform other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF PARTICULAR POSITIONS WITHIN CLASSIFICATIONS MAY VARY BECAUSE JOB DUTIES MAY VARY BY WORK LOCATION.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences.

Experience:

Required

Two years laboratory experience comparable to the duties described under the Essential Functions (student laboratory experience may satisfy this requirement).

Preferred

Experience in industrial or clinical situations as well as college laboratory experience.

Knowledge of:

San Luis Obispo County area and how to collect appropriate laboratory specimens;
Zoology, Botany, Algology, Limnology, and Marine Biology sufficient to be familiar with material to be collected;
Handling live organisms in the laboratory and how to keep them in a condition suitable for classroom presentation;
Biology laboratory equipment and supplies;
Microbiology, including sterile technique and the cultivation/maintenance of cultures;
Chemistry, sufficient to prepare necessary laboratory reagents and comprehend safety information;
How to train and oversee student laboratory assistants;
Basic principles and laboratory techniques for college courses;
The audio tutorial laboratory;
Laboratory safety requirements and methods;
Hazardous waste handling/disposal protocols;
Current technologies, personal computer, and associated office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or database software;
Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; and
District policies and procedures.

Ability to:

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and
Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.

Physical ability to:

Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;
Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;
Sit or stand for extended periods of time;
Lift and/or carry 60 pounds; and
Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

License and Certificates (current within the last year or must be continuously current):

Required

Must possess or be eligible for valid collecting permit;
Valid driver's license or be eligible to obtain California driver's license upon hire

Additional Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY

Candidates will be required to submit ALL of the required documents below when applying for this position. When uploading documents, PDF uploads are preferred.

Cover letter;
Resume;
Reference List (see further instructions below);
Unofficial transcripts;
Diversity statement (see further instructions below).

Diversity Statement Instructions: Cuesta College is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects and honors the diversity of our students. It is important to us that our faculty, staff, and administrators demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as sexual orientation and abilities of all constituents in the Cuesta College community. In 500 words or less, with consideration to our Mission Statement and our values expressed above, please explain how you will demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this position.

Reference List Instructions: Your reference list must include three professional references, their contact information, and their relationship to you.

Completed online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date for this position. LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, MAILED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

SALARY SCHEDULE

Below is the full salary schedule range for this position, steps A through E. Per Cuesta College's policies, new employees are placed at Steps A through C, which is the anticipated hiring range also listed below. The bargaining agreement also includes step and longevity increases. For a full salary schedule, please see our website: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/salary_schedules.html

Salary Schedule Range: $5,052 - $6,141 per month.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,052 - $5,570 per month.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Cuesta College will not sponsor any visa applications.

San Luis Obispo County Community College District ("Cuesta College") is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), age, disability (physical and mental), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and state law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Cuesta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In compliance with California law, all prospective staff and students are entitled to read the Annual Security Report, published each October by the Cuesta College Department of Public Safety. This report contains information about our emergency and crime reporting procedures, as well as crime statistics for the past 3 years. You may request a copy of this report at one of our two Public Safety Offices: on SLO campus at Building 6600A or on North County Campus at building N1021, during campus business hours. You may also access the complete text of this report at the following website address: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/publicsafety/clery_act

Cuesta College uses E-Verify as part of the I-9 process to verify the work eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9 to data from U.S Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. For further information, visit: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/Job_Opportunities.html

Interview Process Information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview on Friday, March 14, 2025.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cuesta

The San Luis Obispo County Community College District promotes inclusiveness, prohibits discrimination, and encourages all qualified persons to apply. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Cuesta College actively seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds to assist students, staff, and faculty. For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assistance with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office: (805) 546-3129.