Instructional Assistant, Science Lab

Frederick County Public Schools; Middletown (MD); On-site; USD 35,796,000 - 54,640,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County Public Schools is seeking an Instructional Assistant, Science Lab to organize and maintain laboratory equipment, glassware, chemicals, and organisms for classroom experiments. The role operates under the direct supervision of a certified teacher and supports both standard and contract students.

The position is a 10-month, 7-hour daily assignment with a starting hourly wage of $22.94 and non-exempt status from overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with biology and/or chemistry coursework.
• Ability to follow directions of science teachers.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Ability to safely prepare chemical solutions including acids, bases, organics.
• Ability to culture and maintain living organisms.
• Demonstrated clear, concise communication in oral and written form.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Check equipment for proper operation.
• Maintain chemicals and living organisms in safe, accessible storage.
• Prepare chemical solutions and verify concentrations.
• Prepare laboratory equipment and materials for classroom use.
• Support summer storage and special contract students.
• Prioritize and complete assignments efficiently; seek additional tasks.
• Maintain accurate records and report to supervisor.

Skills

Follow directions

Operate lab equipment

Prepare chemical solutions

Culture living organisms

Clear communication

Attendance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) with biology/chemistry coursework

Job description

Work Year Calendar and Hours

• 10-month position (190 days / year), 7 hours per day
• Daily Work Hours: TBD

For more information about employee benefits please go to: https://www.fcps.org/staff/benefits

Salary

• Support Salary Scale Grade S07: $22.94 per hour starting

Under the Fair Labor and Standards Act this position is non-exempt from overtime. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Frederick County Public School System. Please see linked salary scale for the full range.

Role

Under the direct supervision of a certified classroom teacher, the Instructional Assistant, Science Lab organizes, maintains, and makes available all equipment, glassware, chemicals, organisms (preserved and living), and associated materials in proper quantities for the execution of laboratory experiments.

Essential Functions

Reporting directly to the Classroom Teacher/Administrator, the Instructional Assistant, Science Lab performs the following duties:

• Check equipment for proper operation.
• Maintain all stored chemicals in a properly coordinated fashion which provides ready access to chemicals for teachers while eliminating potentially dangerous storage conditions.
• Mix chemical solutions to proper concentrations, and check solutions to be sure that chemicals react properly.
• Check stocks of chemicals and living organisms for purity and viability.
• Prepare laboratory equipment and materials for use in classroom activities.
• Prepare laboratory equipment and materials for use by special contract students.
• Maintain cultures of living materials, and prepare them for summer storage.
• Prioritize work assignments appropriately.
• Complete work assignments in an efficient manner; seek out additional assignments as time permits.
• Demonstrate support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.

Required Qualifications

Performs other duties as assigned by the Classroom Teacher/Administrator.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) with biology and/or chemistry course work.
• Ability to follow the directions of the science teachers.
• Ability to operate the scientific equipment available in the laboratory.
• Ability to safely prepare chemical solutions, including acids, bases, and organic compounds.
• Ability to culture and maintain living organisms.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT'S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.