The Laboratory Specialist will work under the supervision of the Career Program Manager or their designee, following the direction of Department Faculty. The role entails aiding in the operations of the HVAC Engineering Technology (HET) department. Responsibilities encompass setting up, maintaining, and repairing HVAC equipment, working alongside students, assisting with the preparation of academic labs, and undertaking other duties as needed.
This position demands moderate physical activity. Employees must have the necessary strength for tasks including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and climbing a six-foot ladder. Regular use of hands and arms is also required. The employee must be capable of reading technical manuals in English and effectively communicating with equipment technicians to follow instructions for repairing HVAC-related equipment. The Specialist is expected to split their work schedule between the Grayslake and Lakeshore Campuses.
Required Qualification(s)
- High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of three (3) years of related experience OR Associate’s Degree in HVAC, maintenance and/or related field with a minimum of one (1) year of related experience.
- Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs. on a frequent basis, and over 50 lbs. on an occasional basis, with or without reasonable accommodations, continuously walking, sitting, or standing, frequent bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and twisting and ability to work on lifts or ladders, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize while handling multiple tasks.
- Ability to exercise judgment.
- Ability to travel.
- Flexibility to shift schedule to work evenings to accommodate students and instructor in the lab.
- Proven ability to work effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities; demonstrate sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Desired Qualification(s)
- Bilingual in Spanish and English
Summary of Essential Functions
Department Operations – 65%
- Ensure all personnel and students follow safety protocols related to attire, eye protection, and equipment use in laboratory areas.
- Manage the storage and disposal of chemicals according to safety and environmental standards, including maintaining records of hazardous waste.
- Coordinate the use of lab spaces and equipment, keeping accurate logs.
- Maintain lab cleanliness and assist in cleaning and maintaining equipment and tools.
- Handle work orders within AkitaBox for the program’s facilities.
- Support faculty in the setup and takedown of lab configurations for classes.
- Control lab access aligned with the academic schedule.
- Instruct and support students on proper lab equipment use.
- Maintain an updated inventory of equipment and tools and conduct regular inspections.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs of lab equipment, or coordinate with vendors for more complex issues.
- Document equipment maintenance, repairs, and perform safety or certification inspections.
- Organize and ensure proper storage of lab tools and supplies.
- Collaborate with faculty to manage tool check-out and return procedures.
- Regularly check and maintain instructional supplies and materials.
Management and Supervision – 25%
- Develop and manage work schedules for part-time flex, interns, and student employees.
- Create and oversee ongoing training programs, along with daily or weekly tasks for part-time flex, interns, and student employees.
- Provide support to faculty and division staff on special projects and manage aspects of grant-funded programs as required.
- Collaborate with department faculty in preparing and sustaining the annual program budget.
- Handle the installation and updating of licenses for program-specific systems or equipment.
- Process purchase requisitions for instructional supplies and equipment, ensuring compliance with college purchasing guidelines and obtaining necessary quotes from vendors.
- Manage the financial documentation, submitting and tracking invoices for program-related purchases.
- Monitor the department’s budget and coordinate the ordering of supplies and equipment in line with college purchasing policies.
Other – 10%
- Act as the department representative and coordinator for the program by conducting tours, showcasing demonstrations to students, employers, and the community during special college events.
- Support the department faculty in organizing and participating in advisory committee meetings.
- Carry out additional tasks as directed by the career program manager, department faculty, dean(s), or their designee.
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