Instructional Assistant (Biological Sciences)



Instructional Assistant (Biological Sciences)

Salary

$46,778.00 - $63,066.00 Annually

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

O-004-20

Division

Orange Coast College

Department

IS/Math&Sci

Opening Date

12/16/2019

Closing Date

1/10/2020 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition

About Orange Coast Colleg(OCC)
Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches. Founded in 1947, with classes beginning in 1948, OCC has grown into one of the nation's largest -- and finest -- community colleges, enrolling more than 25,000 students each semester. OCC's has an unwavering commitment to equitable outcomes; inclusive practices; and rich racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Ideal candidates for this position share OCC's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative student, employee, and community populations. We currently enroll 21,498 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 35% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African- American, 23% are Asian, less than 1% Native American, 31% are White, and 6% are multiracial. OCC engages in a variety of professional development opportunities and partnerships so that we can serve disproportionately impacted groups. Student-centered activities that support OCC's mission include campus-wide student success projects funded by the Office of Student Equity; partnerships with local Hispanic Serving four year institutions; active programs that work to improve the academic achievement of racially minoritized students, such as PUENTE and UMOJA; Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS).

Position Background:
This position will provide primary support to the Anatomy and Physiology area in the Biology department, with secondary support to the non-majors Biology courses.   Each semester, approximately 600 students are served through 7 Human Anatomy lab sections; 10 sections of Anatomy-Physiology laboratory and 3 sections of Physiology laboratory.  The position will also provide support as needed to assist the rest of the team in the non-majors Biology laboratory, of which there are about 16 sections per semester.  The position also supports courses offered in the summer as the primary summer employee.  The position also has a role in maintaining our human cadaver lab and our plastination laboratory.

Summary
Provides tutorial, technical assistance, and/or lab support to students either in a classroom or walk-in laboratory setting, who are usually but not limited to, pre-college, non-credit certificate, or non-transfer course work. Tasks performed require technical competence in the subject taught.
 
Distinguishing Career Features
The Instructional Assistant – Biological Sciences/Chemistry is the first level in a career path for the classroom, walk-in and scheduled labs, and tutoring. The Instructional Assistant – Biological Sciences/Chemistry will demonstrate subject matter competency in pre-college or first-year academic courses and other occupations that result in a certificate. Instructional Assistants may also be assigned as the second position in more advance and scientific courses.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties may vary among departments, divisions, and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following types of duties, as assigned:
  • Works with faculty/instructional administrator to design, construct, troubleshoot, modify or rebuild equipment, modules, experiments that will be used in the classrooms/ laboratories in a division comprised of various related but different subject areas.
  • Assists in laboratory preparation for all assigned Biological Sciences/Chemistry classes.
  • Creates written instructions for use of lab services and computer equipment, as necessary. Creates answer keys for sample materials for all materials in instructional materials files.
  • When performing setup, calculates amounts and portions such as mass, volume, length, percentage, concentration levels, angles, etc. Safely keeps and properly disposes and/or takes down the experiments and simulations.
  • Makes repairs to equipment and learning assistance devices. Checks out and maintains control over tools, equipment, supplies, materials used by students. May be required to maintain contact with appropriate vendors.
  • Maintains records of laboratory activity, including typing forms or inputting data or otherwise retaining information regarding the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of tools, equipment, materials, supplies, and/or written materials.
  • Provides for the general cleanliness and security of the laboratory or shop work area. Handles and disposes of harmful or hazardous materials according to specific instructions relating to their disposal. Participates in providing for a safe environment for the conduct of the laboratory. Reports maintenance problems as they occur.
  • Attends training as necessary to maintain currency of knowledge and communicates safety concerns and necessary updates to supervisors.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
  • Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Minimum Qualifications
 

Knowledge and Skills
  • The position requires working knowledge of the principles and properties of general and analytical chemistry, biology, chemistry, or physics.
  • Requires working knowledge of chemical reactions.
  • Requires working knowledge in the use of basic-to-advanced scientific and laboratory equipment.
  • Requires in-depth knowledge of laboratory or workshop procedures, organization, equipment, tests, experiments, and simulations.
  • Requires knowledge of safe and proper handling of harmful chemicals, substances, and hazardous wastes.
  • Requires a well-developed knowledge of instructional methods and techniques.
  • Requires advanced mathematics skills to make calculations for the preparation of chemical solutions and compounds, including statistical confidence limits, algebraic computations, weights volumes, and percentages.
  • Requires sufficient knowledge of computers to use common desktop and specialized applications used in education.
  • Requires sufficient knowledge of the English language to prepare correspondence and materials suitable for classroom presentation.
  • Requires sufficient human relation skills to facilitate learning and to convey technical concepts to others.
  • Requires sensitivity to the needs of students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Abilities
  • Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
  • Requires the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the position and set up laboratory assignments, experiments, simulations, and tests.
  • Requires the ability to prepare instructional equipment, solutions, and solids for laboratory experiments.
  • Requires the ability to operate, calibrate, and perform minor repairs to laboratory equipment and tools.
  • Requires the ability to conduct research on educational materials and equipment.
  • Requires the ability to maintain the lab and equipment in a safe and organized manner, including the handling of hazardous or dangerous materials and equipment as required for some labs.
  • Requires the ability to perform routine record keeping and report writing duties.
  • Requires the ability to organize and prioritize work and manage time effectively.
  • Requires the ability to communicate in both formal and informal settings with students, instructors, and other interested parties. 

Physical Abilities
  • The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
  • Essential functions will vary by position.
  • As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), the District shall engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.
 
Education and Experience
  • The position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and completion of a certificate program at the college level or internship in a trade. Six months of prior experience tutoring students, supporting or setting lab exercises. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.

