Los Angeles Community College District

Prepares and assembles materials and equipment used in physical science experiments and demonstrations; operates and services scientific equipment; assists students and faculty with instructional activities; and orders, issues, receives, and stores laboratory materials and supplies.

Schedules and oversees the use of one or more physical science laboratories by students, faculty and staff.

Instructs students individually in the proper and safe use and operation of a variety of equipment and tools and orients students to established policies within the instructional laboratory.

Assembles supplies and kits and constructs apparatus; sets up, takes down, and may assist in conducting classroom experiments and demonstrations.

Issues and receives materials and equipment for student use in laboratory and classroom assignments; keeps records and effects the return of supplies and equipment checked out to students.

Operates, maintains, and makes minor adjustments and repairs on laboratory equipment such as audio oscillators, balances, barometers, electrostatic generators, force tables, galvanometers, geiger counters, interferometers, lasers, magnetometers, measuring microscopes, oscilloscopes, potentio-meters, spectroscopes, telescopes, and vacuum pumps.

Sets up and operates audio visual equipment on an as needed basis.

Maintains inventory records of supplies, materials, and equipment and prepares request forms and/or purchase orders to restock inventory as needed.

Safely stores supplies and equipment and keeps storerooms and working areas orderly and clean.

Performs clerical work related to laboratory activities such as word processing, record keeping, filing, and answering telephone inquiries.

May assist instructional staff in writing instructions and study aids and designing apparatus for specialized experiments.

May provide training and work direction to student employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

A Physical Sciences Laboratory Technician applies knowledge of the physical sciences and scientific laboratory procedures and techniques in performing a broad range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of physical science laboratories, which includes the preparation of supplies, materials, and equipment, maintenance of equipment and facilities, storekeeping functions; and proper and safe use of equipment and materials.

An Engineering Laboratory Technician applies knowledge of engineering technology in performing a broad range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of an engineering laboratory which includes the preparation of materials and equipment, maintenance of equipment and facilities, storekeeping functions; and proper and safe use of equipment and tools.

General supervision is received from an academic supervisor. Functional supervision is received from instructional staff. Work direction may be provided to student employees.

Knowledge of:

Basic principles of physics, including the mechanics of solids, fluids, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics and their relationships to specializations such as astronomy, earth science, environmental science, oceanography, and geology

Common rocks and minerals and their characteristics

Scientific laboratory procedures and techniques used in a physical science laboratory

Scientific laboratory equipment and apparatus

Scientific methods of measurements

Health and safety practices applicable in a physical science classroom or laboratory

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware common to instructional laboratories

Recordkeeping procedures

Ability to:

Provide instructional assistance to students and instructional staff

Follow complex instructions and formulae in the preparation and construction of media and equipment setups

Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain scientific equipment

Perform minor repairs and adjustments to a variety of laboratory equipment

Maintain an inventory of equipment, supplies, and tools, including preparation of necessary request forms and/or purchase orders

Secure and safely store supplies

Make complex arithmetic calculations

Keep detailed and precise records

Work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse pool of students and instructional staff

Give clear and concise instructions

Effectively utilize computer hardware and software applications in assigned program area

Learn general and specialized software applications

Education and Experience:

A.  An associate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university with a major in physics, geology, or a related field.

OR

B.  Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of full-time, paid experience as a laboratory technician in a physical science laboratory.

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, they should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.