Laboratory Specialist (Welding) at College of the Desert (CA) – Palm Desert, California

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 laboratory functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; set up supplies and equipment for instruction and remove when completed. E
• Tutor students individually or small groups in a variety of instructional and tutorial situations; prepare or oversee students in preparation of laboratory setups. E
• Oversee safety and security of equipment and materials; arrange for requisite pickup of hazardous waste materials following appropriate District procedures; maintain hazardous materials storage and handling as assigned; troubleshoot problems and make modifications as necessary, ensuring that all procedures are in compliance with the guidelines of various regulatory organizations including CalOSHA. E
• Assist in program compliance. E
• Calibrate equipment and make minor adjustments as necessary; arrange for maintenance, repair, and replacement of equipment; assist in upgrade of equipment and materials; install new hardware and software on equipment. E
• Prepare requisitions and process purchases of instructional supplies and equipment; gather data and assist in the preparation of budgets; assist in creating and updating policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Attend periodic training and certification in chemical HAZMAT handling and storage procedures, and others as deemed as necessary. E
• Oversee safety and security of instructional materials and equipment. E
• Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; mix, apply and spray chemical applications as required. E
• Maintain storeroom and inventory records, equipment, supplies, and other materials; maintain and perform minor maintenance on equipment and vehicles as assigned. E
• Receive, issue, store and care for laboratory, classroom, shop, tool room or other instructional material and maintain facilities in a clean and orderly condition. E
• Administer and score tests as assigned; maintain student record and test files; develop reports as
  requested.
• Participate and attend related training and conferences.
• Train and assign duties to student workers.
• Perform other 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.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to: an Associate’s degree and preferably 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.

• Classified Bargaining Unit Position
• Classified Staff Salary Range 13
• Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
• E = Essential Functions
  
• Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.

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.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

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

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• 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.

• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.

• FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment – Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by April 22, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on May 28, 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.