Licenses and Certificates
  • May require a valid driver license.

Working Conditions
  • Work is performed predominately indoors where some safety considerations exist from lifting and relocating medium-weight materials.

Conditions of Employment

This is a regular, full-time,12-months per year classified position. The normal hours of work will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. (Salary Schedule:  EE-113)

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment. The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910 ) The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive.  Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., January 10, 2020. Application materials must be electronically submitted online at http://www.cccd.edu/employmentIncomplete applications and application materials submitted by mail will not be considered.

Additional Information

Applications must be received no later than the posted closing date. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Electronic applications may be completed by
visiting http://www.cccd.edu/employment. ; Once you have completed an electronic application, you may apply to open positions within the Coast Community College District by submitting the application and all other required materials. Required materials differ for each open position and must be complete when submitted for a specific posting.

Instructions for completing applications and applying to posted positions are available online or by calling Applicant Processing at (714) 438-4714.
 
All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. Information for TDD users is available by calling (714) 438-4755.
 
Application Requirements:
To be considered for employment you must submit a complete application packet. A complete application packet includes:
  • A complete online Classified/Management Employment Application.
  • current resume. (Attached as a separate document.)
  • cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the desired position. (Attached as a separate document.)
  • Answers to Supplemental Questions. (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume" or "N/A", or leave blank).

To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank.
 
All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.
 
Any documents that you are unable to attach can be faxed to (714) 782-6065. Faxes must clearly indicate the job you are applying to and your name.
 
Disability Accommodations:
If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4714 OR (714) 438-4713.
 
The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community CollegeGolden West Collegeand Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in a transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services. Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast Colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs.  Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.
 
Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision
We know that the health of our employees and their families is a priority. That's why we offer extensive health care benefits to benefits-eligible employees. We offer the District's PPO plan as well as two HMO's, United Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. We also provide District-paid dental and vision insurance. 

Benefits are available to regular permanent employees working 20 or more hours per week.  Benefits are not available to temporary or short term employees.

District-paid Life Insurance
The District provides Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance benefits, underwritten by ING. This District-paid benefit is equal to one time your annual salary and remains in effect until age 70.

District-paid Disability Benefits
Coast provides both short and long term disability benefits for eligible employees unable to work because of disability due to illness, injury, or maternity.

Voluntary Plans
A variety of voluntary plans are offered through the District to benefits-eligible employees such as Long Term Care, Hyatt Legal, and Section 125 compliant flexible spending accounts.

Enrich Your Profession
Professional Development Programs
The District offers a variety of Professional Development programs for faculty and classified staff that encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework and conferences. We encourage lifelong learning that maintains and improves professional competencies, enhances career progression, and keeps our employees on the cutting edge of their profession.

Sabbatical Leaves
Faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional growth leading to the development of increased competence and the improvement of instruction and/or redirection in their current teaching discipline. The District's sabbatical leave program is designed to assist in this pursuit and is available on a semester basis after completing six consecutive years of service.

Academic Senate
The Academic Senate is the governing body at each of our colleges for making recommendations to administration and to our Board of Trustees with respect to academic and professional matters. The Senate consists of elected faculty and has the responsibility for matters related to curriculum and general academic policy.

Time to Refuel
Vacation
Classified, contract staff earn vacation days commensurate with years of service. Classified Management and Administrators earn 22 days vacation per year.

Sick Leave
All contract employees earn sick leave as outlined in the CA Education Code. Sick leave may be carried over from year-to-year and, upon retirement, unused sick leave may contribute to your PERS and STRS retiree benefit.

Holidays
The District observes 21 paid holidays per year.

Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military Leave
Coast grants contract employees called to jury duty a leave of absence, without loss of pay, for the entire length of required service. Other available leaves include bereavement from 3-5 days and military leaves of absence in accordance with applicable state laws.

Great Expectations
Pension Plans
The District participates in the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for contract employees. Non-contract employees participate in Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) plan for the first 1,000 hours of their employment.
Additionally, it is the policy of the Coast Community College District that contract employees who retire from the District with ten or more years of service be afforded the same group insurance benefits until 70 years of age. A Medicare Supplement or GAP plan  is available to retirees and their spouses after age 70.

Annuities
The District maintains a program whereby qualified employees may request through Payroll to have a portion of his or her salary deposited under a tax sheltered annuity plan or an approved deferred compensation plan.

Schools First Federal Credit Union

The Schools First Federal Credit Union is a federally insured, full service, financial cooperative that is a not-for-profit organization. Earnings are used to benefit all members to provide a full range of financial services and offerings.


01
Describe why you are interested in this position at OCC at this time.
02
Describe your educational background, with an emphasis on science courses. Please list biology and chemistry classes that included labs.
03
Describe your previous work experience as it relates to the duties of this position. Emphasize laboratory positions that required a working knowledge of biology and chemistry.
04
Describe any positions you have held where a significant percentage of your work was performed independently, with limited direction from coworkers and with minimal supervision
05
Describe any work experience you have that involved troubleshooting laboratory experiments, laboratory procedures or instrumentation.
06
I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A completed Coast Community College District Online Employment Application 2. A current resume (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 3. A cover letter (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 4. Responses to supplemental questions (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume", or "N/A" or leave blank)
  • Yes
  • No
07
Have you ever worked as a short-term temporary employee with Coast Community College District?
  • Yes
  • No
08
If you answered "Yes" to previously worked with CCCD as a short-term employee, please provide your employee number and your dates of employment. Please type N/A if this question does not apply to you.

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

Costa Mesa, California, 92626
Phone
714-438-4668
714-438-4714