Laboratory Technician

First Nations Jobs Online; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

College of the Desert invites applications for a Laboratory Technician to support instructional laboratories at the Palm Desert Campus. This full-time position emphasizes safe handling of laboratory materials, preparation and setup of lab activities, and collaboration with faculty to ensure smooth operation of the science and business instruction labs.

The successful candidate will assist instructors, maintain equipment and supplies, and uphold high standards of safety, accuracy, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma with some college coursework and four years' related experience (minimum one year in a lab).
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and hazardous materials handling.
• Strong record-keeping and ability to follow directions.

Responsibilities

• Assist instructors in planning, organizing, preparing and presenting classroom and laboratory materials.
• Set up supplies and equipment for demonstrations and experiments.
• Tutor students individually or in small groups.
• Oversee safety and security of instructional materials and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Administer and score tests as assigned; maintain student records and reports.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Safety compliance

Equipment handling

Education

High school diploma with some college coursework

Four years’ experience in related field (1+ lab year)

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Salary: $59,702.04 – $83,989.56 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600274
Division: Office of Instruction
Department: School of Applied Science & Business
Opening Date: 09/24/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association

Description

About College of the Desert

The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, “dreamers”, and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

• https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career/community.php
• https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career/college-information.php

Who We Want

College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; schedule, maintain and issue supplies and equipment utilized for instructional purposes; assist academic staff by handling administrative functions.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; set up supplies and equipment. E
• Tutor students individually or small groups in a variety of instructional and tutorial situations; prepare or oversee students in preparation of laboratory setups. E
• Oversee safety and security of instructional materials and equipment. E
• Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; mix, apply and spray chemical applications and herbicides as required. E
• Maintain storeroom and inventory records, equipment, supplies, other materials; maintain and perform minor maintenance on landscape equipment and vehicles as assigned. E
• Receive, issue, store and care for laboratory, classroom, shop, tool room or other instructional material and maintain facilities in a clean and orderly condition. E
• Administer and score tests as assigned; maintain student record and test files; develop reports as requested. E
• Maintain hazardous materials storage and handling as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, procedures and equipment of assigned subject area; laboratory equipment and materials safety regulations involving area of specialty; hazardous materials storage and handling; record-keeping techniques; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; district organization, operations, policies and objectives; technical aspects of field of specialty; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to: Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient lab operations; provide information and assistance to students and staff; assure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials and supplies; maintain learning equipment in proper working order; issue and receive equipment and supplies; plan and organize work; understand and follow oral and written directions; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; meet schedules and time lines; maintain records and prepare reports; operate laboratory equipment; research new methods, materials and equipment related to assigned subject area; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; bend at the waist; stand for extended periods of time. E

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by successful completion of some college level coursework with a grade of 'C' or better in a related subject area and four years’ experience in field of specialty with at least one year experience in a laboratory setting or work environment directly associated with the assignment.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid California driver’s license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District’s insurance carrier.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment: Laboratory environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Subject to exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

• https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/bargaining-unit-contracts.php
• E = Essential Functions

Salary Placement

• https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/salary-schedules.php
• Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
• Retirement System: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/ (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• This position will support instruction and services at multiple District location, including Palm Desert Campus, Mecca/Thermal, and local high school sites. The assigned work location and schedule may vary depending on course offerings and operational needs.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs.
• May include some evening or weekend assignments.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

• Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION

• List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS

• College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
• All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
• Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
• All travel arrangements will be at applicant’s expense.
• Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
• For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// http://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call [phone].
• FAQs: For additional information, click here: https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career/frequently-asked-questions.php.

TIMELINES

• For consideration, please apply by Sunday, October 25, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• First-level interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Tuesday, December 8, 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
• May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to [e-mail].

Attendance Requirement

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Additional Resources

• https://www.ada.gov/
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
• https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/peoplewithdisabilities/
• https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/accommodation/#:~:text=The%20California%20Fair%20Employment%20and,would%20cause%20an%20undue%20hardship
• https://askjan.org/