Laboratory Specialist

College of Lake County; Grayslake (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL seeks a Laboratory Specialist to support Fire Science Technology courses. The role involves instructing hands-on skills in FBO classes, ensuring student safety, and assisting learners to master basic firefighter skills.

Required qualifications include five years of documented fire service experience and state certification. Preferred candidates hold a Bachelor's in Fire Science Technology and may advance to training division roles.

Qualifications

• Five years of documented fire service experience.
• Firefighter III or Advanced Firefighter Certification.
• Fire Instructor I & II Certification.
• Must complete required compliance training as determined by the College of Lake County.
• Attend College of Lake County Core training presentation.

Responsibilities

• Instruct hands-on skills to FBO students.
• Ensure and instill student safety through direct involvement and oversight.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Technology or equivalent

Firefighter III or Advance Firefighter Certification by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

Fire Instructor I & II Certification by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

Class “B” Non CDL Illinois driver’s license (or equivalent)

Job description

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity?

The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.

Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance). We value candidates who bring language skills that help us better serve and connect with our diverse community. Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is preferred but not required.

Position Title:

Laboratory Specialist

Job Summary:

The College of Lake County is looking for qualified Fire Science Technology Laboratory Specialists. The lab specialist will provide technical assistance in basic skills for Fire Basic Operations (FBO) classes, and they will assist students in mastery of basic firefighter skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Job Description

Instruct ‘hands‑on’ skills to FBO students. Ensure and instill student safety through direct involvement and oversight.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years documented fire service experience.
• Firefighter III or Advance Firefighter Certification by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
• Fire Instructor I & II Certification by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
• Individuals selected for this position will complete (and maintain) the required compliance training as determined by the College of Lake County.
• Individuals selected are required to attend the College of Lake County Core training presentation.
• Must be student orientated and supportive of transferring firefighting skills.
• Hold a minimum of a Class “B” Non CDL Illinois driver’s license (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Technology or equivalent
• Promotion to rank of fire department Lieutenant or above, or assignment to the training division of a fire department.
• Preference will be given to ensure the three typical fire department platoon schedules are balanced.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Pay Schedule & Working Hours

• Pay Schedule Full-Time/Part-Time: Part time
• Total Hours Per Week: 5
• Position Type: Staff
• Job Family: Specialist
• Posting Date: 10/20/2026
• Expected Start Date: 12/21/2026
• Compensation Grade: B22
• Location: Grayslake Campus
• Department: JM - Business & Social Sciences Operations Department

College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law.

College of Lake County (CLC) is a comprehensive community college located in northeastern Illinois committed to being an innovative educational institution providing life‑changing paths for our students by offering exceptional learning experiences. CLC aspires to be a place where every student succeeds, every employee thrives, so that every business achieves and every community grows. Our mission is to be innovative and value‑driven in supporting student success through developing and encouraging employees of all backgrounds on their journey toward achieving personal and professional growth. CLC achieved a milestone in 2025 with its designation as a Leader College of Distinction. CLC is part of the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network, made up of 300+ colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality throughout their communities. CLC has been a member of the ATD Network since 2019 and has held Leader College status since 2023.