Laboratory Assistant, Biology & Environmental Science *

Raritan Valley Community College is seeking a full-time Laboratory Assistant for Biology & Environmental Science in Branchburg, NJ. The role involves maintaining and preparing labs, managing inventory, and supporting water quality lab operations. Responsibilities include preparing solutions, organizing equipment, and assisting with field trips. The position requires 37.5 hours per week and may include Saturday rotations. Salary ranges from $19.47 to $21.41 per hour.
Category:: Office Support Staff
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Department:: Science & Engineering
Locations:: North Branch, NJ
Posted:: May 30, 2025
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Full-time
Ref. No.:: JF#35-25
Salary Type:: Hourly
Salary Range:: $19.47 - $21.41
Position ID:: 188655

About Raritan Valley Community College:

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Intelligent.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Chair of the Science & Engineering Department and direct supervision of the Director of Laboratory Services, the Biology & Environmental Science Laboratory Assistant will oversee the maintenance and preparation of the Biology/Environmental Science laboratories. This individual will be responsible for maintaining and ordering equipment and supplies, maintaining and updating inventory and SDS files, updating course preparation notes, and overseeing the security of the labs. The Laboratory Assistant will also provide support for the Water Quality Lab, including periodic maintenance of equipment and preparation of materials, and must be willing to travel to off-campus locations for sample collection. This position is 37.5 hours per week and will require Saturday rotation weekend work.

Essential Duties:

Prepare solutions, media (plates, slants, & broth), and specimens for Biology and Environmental Science laboratory sections.

Organize and set up equipment and materials for Biology and Environmental Science laboratories and demonstrations. Test run experiments as needed, and assist in their revision.

Clean up & replenish materials between lab sections.

Plant and care for live lab supplies in the greenhouse and pressed specimens in the herbarium.

Accept, process, and store student water and soil samples in between regular class periods as needed.

Assist in maintenance of inventory of chemicals, materials and equipment in the biology/environmental science laboratory, water quality laboratory, and preparation and storage areas. Restock as necessary; maintain proper storage of supplies and SDS sheets; properly dispose of hazardous materials.

Participate in the annual bid-order process, and manage open PO orders to secure live supplies for lab courses.

Assist in general maintenance of laboratories, microscopes, preparation and storage areas and maintain security of these areas on Saturdays, between semesters, and during summer sessions. Ensure that prep rooms and class room doors are locked at the end of the class.

Support faculty during field trips, including oversight of field vehicle maintenance.

Perform related duties as required by supervisor.

Requirements:

A minimum of an Associate's degree in biology or environmental science, with laboratory experience.

Preference for applicant who has had course work in environmental studies.

Ability to prepare and organize laboratory and demonstration materials.

Ability to work in a team environment.

Computer skills.

Good communication skills

Good general subject knowledge

Ability to accommodate to change.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree, preferred.

Skills in plant and animal identification, water and soil sampling and sample processing, preferred.

Experience with operation and maintenance of relevant laboratory equipment, preferred.

Application Instructions:

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.

RVCC's starting salary is commensurate with educational qualifications and experience. We also offer an attractive benefits package.

For consideration of the above position, please submit your cover letter and resume online, by clicking the "apply now" button. We regret that we are unable to respond to each and every resume received. Only those candidates of interest will be contacted directly.