Chemistry Lab Technician

Lower Columbia College; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Columbia College’s Natural Sciences department seeks an organized Chemistry Lab Technician to support instructional chemistry programs. The role emphasizes safety, chemical handling, inventory management, and equipment maintenance in a student-focused environment.

The incumbent prepares materials, assists faculty in demonstrations and labs, maintains storage areas, and ensures compliance with safety protocols. This is a 10-month, full-time position with standard campus hours.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with chemistry coursework or equivalent.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling, storage, and disposal practices.
• Experience working with Google Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to organize work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated history of thinking critically to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure accuracy in work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain chemistry laboratory and storage areas following safety standards.
• Oversee chemical inventory, labeling and disposal.
• Assist in preparing teaching aids, materials and equipment for instruction.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments; train students and faculty on use.
• Write and update SOPs and support safety procedures.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Safety-conscious

Instructional support

Chemical safety

Laboratory maintenance

Chemical inventories

Lab instrumentation

Hazardous materials

Education

Associate degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry preferred

Tools

Google Suite

Laboratory instruments

Job description

At a Glance!:

Lower Columbia College’s Natural Sciences department is seeking an organized and solutions-minded Chemistry Lab Technician to join our team!

Who you are:

The ideal candidate for this position is a detail-oriented, safety-conscious Chemistry Lab Specialist with a strong background in chemical safety, laboratory maintenance, and instructional support. Additionally, they have formal training in chemistry or a related field and possess hands‑on expertise in managing chemical inventories, maintaining lab instrumentation, and safely handling hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA and EPA standards.

A strong desire to work in a lab setting, good communication skills, a passion for learning, being a self‑starter, and the ability to work well in a team or independently are all important skills and characteristics for this position.

The Position:

This position supports a diverse range of students and faculty by providing instructional support for LCC’s Chemistry program.

This position provides instructional support for chemistry courses by preparing and modifying teaching aids, materials and equipment associated with classroom and laboratory instruction, in collaboration with the faculty. The role includes maintenance of the chemistry storage area/stockroom and ensuring compliance with current protocols and safety standards. The position also includes assisting faculty in presenting laboratory course materials and assisting students in the classroom and/or lab environment.

The Chemistry Lab Technician position is 10 months a year at 40 hours per week. The typical schedule is 8:0 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. This position reports to the Supervisor. This position is identified as a Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 2 Classification under Washington State Classification Specifications.

Please note: The anticipated interview date for this position will be virtually on 11/19, with Finalist interviews occurring in person on or around 12/03. The preferred start date for this position is 12/16.

Why LCC?

LCC has a strong commitment to making diversity, equity, and inclusion a core component of initiatives, program operations and professional development. We believe diversity enriches the educational experience for all students, faculty, and staff.

Visit our Candidate Hub to learn more about our campus, culture, and benefits.

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Safety and lab maintenance:

• Maintain chemistry laboratory and storage areas, including chemicals, tools, and equipment, per protocols and safety standards.
• Oversee proper inventory, storage, labeling, and disposal of chemicals.
• Receive and process materials and supplies used in chemistry courses.
• In collaboration with faculty, write, edit or modify laboratory handouts or manuals.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory and demonstration instruments and equipment; instruct students and faculty in use of equipment.
• Monitor laboratories and storage to ensure compliance with safety policies.
• Assist in the development of safe laboratory procedures, including chemical storage and disposal, in collaboration with the Safety and Security department and per federal, state, county and city regulations.
• Write and update required SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) and develop Job Safety Analysis (as necessary).

Preparation and delivery:

• Prepare equipment, materials, and solutions for chemistry coursework projects or demonstrations as requested by instructors, using safety procedures appropriate for the agent, which may include hazardous materials such as acids, bases, pesticides, solvents, or other; advise faculty of potential problems; modify experiments.
• Set up, disassemble, clean, replace if needed, and store equipment used in demonstrations and class sessions.
• Conduct laboratory or lecture demonstrations as requested.
• Assist students in laboratory assignments or with chemistry subject matter.

Supplies:

• Determine materials, equipment, and instruments necessary for courses for which you are responsible.
• Maintain inventory and records including estimating quantity and quality of supplies and materials needed.
• Prepare purchasing documents and order equipment and supplies in collaboration with the office of instruction and purchasing department.
• Work with the faculty and/or Dean to understand and monitor needs and expenses that align with the budget.

This position may supervise the work of others and perform other duties as required.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree with coursework in Chemistry or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling, storage, and disposal practices.
• Experience working with Google Suite and similar platforms.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to organize work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated history of thinking critically to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure accuracy in work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or closely related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Lab maintenance experience
• Experience leading demonstrations or presentations
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and other laboratory safety regulations.

The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.

Residency Requirement

To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.

Lower Columbia College Human Resources

For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at [phone], or email us directly at [e-mail] .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, 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 as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, [e-mail], Phone number, [phone], Phone number/TTY [phone].

• Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.
• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.

Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.

Conditions of Employment

• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. 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.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to the WFSE HE collective bargaining agreement.
• The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.

Anticipated Start Date

LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.