Lab Manager - Technical Trades

Kalamazoo Valley Community College; Texas Township (PA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition benefits

Onsite fitness center

Job summary

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is seeking a Lab Manager for the Texas Township Campus to oversee HVAC, electrical, welding, and automotive labs. You will ensure safe, efficient lab operation, coordinate supplies, and support students and instructors in hands-on technical training.

The role emphasizes budget awareness, equipment maintenance, and proper instruction in lab safety. This full-time position offers the college’s competitive benefits and a stable work schedule.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with others and independently.
• Knowledge of technical trades programs being taught.
• Knowledge of functions, operations and/or maintenance of equipment being used.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the purchasing of lab supplies.
• Complete routine equipment maintenance and facility upkeep.
• Manage and maintain inventory, equipment records, and other office files, and assist in budget preparation and capital requests.
• Provide backup purchasing support for other college technical trades programs.
• Conduct student lab orientation sessions.
• Demonstrate and assist students in the proper and safe operation of HVAC and electrical lab tools and equipment.
• Exercise and oversee safety standards and operations.
• Problem-solve and troubleshoot laboratory and technical issues.
• Assist students in completing laboratory assignments.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Technical trades knowledge

Education

Associate degree HVAC

Electrical Technology

Related field

Job description

Posting Number: 201101580P

Job Title: Lab Manager - Technical Trades

Location: Texas Township Campus

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full Time

Pay Rate: Minimum of $20.05 per hour. Starting rate will be determined based upon education and relevant years of experience beyond the minimum requirements.

Position Type: Staff

Job Summary

Do you have a background and work experience in the skilled trades? (including electrical, HVAC , welding and/or automotive) Are you an individual who would enjoy supporting instruction in our skilled trades programs? If so, then Kalamazoo Valley Community College may have the ideal position for you.

About Us

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a comprehensive, fully accredited, public, two-year college in Kalamazoo, MI. We offer associate degrees in more than 60 areas of study and 50 certificate programs. Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow, and thrive. We offer a superior work environment where we seek to support employees’ ambitions and their desire to achieve and maintain a healthy work/life balance. We also offer numerous benefits, including the following:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, business)
• Paid holidays
• State retirement plan or alternative pension options
• Paid tuition for Kalamazoo Valley courses
• Use of onsite fitness center and swimming pool

About the Opportunity

We are looking for an individual who will support a safe environment for HVAC , Electrical ( ELT ), Welding & Automotive lab activities. The lab manager will clean and organize labs between class sessions. Reducing waste and loss of budget-funded commodities will be a main focus. The person in this role will also:

• Coordinate the purchasing of lab supplies.
• Complete routine equipment maintenance and facility upkeep,
• Manage and maintain inventory, equipment records, and other office files, and assist in budget preparation and capital requests.
• Provide backup purchasing support for other college technical trades programs.
• Conduct student lab orientation sessions.
• Demonstrate and assist students in the proper and safe operation of HVAC and electrical lab tools and equipment.
• Exercise and oversee safety standards and operations.
• Problem-solve and troubleshoot laboratory and technical issues.
• Assist students in completing laboratory assignments.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Ability to work with others and independently.
• Knowledge of technical trades programs being taught.
• Knowledge of functions, operations and/or maintenance of equipment being used.

Minimum Qualifications

Appropriate education, training, experience and talents are required. An example of this would be an associate degree in HVAC , Electrical Technology or a related field and one year of related work experience in a related skilled trades field.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and safely handle tools, equipment, and materials commonly used in trades and technical labs.

Work Hours

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required, as needed.

Posting Date

09/28/2026

As an employer, Kalamazoo Valley encourages, welcomes, and fosters differences because we believe that diversity makes us great. It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion, color, national origin/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, age, height, weight, familial status, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other status or characteristic protected by law, in its programs, services, employment or activities. All qualified applicants will be given equal opportunity and consideration for employment; please consider joining us as we empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Prior to a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a criminal record background check. For some positions, a credit history investigation will also be required. Information gathered will be used for job-related purposes to the extent permitted by applicable law and will not result in an automatic disqualification from an employment opportunity.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Professional References
• Letter of Recommendation 2

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Individuals who use tobacco products will not be hired into any full-time position at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Do you use tobacco products?
  • Yes
  • No