Laboratory Technician

Job Title

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; schedule, maintain and issue supplies and equipment utilized for instructional purposes; assist academic staff by handling administrative functions.

Representative Duties

Assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; set up supplies and equipment.

Tutor students individually or small groups in a variety of instructional and tutorial situations; prepare or oversee students in preparation of laboratory setups.

Oversee safety and security of instructional materials and equipment.

Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; mix, apply and spray chemical applications and herbicides as required.

Maintain storeroom and inventory records, equipment, supplies, other materials; maintain and perform minor maintenance on landscape equipment and vehicles as assigned.

Receive, issue, store and care for laboratory, classroom, shop, tool room or other instructional material and maintain facilities in a clean and orderly condition.

Administer and score tests as assigned; maintain student record and test files; develop reports as requested.

Maintain hazardous materials storage and handling as assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, procedures and equipment of assigned subject area; laboratory equipment and materials safety regulations involving area of specialty; hazardous materials storage and handling; record-keeping techniques; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; district organization, operations, policies and objectives; technical aspects of field of specialty; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to: Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient lab operations; provide information and assistance to students and staff; assure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials and supplies; maintain learning equipment in proper working order; issue and receive equipment and supplies; plan and organize work; understand and follow oral and written directions; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; meet schedules and time lines; maintain records and prepare reports; operate laboratory equipment; research new methods, materials and equipment related to assigned subject area; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; bend at the waist; stand for extended periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by successful completion of some college level coursework with a grade of "C" or better in a related subject area and four years' experience in field of specialty with at least one year experience in a laboratory setting or work environment directly associated with the assignment. Licenses and Other Requirements Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. Working Conditions Environment: Laboratory environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Subject to exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs.

Employment Status

Classified Bargaining Unit Position E = Essential Functions Salary Placement: Classified Staff Salary Range 10 Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget. Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

Schedule & Location This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The primary location is Palm Desert Campus. This position will support instruction and services at multiple District location, including Palm Desert Campus, Mecca/Thermal, and local high school sites. The assigned work location and schedule may vary depending on course offerings and operational needs. The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs. May include some evening or weekend assignments.

Required Application and Required Uploaded Documents

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.

Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.

Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

List of References References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Employment is contingent on residence in California. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense. Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Timelines

For consideration, please apply by Sunday, October 25, 2026. First-level interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment

District Rights: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position. The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment: Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment). Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment). Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing. Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms. May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System : A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling View phone number on click.appcast.io or sending an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io.

Attendance Requirement All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at

Non-Discrimination Notice The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person