Steward Observatory Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Delta College Career Opportunities
Position Information
Position Title
Physical Science Laboratory Coordinator & Chemical Hygiene Officer (On Site - University Center, MI)
Division/Department
Science and Mathematics
Employee Group
Administrative/Professional
Status
Full time, Starting Salary $51,267 - $56,903: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Position Summary Information
Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions
The successful candidate must demonstrate experience, skills, and commitment to fostering an environment of belonging, diversity, equity and inclusion in students, faculty and staff.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Science and Mathematics Division at Delta College is seeking a dynamic, multi-faceted Science Laboratory Coordinator. The successful candidate will merge specialized technical support for the Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Geology, and observatory equipment maintenance) with critical Chemical Hygiene oversight. In addition, this position will coordinate the laboratory preparation for the satellite campuses for the above-listed disciplines. This role ensures regulatory compliance for OSHA, involves collaboration with faculty for teaching laboratory preparation, and helps maintain the Delta Dome (observatory) to enhance student science identity, retention, and success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
Chemical Hygiene & Regulatory Risk Mitigation

• OSHA Compliance: Serve as a cornerstone for institutional compliance by adhering to the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450). Maintain accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDS), up-to-date chemical inventories, and precise waste manifests to protect the college from liability and federal audits.
• Safety Inspections: Conduct routine safety inspections of laboratory spaces and manage personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency infrastructure (including fume hoods and eyewash stations).
• Hazardous Waste Management: Provide professional oversight of chemical disposal and hazardous waste protocols in strict accordance with state and federal EPA regulations.

Multi-Disciplinary Laboratory Operations & Course Prep

• Instructional Continuity: Coordinate and execute timely, accurate laboratory setups for Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and Astronomy courses, minimizing instructional downtime so faculty can focus on teaching.
• Satellite Support: Manage inventories and travel to coordinate laboratory setups across Delta's community centers (including Downtown Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City Centers) to guarantee an equitable laboratory experience across all regional footprints.
• Curriculum & Research Support: Partner with faculty to refine laboratory protocols, keep course materials up to date, and assist with complex preparations for individual courses incorporating course-based research (e.g., Organic Chemistry).

Observatory Operations & Technical Stewardship

• Instrumentation Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning, alignment (collimation), and calibration of high-value optical telescopes, CCD/CMOS cameras, and solar filters.
• Systems Calibration: Monitor, lubricate, and maintain computerized equatorial mounts and tracking motor drives, executing firmware updates as dictated by manufacturer specifications.
• Infrastructure Management: Oversee the mechanical operations, safety sensors, and weather-sealing components of the observatory dome or roll-off roof systems.
• Event Preparation: Assist faculty with evening laboratory sessions and community "Star Party" outreach events by pre-cooling optics, setting up portable tripods, and troubleshooting control software (e.g., ASCOM, Stellarium).
• Web Content Management: Regularly update the observatory's website with public event schedules.
• Digital Curation: Archive student-captured astronomical images or data into publicfacing galleries and digital repositories.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth Science, or a closely related field) required. Master's degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience
• Demonstrated understanding of chemical safety protocols, hazardous waste disposal, and OSHA/EPA regulations governing educational laboratories.
• Experience calibrating, operating, and maintaining specialized laboratory instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, Mass Spectrometers, Spectrophotometers) and/or complex optical/astronomical tracking systems.

Additional Experiences Considered

• Master's degree in a scientific discipline (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth Science, or a closed related field) preferred
• Cross-functional capability to support multiple scientific disciplines simultaneously and manage logistical operations across multiple regional footprints.
• Competency with digital inventory systems management tools.

Application Deadline
Position will remain open until filled.
First consideration will be given to applications received by July 29th. The College reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Complete an on-line application and attach a cover letter with position title, resume and copies of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire) and/or certifications and licenses.