Science Department Specialist

Palm Beach State College; Lake Worth (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition fee waiver

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Palm Beach State College is seeking a Science Department Specialist to oversee daily laboratory operations, prepare experiments, maintain equipment, and supervise work-study students. The role requires organizing materials, handling hazardous waste, and supporting faculty and students in a busy academic environment.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and hands-on research lab experience. A strong emphasis on safety, inventory control, and collaboration with instructors is essential for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; hands-on research lab experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares solutions and lab chemicals, specimens, and operates lab equipment.
• Manages hazardous and biohazardous materials and maintains waste records.
• Inspects and maintains laboratory equipment for safe operation.
• Trains and supervises work-study students and assigns tasks.
• Coordinates with instructors to ensure learning outcomes and maintains safety practices.

Skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join our team!

What We Offer At Palm Beach State College, you will discover a place where ideas come to life and the heartbeat of a county begins. By joining us, you will be exposed to professionals from across the U.S. and abroad who are the strivers, reinventors, explorers, and influencers dedicated to developing talent that fills the most needed workforce roles. As the Panthers, we embrace a community of belonging, caring, and connection for our students and employees. We seek creative individuals to help PBSC fulfill its mission of inspiring hope, advancing skills, and transforming lives.

About this role

Responsible for daily operations of the laboratories including preparing experiments, laboratory apparatus, equipment, materials, and reagents. Performs clerical and administrative tasks, inventory, purchases, and supervising work-study students. Maintains the lab and equipment, participates in meetings and special projects, and assists faculty and students.

What a day of a Science Department Specialist looks like

• Prepares solutions and lab chemicals, obtains specimens, and operates the lab equipment.
• Manages, controls, and disposes of hazardous and biohazardous materials.
• Maintains current records of hazardous and biohazardous waste removal.
• Inspects laboratory equipment and machinery for safe operation.
• Reports any observed problems to the supervisor.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Arranges for the maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment and machinery.
• Keeps and updates records for out-of-service and in-service facilities, plants, and equipment due to maintenance, including performance records.
• Maintains a library of technical reference materials.
• Actively participates in the inventory control activities of the department.
• Prepares purchase orders for needed supplies, materials, and equipment and submits to supervisor for processing.
• Assists with budgeting for laboratory needs, recommends the purchase of equipment and supplies, and maintains inventories.
• Assists with developing, evaluating, and purchasing lab and program materials and resources.
• Coordinates resources with laboratory textbooks and course syllabus to ensure a successful program meets student learning outcomes.
• Reviews laboratory materials and evaluates the usefulness of lab resources periodically to ensure the accuracy of information.
• Assists course instructors with keeping equipment operational and replenishing reagents.
• Interacts with students, faculty, staff, and suppliers, answers questions and resolves issues.
• Serves as lead worker to other laboratory staff.
• Trains and oversees work-study students and assigns tasks.
• Maintains and performs in a safe workplace and follows established safety practices.
• Stays current with required lab safety training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• One year of related experience, to include hands‑on research lab experience

Knowledge

• Microsoft Office Professional or similar application

Skills

• Attention to detail while maintaining effective time and task management

Abilities

• Organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing on a regular basis with internal and external customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations, and take responsibility for a high level of service.

Licenses, Registration, Certifications, or Special Requirements

• Regular physical attendance required.

Work Environment and Physical Demand - Frequency

• Reach and grasp objects.
• Daily repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Weekly stand for extended periods of time.
• Daily use of video display terminal.
• Daily receive and understand information through oral and written communication.
• Daily proofread and check documents for accuracy.
• Daily work with equipment or perform procedures where carelessness may result in injury.
• Daily lift or carry objects weighing 10 to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally work a fluctuating work schedule.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority. Certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in the employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.

The minimum base pay for this position starts at $19.52/ hr, however, the offer may vary based on the candidate’s education and experience. This position is open until filled with an initial review date of September 16, 2026.

Culture

Be part of an inclusive, Panther First environment where every role has a purpose, and employees have a sense of belonging.

Education Benefits

Tuition fee waiver at PBSC, tuition reimbursement, degree recognition award, educational leave, and more.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness institution.

Health and Wellness

Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parental leave, and more.

Generous Time Off

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, and spring and winter breaks offering additional paid time off.

Panther Perks

Potential remote or hybrid opportunities, wellness programs, and apps related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

Professional Development

Leadership programs, professional learning workshops, and more.

Retirement Investments

State retirement plan options and voluntary 403(b) and 457 plans.

An Equal Access/Equal Opportunity/Veteran Preference/ADA Employer Per the Florida Open Records and Public Meeting Laws (286.011), also known as "the Sunshine Laws," all correspondence received from applicants for any position with the College is a matter of public record. Palm Beach State College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for employment or admission to the College. The College prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, or pregnancy in any of its employment or educational programs or activities. Applicants who believe they have been discriminated against in the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources and Compliance Director or Chief Human Resources Officer at [phone] or 4200 Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33461. Written complaints must be filed within 180 days from the position's closing date for which the applicant applied. Claims will be investigated, and a timely response will be provided. The College prohibits retaliation against any applicant who utilizes the complaint procedure.