Laboratory Technician

Summary: The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences seeks a highly organized, self-motivated, and skilled Laboratory Technician. Under the general supervision of designated supervisor and/or faculty member, laboratory technician will provide technical and administrative supports for the instructional and research laboratories in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Also, provides technical assistance to staff and teaching assistants concerning experimental preparations and procedures and ensures compliance with health and safety standards of laboratory operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Prepares and/or tests laboratory experiments to ensure experiments and demonstrate the intended scientific principles of procedures for which the experiment was designed. Identifies and resolves ordinary problems with methods and techniques to ensure or improve the effectiveness of the demonstrations, with only occasional recourse to supervisor. Modifies standard experiments to incorporate new technology. Participates in meetings to plan and evaluate lab experiments; assists in evaluating procedures for intended results and makes modifications to incorporate suggestions for improvement. Assists in editing and updating lab manuals in assigned area of responsibility and keeps current on new procedures. Prepares reagents, media, stains, enzymes, solutions and other lab supplies or apparatus needed to carry out the laboratory exercise; maintains cultures, collections and other lab needs Assists student employees in their assigned duties. Assists, and may instruct students and instructors with technical problems related to laboratory procedures and equipment. Assists in maintaining up-to-date inventory of supplies. Sets up and maintains laboratory; assigns equipment, glassware and supplies; assists others in proper and safe use of equipment. May be responsible for routine maintenance and minor repair of lab equipment and related apparatus to ensure proper working order. Maintains teaching equipment and instruments to ensure accuracy and efficient performance. Minimum Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.): Bachelor's degree, preferably master's degree in chemistry or related field from an accredited college or university is required. Able to operate Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Nitrogen Analyzer, and other instruments. Desirable Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.): At least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control. Ability to prepare stock chemicals according to given standards. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment. Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures. Ability to provide technical guidance and training to end users. Knowledge of teaching laboratory materials receiving and storage procedures. Ability to utilize, calibrate, configure and/or troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures. Knowledge of chemical, hazardous waste, industrial hygiene, and/or environmental health standards. Ability to enforce laboratory safety.