Job Description

College Laboratory Technician - Natural and Environmental Sciences

GENERAL DUTIES

Performs highly-skilled laboratory functions and other technical duties in support of coursework.

• Sets up, maintains, and organizes student laboratories
• Assists students with setting up experiments and other learning exercises, and with the use of equipment and materials
• Maintains appropriate safety and hygiene standards
• Maintains required documentation related to laboratory activities
• Manages equipment and materials inventories.

Job Title Name: College Laboratory Technician

CONTRACT TITLE

College Laboratory Technician

FLSA

Non-exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York/CUNY. LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree and certificate programs, as well as dozens of workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 25,000 students. More than one-third of our degree-seeking students were born outside of the United States, coming to LaGuardia from 136 countries and speaking forty-three heritage languages. More than half are first-generation college students. Sixty-nine percent live in Queens; the rest live in Brooklyn and beyond. Approximately two-thirds of our degree students receive financial aid. Since forty-five percent of them identify as Hispanic, the US Department of Education has designated LaGuardia a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Please visit to learn more.

We seek a highly motivated and detail-oriented College Lab Technician to support the Environmental Science Program and other Natural Sciences programs in designing, maintaining, and facilitating hands-on laboratory experiences for undergraduates. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, maintaining, and organizing labs for courses including Ecology, Environmental Science Capstone, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Soil Science, Plant Science, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Physiology, Animal Behavior, Vegetable Production and other courses offered by the Natural Sciences Department as needed. Reporting to the department chair, the technician will work closely with program directors and faculty teaching courses to ensure the smooth operation of lab activities, maintain equipment, manage inventories, and collaborate with faculty to enhance student learning. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs LAGCC Urban Farm and hydroponics lab maintenance,including monitoring plant growth, pest management, soil conditions, composting, and irrigation systems;
• Maintain tools, equipment, and facilities, ensuring they are in good working order and readily available for class use;
• Identify and procure all necessary materials needed for classes;
• Maintains appropriate safety and hygiene standards;
• Maintains required documentation related to laboratory activities;
• Manages equipment and materials inventories;
• Prepare and set up equipment and materials for various environmental science and natural sciences labs, including but not limited to Ecology, Sustainable Vegetable Production, Botany, Soil Science, GIS, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Integrative Physiology, Animal Behavior, and more;
• Monitor and maintain compliance with safety regulations and protocols, ensuring the lab environment is safe and conducive to learning;
• Provide technical assistance and training to students during lab sessions, helping them use equipment and software, such as GIS systems;
• Perform routine maintenance on plants, animals, or systems used in experiments, such as hydroponic or aquaponic setups.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma with a minimum of four years' related experience. Additional education may be used to meet the experience requirement: an Associate degree may be substituted for two years experience, and a Bachelor's degree may be substituted for four years experience.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Farming skills, including knowledge of organic farming practices, composting, and integrated pest management preferred.
• Familiarity or expertise with GIS software preferred.
• Familiarity or expertise in urban agriculture and environmental science labs such as water testing, soil testing, hydroponics/aquaponics systems, animal science, botany, food production, urban farming and other relevant laboratory and farming techniques and equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and lab procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Previous experience in a teaching lab setting preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and other computer software
• Ability to move 40+ lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons.
• Ability to be trained to support other courses under the Natural Science Department.
• Ability to work on a staggered schedule based on the needs of the department.

COMPENSATION

$47,509 - $69,517

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates should provide a CV/resume and statement of scholarly interests.

CLOSING DATE

April 12th, 2025

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Support Staff

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

29903

Location

LaGuardia Community College

About CUNY La Guardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, educates more than 50,000 New Yorkers annually through degree, certificate, and continuing education programs. Our guiding principle, "Dare To Do More", reflects our belief in the transformative power of education—not just for individuals, but for our community and our country—creating pathways for achievement and safeguarding the middle class. LaGuardia is a national voice on behalf of community colleges, where half of all US college students study. Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his championing the underserved. Since our doors opened in 1971, our programs regularly become national models for pushing boundaries to give people of all backgrounds access to a high quality, affordable college education. We invite you to join us in imagining what our students, our community, and our country can become. Visit to learn more.

Connections working at CUNY La Guardia Community College

Job Tags

Contract work, Part time, Outdoor,

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