Engineering Technology Lab Assistant

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Engineering Technology Labs Assistant (ETLA) is responsible for working with the Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Mechatronics and Industrial Technology Program Coordinators to set-up, monitor and assist faculty with laboratory classes in all engineering technology disciplines.

This is a part-time position for 29 hours per week.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

1. The ETLA is supervised by and reports directly to the Division Director, Business and Technology.

2. The ETLA will coordinate most closely with the engineering technology Program Coordinators, full – and part-time faculty, student workers, and the Division Director. There will be occasional coordination with the Director of Public Safety and other divisions on campus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

A. Assist in the preparation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies :

1. Work safely with electrical and mechanical power equipment.

2. Help set-up and take down physical laboratory equipment.

3. Assist in the preparations of equipment and materials for laboratories, including but not limited to : research and educational activities in the lab, solar panels, welders / torches, 3d printers, soldering stations, pneumatic / hydraulic trainers, motors, printed circuit board machines, as well as new equipment installation and prove-out testing.

4. Carry out basic maintenance of laboratory equipment including but not limited to : basic repairs, maintenance, and calibration of equipment, monitoring levels of consumable supplies, and troubleshooting / diagnosing basic instrument problems.

5. Maintain all laboratory rooms in an orderly manner;

6. Assist with inventories for the Business and Technology Division.

7. Advise program coordinators with ideas for improvements for safety, usage, and quality of equipment and materials.

8. Perform general duties as assigned to maintain laboratory rooms and storage in a neat, orderly efficient manner.

B. Chemical Safety / Storage / Waste as Needed

1. Maintain list (and quantity) of all chemicals and reagents currently stored and used in laboratories for the Business and Technology Division.

2. Maintain updated Safety Data sheets of chemicals and reagents for Business and Technology as required by OSHA and other state or federal guidelines.

3. Work with the Director of Public Safety to update and store campus-wide Safety Data Sheets as required by law and in the case of emergency response.

4. Work with various departments as needed to schedule and arrange training on chemical safety and waste storage and disposal procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field preferred or the willingness to work towards a bachelor's degree if hired; Candidate with a combination of experience and training including college, industrial, or military training may be considered. Coursework in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Technologies, Instrumentation, or Electronics is desired. Candidates should have 1-2 years of laboratory or industrial experience; basic knowledge of laboratory equipment and its use in education, including basic troubleshooting / repair; fluent knowledge of Microsoft Office software tools is a plus.

The ETLA needs : knowledge of laboratory and clerical procedures; knowledge of and experience with storing, repairing, and handling laboratory equipment; ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory and office equipment; knowledge of maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies / equipment, including chemical inventory and proper storage procedures; knowledge of and experience with chemical safety (including Safety Data sheets) and hazardous waste disposal procedures; ability to help define and implement divisional safety rules, policies and procedures. The assistant also needs clear communication skills.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The candidate should :

• Have good laboratory and computer skills including a conscientious attitude towards laboratory safety;
• Be familiar with fabrication tools and a variety of working materials.
• Be able to recognize common laboratory hazards;
• Have good motor skills for manipulation of laboratory equipment) and mobility (for transport of materials, equipment etc.);
• Have the ability develop good working relationships with staff and students;
• Be able to occasionally lift boxes and equipment / supplies (up to 40 pounds)
• Be able to stand for extended periods of time.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Classroom / Laboratory Environment. Laboratory environment involves working with potentially hazardous equipment. Science Laboratories are located in three different buildings : Advanced Technology Center, Energy and Trades Training Center, and the Science Technology Engineering and Math Building. The ETLS will work in all three buildings depending on the need, and may be required to transport materials from one building to another.