Temporary - Laboratory Technician - Biology/Chemistry - Coast Center

Salary: $27.54 Hourly
Location : 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, CA
Job Type: Short-Term, Non-Continuing
Job Number: 2026-STNC-LABTEC-COAST
Department: Coast Center
Opening Date: 01/15/2026


DESCRIPTION


Mendocino-Lake Community College District is currently accepting applications for a Short- Term, Non-Continuing Laboratory Technician - Biology/Chemistry at our Coast Center Location located in Fort Bragg.


This is a temporary, non-continuing position. This position is open until filled.


We are seeking an equity-minded person who is committed to supporting our diverse student population and faculty within the District Mission. Please review our District Mission, Goals, and Values at the following website:


Under direction of the assigned supervisor, obtains and prepares instructional and demonstration materials, equipment and chemical reagents for a variety of biology and chemistry courses and labs; safely receives, stores, handles, dispenses, and disposes of supplies including hazardous chemicals and/or pathogens; assures adequate inventory of lab supplies needed for the operation of science labs.


APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Through the online portal, submit the following documents:

1. Completed online application
2. Resume
3. A letter of interest that succinctly addresses how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you for this position. Include information on how your background demonstrates a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of our community college students and employees
4. Contact Information for 3 personal or professional references (no letters please)

SALARY AND BENEFITS
This is a Short-Term Non-Continuing (STNC), temporary, hourly position, 10 hours per week, $27.54 per hour. Ed Code 88003 authorizes a governing board to hire STNC employees for less than 75% of a school year, up to 180 days.


Please see the current salary schedule at:


Benefits: The College offers a Bronze level benefit plan at the cost of the employee.

Paid Time Off: The successful candidate will earn forty (40) hours of sick leave per fiscal year.

Retirement: This position may be eligible for CalPERS Retirement (contingent upon number of hours worked within the fiscal year)
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The successful candidate will support student and institutional success by executing the following duties:

• Prepares chemistry and biology labs for instructional and demonstration activities; prioritizes tasks; prepares and sets up solutions, media, live specimen (including pathogens) and supplies; researches some media and reagents and makes from scratch; prepares and sets up lab equipment;
• Organizes lab times; assures critical lead time for labs are maintained; troubleshoots experiments that failed during experiment process or through student errors; researches new adopted experiments as directed;
• Maintains laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment in a safe and orderly condition; cleans lab after use; stores glassware, equipment, and other materials; checks and assures eye washes, safety showers, fume hoods, first aid kits, and fire blankets are operational as required;
• Completes periodic inventory of supplies and chemicals; allocates priority to supplies needed; initiates requisitions for the purchase of supplies and equipment and submits to appropriate personnel for signature and approval;
• Communicates with vendors and sales representatives; makes cost comparisons and obtains technical information regarding equipment and instruments being considered for purchase; maintains budget records and petty cash;
• Properly receives, stores, and dispenses supplies and equipment including hazardous chemicals and pathogens; must be able to store pure cultures for months; assures the sterilization of bacterial cultures; collects, stores, and is responsible for off site disposal of hazardous wastes;
• Assures safety in the labs; explains labeling and safety procedures; maintains current knowledge of proper handling of chemicals and maintains safety data files; assures proper handling of chemicals including pathogens and hazardous chemicals by students and disposal of hazardous materials;
• Operates a variety of biology and chemistry-related equipment; maintains and performs minor repairs of instruments such as microscopes, stereoscopes, Mettler Balances, Spectrophotometers, Gas Chromatographs, pH meters, etc.;
• Issues and checks student drawers for cleanliness; restocks as necessary;
• Serves as a resource for part-time instructors in the use of facilities, equipment, instruments, and supplies including safety regulations;
• Communicates with inspectors and safety officers and explains the layout of facilities; inspects classrooms and chemical storage facilities;
• Attends meetings and workshops as directed;
• Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Biology and chemistry lab environment; possible exposure to chemical fumes and hazardous materials and chemicals such as pathogens, carcinogens, teratogens (birth defect causing), poisons, potential explosives, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS


Must meet Human Resources guidelines for qualified hiring; including by not limited to a Live Scan background check and completion of TB test.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Biology/chemistry theories related to the courses offered
• Safe receiving, handling, and storage of hazardous chemicals and pathogens
• Proper operation and set up of lab equipment
• Safety procedures for a biology and chemistry lab
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
• Basic instructional methods and techniques
• Basic recordkeeping techniques
• Basic computer operation
• Basic research methods in media preparation
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy

ABILITY TO:

• Prepare and set up solutions, media, live specimen and supplies
• Learn curriculum, goals, and objectives of the program
• Organize and monitor critical lead times for labs
• Maintain laboratory and equipment in safe operating condition pursuant to safety regulations for hazardous chemicals and pathogens
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on instruments
• Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities
• Operate and demonstrate the use of laboratory materials and equipment
• Work cooperatively with others
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Operate a microcomputer and related software
• Prioritize and schedule work
• Learn, apply, and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the operation of the program
• Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field

PHYSICAL ABLITY TO:
Physical demands include reaching, bending, walking, moderate lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing for long periods, and the ability to handle and preserve live animals including a human cadaver.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date indicated above

Only completed applications with the above required documents will be reviewed by the committee

Application materials not required (including reference letters) for this position will not be reviewed

Remove personally identifiable information such as personal photos, social security number, birth date, age, and gender from your application materials.

