Teaching Lab Assistant - Surgical Technology

Texas State Technical College; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State Technical College seeks a Teaching Lab Assistant to support faculty in classrooms, laboratories, and computer labs. The role may involve acting as instructor of record under supervision and requires regular faculty development and evaluations.

Key duties include tutoring students, guiding hands-on activities, preparing labs, and maintaining safety standards. A degree in teaching is required, with experience in instructional or lab support preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the teaching discipline is required for general education courses.
• For associate degree courses not designed for transfer, either a bachelor’s or an associate with competencies is required.
• One to three years of related instructional, laboratory, or technical support experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Tutor and reinforce instructional content to support student learning.
• Assist during hands-on laboratory and shop activities with safe use of equipment.
• Prepare instructional spaces, set up experiments, and secure materials after use.
• Under supervision, present materials, supervise labs, and document student progress.
• Grade assignments and maintain accurate, confidential student records.
• Ensure instructional equipment is functional and perform routine maintenance.

Skills

Lab procedures

IT skills

Follow instructions

Safety & organization

Texas driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in teaching discipline

Associate degree with demonstrated competencies

Job description

Are you someone who strives for excellence, values accountability, provides the best service, all while reflecting unwavering integrity? Our talented team members across the state follow the behaviors, beliefs and outcomes of these core values to ensure that our vision is met.

Job Description

The Teaching Lab Assistant's primary function is to assist professional faculty with teaching duties in the classroom, laboratory, computer laboratory, or facility as directed. In limited circumstances, a Teaching Lab Assistant may be authorized as the instructor of record for courses which they are qualified to teach. Teaching Lab Assistants assigned as instructor of record will serve under direct supervision of a faculty member experienced in the teaching discipline. Teaching Lab Assistants will attend and complete regular faculty development, and planned and periodic evaluations.

Essential Functions

• The employee will demonstrate TSTC’s Core Values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and community members.
• Student Academic Support Supports student learning by tutoring and reinforcing instructional content previously delivered by faculty, including facilitating reviews and guided practice activities.
• Laboratory and Shop Guidance Assists students during hands-on laboratory and shop activities by providing direction, answering procedural questions, and ensuring proper and safe use of equipment and materials.
• Supervised Instructional Delivery Under direct faculty supervision, may serve as instructor of record to present prepared materials, supervise structured lab or shop activities, maintain an orderly learning environment, document student progress, and ensure readiness of supplies and equipment.
• Laboratory Preparation and Breakdown Prepares instructional spaces for laboratory and shop sessions by setting up experiments and equipment, securing materials after use, and disassembling activities in accordance with safety and operational standards.
• Assessment and Record Management Supports instructional assessment by grading assignments, exercises, and tests using established objective criteria and maintaining accurate and confidential student records and files.
• Equipment Testing and Maintenance Ensures instructional equipment is functional and reliable by testing new laboratory equipment for accuracy and performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on laboratory and instructional aids.
• Instructional Materials Development Assists professional staff in the development and preparation of training aids and instructional materials to support effective delivery of course content.
• Supplies and Requisition Support Initiates requisitions for consumable supplies and equipment repairs and prepares consumable materials necessary for classroom, laboratory, and shop exercises.
• Inventory and Asset Management Maintains accurate inventories of instructional supplies and equipment, ensures security of assets, and assists with major repairs or modifications of laboratory or shop equipment as assigned.
• Student Worker Supervision and Safety Monitoring Supervises assigned student workers and monitors instructional areas to identify and address safety conditions in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Operational Support and Transportation Operates motor vehicles to conduct TSTC business in support of instructional and operational needs, in accordance with institutional policies and safety requirements.
• Collaboration & Communication Works closely with faculty, staff, and students to support instructional activities and learning outcomes.
• Communicates clearly and timely regarding classroom needs, equipment status, safety concerns, and student support requirements.
• Project or Work Management Plans, prioritizes, and completes assigned instructional support tasks within established timelines.
• Manages multiple responsibilities concurrently while maintaining accuracy, safety, and accountability.
• Quality & Compliance Ensures instructional environments, equipment, and materials meet institutional standards, safety requirements, and applicable policies.
• Follows established procedures related to grading, recordkeeping, equipment use, and laboratory safety.
• Continuous Improvement Identifies opportunities to improve instructional support processes, laboratory setup, equipment usage, or workflows and collaborates with faculty and staff to implement improvements within the role’s scope.

Education & Experience

• Minimum Qualifications For general education courses or associate degree courses designed for transfer, a bachelor’s degree in the teaching discipline is required.
• For associate degree courses not designed for transfer, a bachelor’s degree in the teaching discipline or an associate degree with demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of related instructional, laboratory, or technical support experience is preferred.
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education where appropriate, consistent with TSTC’s equivalency philosophy.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in performing laboratory and shop procedures.
• Proficiency with information systems and computer applications, with advanced knowledge preferred.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and student workers.
• Ability to maintain a safe, organized, and effective instructional environment.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and ability to be insured under the TSTC Auto Liability Insurance Plan.

Core Competencies

• Communication Demonstrates clear, timely, and professional communication with faculty, students, and staff to support instructional activities, clarify expectations, and promote understanding in academic and laboratory settings.
• Job Knowledge Applies working knowledge of instructional support practices, laboratory and shop procedures, equipment usage, and institutional policies to perform assigned responsibilities accurately and consistently.
• Student Focus Supports student learning by providing guidance, answering questions, and reinforcing instructional content under faculty direction while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Safety and Compliance Follows established safety protocols and compliance requirements by monitoring instructional environments, ensuring proper equipment use, and addressing safety concerns to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Collaboration Works effectively with faculty, staff, and student workers to support instructional delivery, coordinate tasks, and contribute to a positive and productive learning environment.

Extra Duties Statement

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to include every task or responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by leadership as needed. This role requires a valid Texas driver’s license and the ability to be insured under the TSTC Auto Liability Insurance Plan.

Standard Non Exempt

This position is classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as non-exempt and operates within Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in a professional and instructional environment that may include campus offices, classrooms, laboratories, or other college facilities. The position is subject to TSTC timekeeping requirements, including accurate reporting of hours worked and compliance with overtime policies in accordance with FLSA and TSTC guidelines. Texas State Technical College will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. Texas State Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, or veteran status. The role may require movement across campus locations, participation in meetings, and regular interaction with faculty, staff, students, and external partners in support of TSTC’s mission and institutional goals. Work is primarily performed in an academic or laboratory environment using standard technology, instructional equipment, and communication tools. These duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to support the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.