Entry Level Laboratory Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Salary: $30.74 Hourly
Location : Saddleback College - Mission Viejo, CA
Job Type: SC - Non-Bargaining Unit (Part-Time) - Temporary
Job Number: 202401056
Office, Division, or School: SC - Extended Learning
Department or Operating Unit: SC - Emeritus Institute
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Culture of Care:
At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect.
Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District-one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team.
Application Instructions:

• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents - incomplete applications may not be considered.

• Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.

• Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.

• For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.

• For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under direction from the Division Dean and/or Art Department Chair, assists in the preparation of materials and demonstrations for an assigned instructional area; operates and demonstrates use of specialized equipment, supplies and materials; provides assistance to students within the assigned subject area; and maintains the general cleanliness of the assigned laboratory.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in the Lab Technician class are distinguished from the Senior Lab Technician by the level of responsibility assumed. In comparison to the Senior Lab Technician, positions at this level are assigned to less complex labs and have limited involvement in budget activities and ordering of supplies and equipment. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices:
Assist instructors in developing instructional materials; prepare study sheets, visual instructional aides, sample exercises and exams, and laboratory experiments; may assist in grading exams and maintaining related records.
Prepare for laboratory demonstrations; set up laboratory apparatus; assist students in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments; ensure student compliance with laboratory policies, procedures and safety precautions; demonstrate proper care and cleaning procedures for laboratory equipment.
Provide assistance to students on a variety of laboratory and course related matters; review student work in progress and assist in resolving problems.
Maintain a clean and safe learning environment; clean floors, table tops, desks and furniture; wash work tables and benches; empty trash receptacles; perform routine and minor repairs on laboratory equipment; maintain, clean and test assigned equipment including kilns, lathes, sanders, grinding wheels, drawing horses, easels and other equipment.
Maintain woodshop machinery and equipment; table saws, jigsaws, etc.
Assisting in the loading, firing and maintaining of kilns; maintain firing schedule; clean and vacuum kilns; grind down kiln shelves; apply fresh kiln wash.
Maintenance and cleaning of jewelry, 3D and sculpture studios, patios and classrooms.
Prepare daily supply of needed materials including clay test cylinders, plaster molds, glazes, slips and stains.
Assist students including pouring bronze for sculptures and lifting and carrying art work.
Participate in the ordering and maintenance of supplies, materials and equipment; store, discard and rotate materials according to standard procedures; receive, assemble and test new equipment.
Respond to inquiries and requests for information; answer phones; relay messages for faculty and staff.
Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics of laboratory apparatus, equipment and materials pertaining to assigned laboratory and subject area.
Theories and applications of the assigned subject matter.
Woodworking practices including construction and fabrication methods.
Principles and practices of laboratory operations.
Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies used within the assigned laboratory.
Methods and techniques used in the production of ceramics including mixing of glazes, appropriate clay materials usage and loading and firing of kilns.
Jewelry fabrication, maintenance of jewelry equipment.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and demonstrations for an assigned subject area.
Correctly and efficiently set up laboratory equipment and materials used in exercises and experiments.
Operate and demonstrate the proper use of specialized equipment, supplies and materials.
Provide assistance to students on matters related to assigned laboratories.
Prepare, mix and dispose of materials used in the art laboratory.
Operate, understand the mechanical function of and perform routine maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment within assigned area.
Maintain the cleanliness of assigned laboratory.
Maintain woodshop machinery and equipment.
Interpret and apply department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Maintain an adequate inventory of materials for instructional programs.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training:
Equivalent to two years of college level course work in art, ceramics, sculpture or a related field.
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible experience working with art materials and equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting; may be exposed to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, and gases; work with laboratory equipment and apparatus; may work with water. Occasional exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a laboratory setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; may require the wearing of safety glasses or goggles and rubber or plastic gloves.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction
Supplemental Information
Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.
Hours per Week: Up to 25
Employment Conditions and Information:
This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis."
After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an "if and as needed" basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.
NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).
NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.
Example: For the following reporting period: January 1st through January 31st, the NBU employee will be paid on February 10th.
NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.
Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System ("CalPERS") retiree may not accept employment as a CalPERS retired annuitant (i.e., "extra help" or "interim or acting for a vacant position") with the SOCCCD until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting employment in a position that qualifies for membership in CalPERS with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.
Attendance Requirement:
All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without rega