Laboratory Specialist - Culinary

Indian River State College; Vero Beach (FL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Indian River State College is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Assistant for the Culinary program at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. The role supports faculty and students by maintaining a safe, organized culinary lab and assisting with open-lab activities.

The position emphasizes customer service, strong communication, and teamwork in a dynamic campus environment. You will guide lab procedures, reinforce safety standards, and ensure resources are available to help students develop culinary

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge and skills in the subject/discipline.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency with computer tools including Blackboard.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with students, faculty and staff.
• Familiarity with college instructional programs and student success resources.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks timely.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain the lab as instructed by faculty.
• Assist students with lab activities during open lab hours.
• Instruct students on lab safety and handling of hazardous materials as needed.
• Support faculty and students in classroom, lab, or campus events.
• Distribute program information and materials as directed by faculty.
• Monitor and enforce safety procedures in the lab.
• Collaborate on labs' organization and maintenance.
• Collect data and prepare reports as assigned.
• Notify staff when lab materials or supplies are needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

High school diploma

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Blackboard

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Blackboard

Office software

Job description

Job Description Indian River State College is seeking a dedicated and service-oriented Laboratory Assistant for our Culinary program at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. In this hands-on role, you will support faculty and students by maintaining a safe, organized, and well-equipped culinary laboratory environment while assisting with instructional activities during open lab hours. The ideal candidate is passionate about culinary education, enjoys working with diverse student populations, and possesses strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills. This position plays an important role in supporting student success by providing guidance on lab procedures, reinforcing safety standards, and ensuring students have the resources needed to develop their culinary skills and achieve their educational goals.

About Us Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region. At The River, we believe every student’s and every employee’s story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.

Why Join The River When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must possess knowledge and skills in the subject/discipline
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and management skills
• Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
• Strong computer/technology skills including the ability to use office desktop software to include Blackboard
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all levels
• Ability to interact effectively with youth and adults – students, college faculty, staff, and administration
• Knowledge of college instructional programs and support services related to student success
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Organize and maintain lab as instructed by faculty
• Assist students with lab activities during open lab hours
• Provide direction and instruction to students related to safety in the lab, including handling of hazardous materials as needed

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight of and instruction to students regarding lab activities during open lab hours
• Provide program support by assisting faculty and students in the classroom, laboratory, or at other campus locations events
• Provide program information and materials to students at the direction of department faculty and staff
• Observe and require students regarding proper safety procedures pertaining to the specific subject area
• Collaborate with professors in the organization and maintenance of labs, as assigned
• Collect data and produce reports, as assigned
• Notify appropriate employee(s) regarding the need for lab materials and supplies
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires an ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as, copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. IRSC expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College.
• Depending on the Instructional Area, employees may also have the following physical requirements: Ability to regularly lift and or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely lift, hold, and carry up to 50 pounds of supplies and/or equipment needed for student training
• Manual dexterity and balance required for demonstrating automotive maintenance and repair applications
• Demonstration of appropriate welding skills as required by curriculum and standards
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time, walk, bend, lift, reach with hands and arms, and stoop
• Ability to maintain and/or troubleshoot all lab equipment in the automotive maintenance and repair lab
• Ability to bend down and get on knees while performing different automotive maintenance and repair techniques
• Ability to present verbal demonstrations
• Vision abilities sufficient to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Excellent Hand‑Eye coordination skills required to demonstrate automotive maintenance and repair techniques
• Ability to physically demonstrate automotive maintenance and repair methods and tools

Classification

Staff Supervisory No FLSA Exempt No Employment Type Temporary (Fixed Term) Compensation and Application Deadline Pay range starts at: $15.76/hour | All salary calculations start at the minimum salary and will be based on candidate's education and experience. | Grant funded. | Open until filled.

EEO/Equal Access Policy

Indian River State College is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the District Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the College) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.