Skilled Trades Laboratory Technician

AgUpdate; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

AgUpdate seeks a Skilled Trades Laboratory Technician to prepare and maintain Welding/Fabrication, General Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems labs across multiple campuses. You will assemble orders, set up tools, and ensure safe operation of equipment for student hands-on instruction.

Under supervision of the Skilled Trades Department Chair, you will support instructors, maintain inventories, and help with lab procedures, safety compliance, and equipment troubleshooting in

Qualifications

• Experience or training in safety within trades environments (MOSH, OSHA)
• Three (3) years of hands-on general knowledge and mechanical aptitude
• Basic understanding of electricity to assist with connections and systems

Responsibilities

• Put together orders for supplies, materials, equipment, and parts for multiple labs
• Ensure proper repair and condition of supplies and equipment
• Comply with safety regulations across lab environments (fuels, lubricants, electrical, marine systems)
• Assist instructors during classes and lab sessions
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and maintain inventories/ MSDS and CIL

Skills

Safety compliance

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical basics

Team collaboration

Tools

CNC

3D printing

CAD/CAM software

Robotics

Prototyping systems

Welding equipment

Laser cutters

Job description

Primarily responsible for all laboratory preparation for Welding/Fabrication, General Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems programs on the Wye Mills campus, Cambridge campus, Caroline Career and Technology Center (CCTC), the Mobile Welding Classroom, and any modular instructional labs associated with these programs.

Laboratory preparation ranges from ordering and maintaining the necessary supplies and equipment for each laboratory class to having such materials prepared in an advanced, organized manner to meet the laboratory schedule of full- and part-time instructors in Welding/Fabrication, Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems programs.

The Skilled Trades Laboratory Technician works under the supervision of the Skilled Trades Department Chair.

Examples of Duties Put together orders for supplies, materials, equipment, and parts for Welding/Fabrication, General Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems laboratories; ensure proper repair and condition of all supplies and equipment. Comply with state and federal safety regulations across all lab environments, including proper handling of fuels, lubricants, refrigerants, electrical systems, and marine-related materials and equipment. Work with instructors and program coordinators on lab procedures for operation and use of facilities and equipment across all program areas, including marine systems training equipment and vessel-related components. Prepare materials, tools, and/or coordinate preparation for welding, construction, advanced manufacturing, and marine systems laboratory classes, including staging tools, workspaces, components, and diagnostic tools for student hands-on instruction. Assist Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, and Marine Systems instructors during classes and lab sessions. Troubleshoot equipment issues and malfunctions across all lab areas. Maintain and update inventories including equipment, tools, consumables, MSDS, and Chemical Inventory List (CIL) for all labs. Flexible availability in-person during evening and weekend hours when classes are in session.

Welding/Fabrication Labs

Maintain welding equipment including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW machines; plasma cutters; oxy-fuel cutting systems; and metal fabrication tools such as saws, grinders, presses, and ironworkers. Ensure proper setup, calibration, preventative maintenance, and safe operation of all welding and fabrication equipment. Inspect and maintain ventilation systems, fume extraction units, and gas cylinder storage in accordance with safety regulations.

Support preparation of welding coupons, base materials, and fabrication projects for instructional use. Maintain inventory of consumables including electrodes, filler metals, shielding gases, and raw materials. Ensure proper handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders and hazardous materials.

General Construction Lab

Maintain fixed training spaces, electrical tools, plumbing tools, carpentry tools, layout equipment, and jobsite safety equipment; assist with setup of construction training modules.

HVAC Lab

Maintain HVAC trainers, refrigerant handling systems, gauges, recovery units, and electrical/HVAC control systems.

Advanced Manufacturing Labs

Maintain and support operation of CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and automated/robotic training systems. Assist with setup of digital manufacturing projects, calibration, troubleshooting, and safety compliance.

Marine Systems Labs

Maintain marine engines (outboard/inboard), fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and marine electrical systems used in instruction. Support setup of marine training modules including engine stands, diagnostic tools, and wiring systems. Assist with inspection, basic maintenance, winterization (if applicable), and safe operation of marine equipment. Ensure proper storage and handling of fuels, oils, and marine-related hazardous materials.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience or training in safety in the trades working environment (MOSH, OSHA, knowledge of industry guidelines about Welding, Machining, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, General Construction, Advanced Manufacturing environments, and Marine Systems, including fuel, electrical, and propulsion safety). Three (3) years of documented experience in hands-on general knowledge and mechanical aptitude of shop, farm, manufacturing, welding, job-site, and/or general maintenance. Mechanical aptitude to conduct preventative maintenance. Basic understanding of electricity to help facilitate connections and assist with construction, advanced manufacturing systems, and marine electrical/mechanical systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working with CNC, automation systems, robotics, or digital technologies in advanced manufacturing environments. Experience with 3D printing, CAD/CAM software, or prototyping systems. Experience with marine systems, including outboard/inboard engines, basic marine electrical systems, hydraulics, or vessel maintenance. Experience MIG, TIG and Stick welding.

Physical Requirements

Lift heavy-weight metals and travel capability Requires use of hand and power tools applicable to trade Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus Frequently standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands Capable of lifting 50 lbs. from floor to waist Capable of pushing or pulling a weight of 60 lbs. Climbing stairs - occasionally, Walking, frequently Travel locally in the five-county region required

We are an equal opportunity employer