Temporary Lab Coordinator, Fire Science

Southeast New Mexico College; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Southeast New Mexico College seeks a Lab Coordinator to manage daily operations of the Fire Science laboratories and training facilities. The role supports faculty, students, and staff with equipment, PPE, and safety procedures, ensuring a compliant learning environment.

Under general supervision, the Lab Coordinator coordinates lab prep, inventory, maintenance, and documentation, while assisting with safety training and live-burn simulations as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accreditation and certification standards.
• Knowledge of fire science lab equipment and PPE.
• Ability to develop and implement safety protocols for labs.
• Ability to supervise and train staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates day-to-day operations of Fire Science labs and training facilities.
• Maintains equipment inventory, inspection, calibration, and safety documentation.
• Supports laboratory exercises, simulations, drills, and hands-on training activities.
• Ensures facilities and equipment meet safety and accreditation standards.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Safety procedures

Equipment maintenance

Staff supervision

Education

Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field

High School Diploma or GED with 5 years related experience

Job description

Required:

Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Occupational Safety, or a related field with three (3) years of professional experience directly related to fire science laboratory operations, fire service, emergency services, technical training, or a related field.

Equivalency:

High School Diploma or GED with five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience directly related to fire science laboratory operations, fire service, emergency services, technical training, or a related field. Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Grade:

Temporary

Salary:

$24.40 - $26.54 Per Hour DOE

Background:

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is a newly independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic Serving Institution, it awards certificates and associate degrees that serve the needs of its region and prepare students to transfer to programs at other colleges or universities. SENMC offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.

Southeast New Mexico College enjoys the strong support of its community, and has been awarded several grants, which include $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and several multimillion-dollar grants from the U.S. Department of Education for student support.

The college’s diverse employee pool includes 38 full-time faculty, 48 adjunct faculty, and 112 staff members. SENMC offers a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, and college tuition reimbursement. More information on SENMC can be obtained from its website at https://senmc.edu.

Purpose and Scope:

Under general supervision of the Fire Science Program Director, the Lab Coordinator coordinates and supports the day-to-day operational activities of the Fire Science laboratories, training facilities, and related instructional environments. The position provides technical and operational support to faculty, students, and instructional staff and is responsible for coordinating laboratory preparation, equipment and supply management, facility readiness, safety procedures, inspections, maintenance, and documentation.

The Lab Coordinator assists with the implementation and monitoring of laboratory policies, procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements to support efficient and effective laboratory operations. The position coordinates the ordering, inventory, storage, inspection, maintenance, and proper use of laboratory equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, supplies, and instructional materials. The position works closely with the Fire Science Program Director and faculty to support laboratory exercises, simulations, drills, and other hands-on training activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Fire Science laboratories, training facilities, equipment, and related instructional activities.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and monitoring of quality standards and safety protocols; ensures laboratory operations comply with accreditation standards, fire codes, OSHA regulations, and environmental and institutional requirements.
• Provides technical and operational support to faculty and students during fire science laboratory exercises, simulations, demonstrations, and hands-on training activities, including activities related to fire behavior, fire suppression systems, hazardous materials, and related procedures.
• Coordinates the ordering, storage, care, maintenance, and proper utilization of laboratory equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and instructional supplies.
• Maintains and/or oversees maintenance, inspection, testing, and calibration of fire science equipment and instruments to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safe operation.
• Assists with scheduling and preparation of laboratories, drills, and live-burn or simulation activities; ensures facilities and equipment are properly set up and secured before and after use.
• May assist in the supervision and training of laboratory assistants, student workers, or adjunct staff, including work assignment, safety training, implementation of procedures, and resolution of operational issues.
• Maintains laboratory records, equipment inventory, safety documentation, and incident reports as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements and standards.
• Knowledge of the operation, use, inspection, and maintenance of fire science laboratories, training facilities, simulation equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of principles and procedures related to fire science laboratory instruction, hands-on training, and applied learning environments.
• Knowledge of laboratory and training operations, including safety procedures, hazardous materials handling, hazardous waste management, industrial hygiene, and environmental health standards.
• Ability to develop, follow, and support instructional methodologies, training protocols, and standard operating procedures for laboratory and training activities.
• Ability to monitor, maintain, and document quality control, safety, and compliance standards.
• Ability to read, interpret, follow, and implement safety rules, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to make sound procedural decisions and judgments related to laboratory safety, equipment, supplies, scheduling, and training activities.
• Ability to supervise, train, and support employees and student workers, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical instructional/research problems.

Work Environment and Physical Demand:

• Reach and grasp objects, tools, and gear
• Lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs)
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl during lab setup and training activities
• Use manual dexterity and fine motor skills to operate, assemble, and repair equipment
• Work in both indoor lab settings and outdoor fire-training areas
• Exposure to heat, smoke simulations, loud noises, and active training props
• Work around pressurized systems, tools, and fire science equipment
• Proofread and check documents, logs, and inspection records for accuracy
• Interact with students, instructors, and staff in a fast-paced training environment
• Communicate information orally and in writing
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication
• Work a fluctuating work schedule

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources and business processes. 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.

Affirmative Action Statement:

SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.