Laboratory Specialist - HVAC

About MCC

Metropolitan Community College is the oldest public institution of higher learning in Kansas City, Missouri, founded in 1915 as the Kansas City Polytechnic Institute. The Junior College of Kansas City, as it was known starting in 1919, was one of the first schools in the country to award an associate degree. Today, MCC offers 125 associate degree and certificate programs.

Metropolitan Community College comprises five campuses on the Missouri side of the Greater Kansas City area 47 major buildings and about 550 acres in all: MCC-Blue River, located in Independence, Missouri; MCC-Longview located in Lee's Summit, Missouri, MCC-Maple Woods located in the Northland of Kansas City, Missouri; MCC-Online and MCC-Penn Valley, located in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, several programs have specific accreditations as well.

***MCC does not provide employer-paid sponsorships.

Job Summary

This specific position assists staff, faculty and students with all aspects of the HVAC Technology program. This includes coordination of laboratory equipment, components, and activities, included but not limited to classroom monitoring, troubleshooting, replacement, repair, configuration, research, and purchasing of all HVAC equipment, systems, components, materials and supplies required.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist students with instruction of proper techniques in the proper use, operation and maintenance of HVAC/R systems.
• Assist instructors with students during laboratory exercises to enhance the overall learning process and outcomes.
• Maintain all laboratory spaces in a professional and tour ready condition.
• Research, order, receive and stock all required tools, repair parts, material and supplies needed to successfully operate ten separate HVAC/R laboratory spaces.
• Ensure all HVAC/R systems and training equipment is serviced and repaired as required to maintain fully operational laboratories.
• Maintain all records needed to accurately operate within the HVAC department budget and Purchasing Department constraints including but not limited to quotes, requisitions, purchase orders, receipts, etc.
• Work with the Program Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of department P-card expenditures.

Essential Functions

• Prepare, set up, dispose, store, procure, clean, and/or maintain equipment, instruments, chemicals, materials, models, slides, specimens, and/or software necessary for laboratory experiments and activities; work may also involve fabricating tools.
• Ensure that all operations are performed in compliance with experimental and demonstration protocols, safety procedures, chemical handling and collection guidelines, and other applicable laws, guidelines, policies, and regulations; work may involve reviewing new experimental protocols or lab manuals to ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level staff and student workers; work involves prioritizing and assigning work and ensuring that work is performed in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Coordinate assigned and routine laboratory activities, to include preparing laboratory schedules; proctoring exams when needed; monitoring student safety; conducting trainings for students on assigned laboratory tools, equipment, and operations; conducting student tours and demos; responding to laboratory-related inquiries via phone or in person; and coordinating requests for equipment and supplies.
• Prepare and submit purchase requisitions to appropriate departments or personnel; work may involve updating vendors on order status, compiling bid specification information, and making recommendations for equipment maintenance and purchase.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, to include ordering and maintaining supplies, equipment, chemicals, specimens, instruments, and other materials; checking out tools, supplies, and equipment to faculty or students; storing samples and specimens; researching information regarding applicable supplies and materials; and maintaining purchase receipts, logs, and other documentation.
• Assist with developing the departmental budget, to include assessing departmental needs and monitoring expenditures.
• Prepare, maintain, and/or distribute billing, protocol, chemical usage, inventory logs, curriculum, and other reports, lists, records, manuals, and other documentation; work may involve researching and compiling information, and ensuring information accuracy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Physical Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates degree related to the assigned program*
• One (1) year related experience in HVAC/R industry or laboratory support

• Minimum Education Qualification can be substituted with an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

• EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification
• Industry experience in HVAC/R setting

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, materials, and activities in assigned area of operation
• Knowledge of computers and related software applications
• Knowledge of inventory management principles
• Knowledge of teaching principles and practices
• Knowledge of refrigerant recovery practices including ClassA2L refrigerants
• Knowledge of industry best practices in dehydration and evacuation procedures
• Knowledge of industry best practices in brazing
• Knowledge of handling high pressure and combustible gases includign all types of refrigerants, oxygen, nitrogen, and acetylene
• Knowledge of working with various electrical voltages included but not limited to 24, 120, 208, 240 both single and three phase
• Skilled in providing teaching assistance
• Skilled in using a computer and related software applications
• Skilled in managing an inventory
• Skilled in performing minor repairs on and maintaining lab equipment
• Skilled in utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and others sufficient to exchange or convey information

Supplemental Information

EEO Statement:
Metropolitan Community College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any person based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, birth, ancestry, national origin, or disability. EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Accommodations:
MCC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, MCC will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations in all aspects of employment, including the application process. To request an accommodation and/or a copy of the Americans with Disabilities Act applicant procedures, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

We offer a complete benefits package including:

• Health care (medical, dental and vision)
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement including deferred compensation plans
• Life insurance including long-term and short-term disability
• Paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick leave)
• Professional development
• And much more!