Expenses related to the recruitment process are the responsibility of the applicant

Incomplete application packets will not be accepted

Interviews are by invitation only

The college does not reimburse applicants for related travel expenses

SELECTION PROCEDURE

A search committee will review and invite applicants for an interview. Meeting the posted requirements does not guarantee an interview. A written performance exercise and/or presentation may be a part of the interview, and finalists may be invited to return for a second interview. All notifications will be via email, and by accessing your


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (Prior to beginning employment)

• In accordance with Federal Law all employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States;
• Must be fingerprinted through DOJ and FBI and have background clearance; and Must take a TB test (once hired and every four years thereafter).
• Within 6 months of employment, must complete required District trainings such as Sexual Harassment Prevention.
• Mendocino-Lake Community College District is not authorized to sponsor employment visas and be the employer of record for F-1 Visa - OPT extension

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Mendocino-Lake Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success and to recruiting and hiring persons from diverse backgrounds. Diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students including first generation students, underrepresented students, and students of color. The District strives to employ and retain faculty, staff and administrative personnel who promote a positive learning environment and are well prepared to serve our increasingly diverse student population.

Mendocino College takes active steps to ensure equal employment opportunity and to create a diverse work and academic environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all.

Mendocino-Lake Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EEO STATEMENT Mendocino College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of qualified applicants. The policy of the College is to encourage applications from all persons. Mendocino College does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical conditions, genetic conditions, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), military or veteran status. Mendocino College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

ACCOMMODATIONS Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Human Resources no later than 72 hours prior to the closing date. Human Resources can be contacted at View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at.

ABOUT OUR COLLEGE Established in 1973, Mendocino College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, is a vibrant and inclusive academic community, rich in culture, creativity, diversity, and technology. A fully accredited two- year community college, the District serves more than 6,500 students across four locations in the greater parts of Lake and Mendocino Counties. Complete with a friendly small-campus academic setting and a respectfully collaborative work environment, Mendocino College prepares students for a future of innovation and success.

The beautifully landscaped main campus is located in Ukiah, California. With views of oak- covered hills, sprawling vineyards, and distant mountains, the 127-acre campus is equipped with a state-of-the-art Library/Learning Center, high-tech Nursing Facility, and Student Center. The college operates three fully equipped centers in Fort Bragg, Lakeport, and Willits, conveniently providing our valued students with quality instruction, academic support and administrative services in neighboring communities.

With a comprehensive curriculum and engaging instruction, Mendocino College provides a wide variety of degree, certificate, transfer, occupational, and basic skills programs. Mendocino College students learn in a nurturing and supportive environment enhanced by small-sized classes, personalized academic advising, and several hundred dedicated faculty and staff.

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES Mendocino and Lake Counties include some of California's most picturesque landscape. Because of the geographic location, climate, and natural beauty, Mendocino and Lake Counties attract many visitors. Agriculture, timber, and tourism industries form the economic base of the area with some light manufacturing. Mendocino and Lake Counties have a long and colorful history as a premium grape-growing region within the state's famous North Coast wine country. A relaxed and friendly lifestyle is characteristic of our communities. Recreational opportunities abound for water skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, sailing, camping, hiking, tennis, and golf.

Check out the local visitor guides to find out more: &
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Please respond to the following question (Not to Exceed 500 Words): If you are selected for this position, how will you demonstrate commitment to student success?
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Have you attached your current resume?

• Yes
• No

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Have you attached your letter of interest that succinctly addresses how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you for this position?

• Yes
• No

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Have you provided the contact information for three (3) professional references?

• Yes
• No

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This position is in-person and requires on campus attendance. There is not an option for remote work. By typing your name below you acknowledge you understand the above stated information.
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IMPORTANT: All applicants are required to submit requested application materials as defined in the application procedure. Supplemental question(s)/writing prompts will provide information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the screening and selection process. Be concise, yet specific. "See resume" or links will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these prompts. Submit your response(s) in the attachments section of the application. For more details, please refer to the Application Procedures section of the job announcement. If you fail to submit the additional information, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be moved forward for the screening process.Question: I have read and understand the required documentation upload process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question