What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Specialist 1, Biology position at Linn-Benton Community College?
Assists in the administration and maintenance of a college instructional laboratory. Works with the department chair and faculty to develop and provide various, specialized educational experiences designed to support and enhance students’ learning, and further their knowledge in biological sciences. Ensures proper storage of all materials and scientific equipment.
Required Qualifications:
Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications. In order to be considered, your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Education and Experience:
Education and Experience:
- Position requires an AA/AS degree in the technical aspects of a professional field, such as biology, plus coursework in chemistry, cell biology, plant and animal anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy.
- Position requires a minimum of two years full-time directly related experience with lab equipment commonly found in biology labs
An equivalent combination of education and experience that enables performance of all aspects of the position will also be considered.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Considerable technical knowledge in the specific laboratory area of biology is necessary.
- Requires working knowledge of principles and practices of laboratory instruction and techniques used in biological sciences, such as use and maintenance of microscopes, preparing chemical solutions, and use of an autoclave.
- Strong communication skills are required to interact with faculty and students.
- Must have familiarity with personal computers and related database and word processing programs.
Abilities:
- Ability to set up and maintain the laboratory and equipment in a safe, clean, and functional manner is required.
- Requires the ability to work independently to set up student projects that meet the instructional goals of faculty.
- Requires ability to instruct students in use of equipment.
- Must be able to communicate with students and faculty in both formal and informal settings.
- Must work respectfully with individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities.
- A minimum of one year of experience working with students in a lab or instructional setting involving mentoring activities and/or setting up laboratory stations, equipment, and experiments is desired.
- A BA/BS degree in biology or a related field is preferred.
- Molecular biology lab skills are preferred, with familiarity with common microorganisms and be able to safely maintain potentially pathogenic subcultures.
Physical Skills and Abilities:
- Some learned physical skills are required to use a computer and operate lab equipment.
- Must communicate effectively with staff and students in person, over the phone, and in a group setting.
- Physical effort such as frequent standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, lifting, and guiding and/or carrying light to medium weight (10-50 pounds) materials or equipment and occasional periods of sustained effort is required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed indoors, which includes unavoidable short exposure to odors from preservatives, microorganisms, cleaning agents, etc. It may also include considerable potential for exposure to lab chemicals.
- Travel off campus is required to collect plants or animal specimens or to pick up other miscellaneous materials for labs.
- Travel off campus may be required to transport materials and supplies to other campus locations.
- Works with full- and part-time faculty and instructors to develop laboratory experiments and experiences that support classroom learning. Develops and sets up student projects that meet the instructional goals of the curriculum.
- Procures required specimens and/or supplies for use in various laboratory experiments or experiences.
- Researches, verifies, and follows legal regulations, permits and reporting requirements appropriate for specimens or materials for compliance with state and federal agencies.
- Maintains permits on file for state and federal fish and game departments to maintain study skins and other relevant agencies as required.
- Collects plants and animals needed for labs. Provides care, cleaning and feeding/watering of laboratory animals and plants.
- Recruit students, as needed, to participate in lab experiences—trains and orients students on experiment procedures, safety requirements, and process guidelines.
- Prepares and assembles materials and equipment for student use. Sets up and takes down laboratory materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Performs regular maintenance on laboratory equipment and machines as needed and coordinates repairs. Maintains the assigned work areas in a clean and safe condition, in accordance with Biosafety standards .
- Calculates and prepares media, cultures, and chemicals as needed for lab classes.
- Maintains stock of supplies, parts and tools needed for the laboratory. Obtains bids, purchases supplies, and places supply orders as needed in accordance with college purchasing guidelines. Reconciles and reports purchase card transactions monthly.
- Provides access to the Student Study Area, oversees its use, and maintains it in a clean and safe condition.
- Ensures compliance with all Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and labels according to the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and the college’s hazard communication policies. Inventories and monitors chemicals.
- Serves as lead, training, scheduling, and overseeing work-study student employees. Provides performance input to the department chair and/or dean.
- Provides basic maintenance and oversight for the greenhouse and specimens within it that are used for courses and laboratories.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Please complete the online application and upload or attach the following required documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Unofficial Academic Transcript
Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must be accompanied by an international credential agency evaluation. Click here for a list of agencies who perform these services.
U.S. Veterans must attach proof of Veteran Status to their application to qualify for veteran’s consideration.
Resources and Tips for Applicants:
- Read about the Linn-Benton Community College recruitment process, tips and what to expect at this link.
- View information about Accessibility in Recruitment and disability accommodations at Linn-Benton Community College at this link.
0.75 FTE
Full-time or Part-time Full-time, Fiscal Year (Contracted with Benefits) Number of hours/week: Varies Work Schedule: Unique; See "Special Notes to Applicants" Posting Date: 10/17/2025 Closing Date: 11/02/2025 Open Until Filled: No Salary Grade 17 Salary/Rate
$39,062 annual starting salary for a 0.75 FTE, 210-day schedule.
Salary : $39,062
