About the Department

Job Description
Job Title: Laboratory Assistant
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 6 - $20.64 - $25.29
Department: Arts and Sciences
Reports to: Dean of Arts and Sciences

Job Summary
This is a full-time position responsible for supporting instructional laboratories at Gillette College by preparing materials, maintaining equipment, keeping an updated inventory of supplies and materials, and ensuring safe and efficient lab operations. This role works closely with full-time and adjunct faculty in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Zoology, in the School of Arts & Sciences to maintain high-quality STEM instruction that aligns with GCCD standards.

Essential Functions

Laboratory Preparation & Maintenance: Prepare, sterilize, and maintain lab equipment (glassware, microscopes, etc.), reagents, specimens, media and chemical solutions according to faculty instructions.
Instructional Support: Set up, demonstrate, and assist with experiments, ensuring equipment is properly calibrated and functional.
Safety Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to health and safety regulations, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous/bio-hazardous materials.
Inventory & Purchasing: Maintain inventory, track stock levels, and arrange for the purchase of lab supplies.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate logs, records, and databases regarding experiments and inventory.
Equipment: Support basic equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed.
Safety & Cleanliness:
- Keep the laboratory and equipment clean, organized, and safe.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA, chemical hygiene, and institutional safety protocols.
- Label, store, and handle chemicals and biological materials in accordance with safety regulations.
- Monitor laboratory spaces to ensure safe student practices and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Assist with hazardous waste collection and disposal following required procedures.
- Assist with creation and revision of safety documents such as Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Administrative & Instructional Support

Assist faculty with development or improvement of lab protocols and instructional materials.
Create or update Standard Operating Procedure Manual (SOP), safety data sheets (SDS) binders, equipment manuals, and signage.
Support record-keeping, including inventory logs, equipment maintenance logs, and safety documentation.

Minimum Qualifications (Employees of the District are required to possess a minimum proficiency level of English, both written and spoken, that will enable them to communicate safely, effectively, and efficiently with students, co-workers, and the public.)

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field OR relevant laboratory experience.
Knowledge of standard lab techniques and safety procedures.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related field
Experience in an academic or community college laboratory.
Familiarity with microbiology prep, chemical dilutions, and lab instrumentation.

Competencies for Successful Performance
Knowledge of:

Office procedures, methods and computer equipment and programs.
Work safety principles and practices.

Ability to:

Understand and follow safety procedures.
Organize work tasks and work independently.

Skill in:

Performing various duties, frequently changing from one task to another.
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain appropriate and effective relationships in the workplace.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None

Physical Demands (The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., including boxes of supplies or equipment.
Frequent standing, bending, and walking in laboratory spaces.
Exposure to chemicals, biological specimens, and laboratory equipment with adherence to PPE requirements.

Benefits

: We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work more than 20 hours per week, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. To learn more details, visit https://gccd.info/employeebenefits.

Supplemental Questions

Do you have at minimum, an associate's degree in biology, Chemistry, or related field OR relevant laboratory experience?

Do you have knowledge of standard lab techniques and safety procedures?

Do you possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Gillette Community College District (WY)
Address: 300 West Sinclair

Gillette, Wyoming, 82718
Phone: 3076816322
Website: https://gillettecollege.org/