Vacancy ID

S2088

Job Title

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Department

Biology

School/Parent Organization

Humanities and Sciences Parent Org

Division

Provost and Educational Affairs Division

Employment Category

Fulltime-Regular

Anticipated start date

05/01/2017

If temporary, expected end date

Hours per week

37.5

Weeks Per Year

52.2

Normal Start Time

8:00 AM

Normal End Time

4:30 PM

Position/Job Summary

Provide laboratory and facility support services to maintain plants and animals. Maintain administrative records and order supplies for these facilities.

Position/Job Responsibilities

1. Oversee the care and maintenance of the living collections for the department of Biology to include the permanent collections, and various organisms and plant species as requested by Faculty for use in labs, classrooms and research. The living collection will include mammals, amphibians, fresh and marine aquaria, crayfish, frogs, insects, daphnia and ostracod tanks. Ensure the living collections are managed and maintained in a healthy condition. Assist in planning and production of plant material for special research projects as requested by Faculty. Advise and supervise students as required.

2. Monitor collections for disease and/or pest organisms, and undertake appropriate measures on a routine basis to assure living collections are maintained in a healthy condition. Monitoring pest populations through a program of Integrated Pest Management in the greenhouses and growth rooms/chambers by maintaining a regular schedule of daily scouting. Identify insect pests, weeds and diseases in a greenhouse environment. Take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate pest problems applying IPM techniques in an effort to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides.

3. Following high standards of Horticultural practice, monitor environmental conditions of temperature, humidity and ventilation to ensure plants are maintained in a healthy condition. Maintain and provide watering schedules, fertilizer application, pest management, vegetative and seed propagation, potting/repotting, and pruning. Maintain and renovate specimen plants in the permanent collection for display and teaching. Add plant material/specimens to the permanent collection as requested or determined by Faculty and department needs.

4. Provide plant material for classes as requested, and maintain an inventory of plants frequently identified for use in labs or demonstrations.

5. Maintain records and inventories as required.

6. Ensure that facilities, to include aquarium room, greenhouses, growth chambers and growth rooms are maintained in a clean and orderly condition. Monitor associated equipment such as incubators, growth chambers, air pumps, water filters, and water heaters; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs as necessary; report problems to the supervisor. Develop on-going relationship with outside experienced technicians that specialize in greenhouse and growth chamber service, installation and maintenance. Maintain a schedule of annual inspections for maintenance and repair as needed. Contact on-campus technicians as needed for more routine facility concerns or problems. Respond after power emergencies or bi-annual shut-downs to ensure that plant and animal facilities are functioning properly.

7. Maintain adequate inventory of supplies for the greenhouse and animal collections to include growing media, pots and flats, fertilizers, labels, filters, frozen and dried foods, small animal/insect habitat containers and supplies as requested. Order supplies and receive shipments. Pick up supplies at local vendors as needed.

8. Develop and demonstrate a multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful College community. Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.

9. Oversee student workers and caretakers. Provide assistance and support to Faculty and students involved in research projects using greenhouse/growth chamber space and plants.

10. Assist in the set-up of instructional laboratories and other related duties as needed.

11. Ensure laboratory compliance with federal and state guidelines concerning medical waste disposal, animal care, pesticide usage, storage of supplies, and other pertinent regulations. Ensure proper handling, processing or disposal of waste,recycling, and composting.

12. Coordinate with the Laboratory Technician to provide living specimens and/or plant material for use in Laboratories.

13. Assume responsibilities of the Animal Care Technician in his/her absence or as directed. Become familiar with procedures, protocols and policies related to maintenance and health of live small mammals in an institutional setting.

Position/Job Qualifications

Associate's degree in horticulture or biological science or related field and a minimum of one year related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience; knowledge of proper experimental procedures, equipment use and safety regulations; extensive knowledge of various horticultural practices, including operation of greenhouse, growth chamber/room environments; knowledge and application of Integrated pest management practices in a greenhouse environment; knowledge of the care and maintenance of small animals, insect colonies, and fresh and saltwater aquaria; strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment; a good working knowledge of computers and various spreadsheet, database and word processing software applications, and possession of or ability to obtain a valid New York State Driver's License are required.

EEO Statement

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Instructions for submitting your application:

Interested applicants must apply online at http://ithaca.edu/jobs/ and attach a resume and cover letter. Questions about online application should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000. Screening of applications will begin immediately.

Work authorization (select one):

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position

Department description

College Description

At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of 6,500 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. Our strategic plan, IC 20/20, positions us to offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State's scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger's as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu

Market Hiring Range

$18.00 to $19.50

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Is this position eligible for benefits?

Yes


To apply please click here!