Science Department Lab Administrator

Position:            Science Department Lab Administrator

Department:   Science Department

FLSA:                 Non-Exempt

Designation:    Staff

Reports to:      Head of Science Department

Schedule:         Full-time, 10 months, approximately 44 weeks per year, 40 hours per week

                           Generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Travel:               None

Location:          On-site

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Science Department Lab Administrator is an essential member of the Science Department, providing critical operational and safety support to ensure that laboratories run smoothly and in full compliance with safety regulations. This individual plays a key role in maintaining laboratory infrastructure and supporting faculty across disciplines.

The Science Department Lab Administrator serves as the department’s Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO), ensuring that all safety protocols and regulatory requirements are followed. They are responsible for the management of chemical inventories, safety systems, and laboratory equipment, as well as vendor coordination for maintenance and repair.

The Science Department Lab Administrator collaborates regularly with offices cross-functionally to support broader academic initiatives, such as special events, guest lectures, and science fairs. The  Science Department Lab Administrator works independently and as part of a collaborative team, maintaining a safe, organized, and responsive environment for students, faculty, and staff. The role requires strong initiative and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence in support of science education at The Hotchkiss School.

The Hotchkiss School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Science Lab Technician

The Science Department Lab Administrator generally ensures proper preparation, inventory, and safety of the labs. Each faculty instructor manages their own lab activities, including set up, break down, and lab experiment clean up. 

• Serve as the department’s Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO), ensuring a safe working and educational environment as well as compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state regulations.
• Maintain the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and chemical inventory.
• Oversee proper storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Ensure all faculty and staff complete necessary safety training.
• Prepare and manage chemical solutions and inventory for biology, chemistry, and physics labs.
• Work with external consultants to maintain compliance with hazardous waste disposal regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
• Ensure compliance with the maintenance and testing of laboratory infrastructure, overseeing safety systems such as ventilation, fume hoods, safety showers, and eyewash stations.
• Assist faculty with IT-related issues affecting laboratory instruction, providing troubleshooting for laboratory technology, including PASCO and Vernier systems.

2. Science Department Lab Administrator Support

• Order, track, and organize laboratory supplies and consumables in coordination with the business office.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs of laboratory equipment with external vendors.
• Maintain budget records and assist the head of the department with budgeting.
• Ensure that all necessary chemicals, materials, and equipment are available and properly maintained.
• Other duties as needed or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree with significant laboratory experience required.
• Required Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO) certification, or acquired within the first 2 years of employment. Then, actively maintain the CCHO certification.
• Working knowledge of lab safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience maintaining science lab operations, including: lab safety, inventory management, and regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of chemistry and chemical reactions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently while collaborating with faculty and staff.
• Experience and ability to interpret chemical safety labels and procedures to consistently maintain safe standards.
• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance and technology troubleshooting is a plus.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Follow safety protocols.
• Moderate to frequent lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Moderate to frequent bending, stooping, reaching, standing.
• Expected to perform work on campus.
• Must be able to communicate and converse as well as distinguish and observe.
• Must be able to traverse between various areas of the Science Building

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.