Part-Time Laboratory Assistant

NorthWest Arkansas Community College; Arkansas; On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is seeking an Academic Laboratory Assistant to prepare supplies and laboratory equipment for science courses and instruction. This role supports safe and efficient lab operations in multiple science disciplines.

The position assists full-time staff, maintains lab rooms and equipment, and handles routine clerical duties while following established safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of various higher education academic and social programs
• Knowledge of campus and community resources
• Knowledge of state, federal, and campus rules, regulations, and requirements related to campus academic and social programs
• Ability to coordinate the activities of campus academic and/or social programs
• Ability to evaluate collected information and formulate into recommendations
• Ability to compile information into report form
• Some knowledge of laboratory safety is preferred
• The ability to follow directions, listen to faculty and staff, ask questions, and work outside

Responsibilities

• Helps maintain a safe working environment by reporting accidents or incidents that occur in the science area to their lab supervisor, lead faculty, and dean.
• Also complies with all department safety procedures including; looking for and reporting potential safety hazards and inspecting and maintaining laboratory safety equipment
• Aids the full time lab staff in the preparation of supplies for the Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Geology, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology classes.
• This includes; preparation of chemicals, verifying the quality of chemicals needed for various courses, retrieving preserved specimens and models, preparing media aseptically for use in microbiology, restocking laboratory experiment kits/carts, and breaking those carts when they have been completed
• Helps maintain classroom/laboratories by cleaning those rooms and cleaning returning lab supplies (i.e. glassware, carts, etc.).
• Washes and maintains laboratory equipment such as but not limited to dissecting tools, pans, and various glassware, safety glasses and goggles, microscopes, etc.
• Helps with clerical duties as assigned, including; greeting and directing students and visitors, answering telephone and relaying messages.
• Handing out laboratory kits at the beginning of each semester

Skills

Laboratory safety knowledge

Organization and administration of HE/

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Academic Laboratory Assistant is responsible for preparing supplies and laboratory equipment for student laboratory exercises and instruction. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

Essential Duties:

• Helps maintain a safe working environment by reporting accidents or incidents that occur in the science area to their lab supervisor, lead faculty, and dean.
• Also complies with all department safety procedures including; looking for and reporting potential safety hazards and inspecting and maintaining laboratory safety equipment
• Aids the full time lab staff in the preparation of supplies for the Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Geology, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology classes. This includes; preparation of chemicals, verifying the quality of chemicals needed for various courses, retrieving preserved specimens and models, preparing media aseptically for use in microbiology, restocking laboratory experiment kits/carts, and breaking those carts when they have been completed
• Helps maintain classroom/laboratories by cleaning those rooms and cleaning returning lab supplies (i.e. glassware, carts, etc.).
• Washes and maintains laboratory equipment such as but not limited to dissecting tools, pans, and various glassware, safety glasses and goggles, microscopes, etc.
• Helps with clerical duties as assigned, including; greeting and directing students and visitors, answering telephone and relaying messages.
• Handing out laboratory kits at the beginning of each semester

Rate of Pay:

$14.50 hourly

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of various higher education academic and social programs
• Knowledge of campus and community resources
• Knowledge of state, federal, and campus rules, regulations, and requirements related to campus academic and social programs
• Ability to coordinate the activities of campus academic and/or social programs
• Ability to evaluate collected information and formulate into recommendations
• Ability to compile information into report form
• Some knowledge of laboratory safety is preferred.
• The ability to follow directions, listen to faculty and staff, ask questions, and work outside

Physical Demands:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; regularly required to reach with hands and arms, taste or smell; occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The employee will need to be able to work in the outdoors as well as inside in the laboratory or office.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee will be exposed to both extreme heat and cold working outside. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent injury from the heat/cold. The employee will also be working in areas where there is a limited exposure to carcinogens, teratogens, mutagens, biohazardous materials, and other hazardous chemicals. PPE is required and provided by the employer to help limit the risks associated with working with these hazards, but there is always a risk of exposure.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, it offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training that can lead to careers in business, computer science, art, communications, culinary, nursing, construction and more. NWACC faculty and staff are committed to the success of our students and helping them develop intellectually, personally and interpersonally. NWACC professors are exceptional scholars who mentor traditional and nontraditional students within a campus and online environment that values and encourages diverse perspectives and ideas. Northwest Arkansas is one of the most economically stable regions in the nation and serves as the base of operations for Walmart, Tyson Foods Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Their close proximity to the college offers opportunities for internships, career training and post‑graduation employment, as well as access to world‑class art, culture and entertainment. Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains also offer wonderful outdoor experiences and hiking trails within a short drive of the college. With its strong economy, beautiful surroundings and high‑end amenities, Northwest Arkansas is also often ranked by publications as one of the nation’s best places to live. With its steady growth in population, it's on track to soon become one of the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. Such growth has increased cultural diversity, as well as opportunities to support various cultural events, cuisine, businesses and services. NWACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, and welcomes applications without regard to age, race, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity.