Instructional Assistant-Biological Sciences

(ON-CAMPUS - in-person position)   
Orange Coast College (OCC) is seeking equity-minded individuals for a classified employee role as an Instructional Assistant-Biologicial Sciences under the Instructional Wing, as part of the Math and Sciences Division to a variety of support areas in the Biology department. 
About Orange Coast College (OCC)
Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches. Orange Coast College (OCC) was founded in 1947 with the mission to serve the educational needs of a diverse local and global community. The College empowers students to achieve their goals by providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and innovative programs and services through pathways leading to degrees, transfers, certificates, foundational skills, workforce development, and lifelong learning.  The College promotes student development, learning, and equitable outcomes by fostering a respectful, inclusive, caring, and participatory campus climate of student engagement and academic inquiry.  
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).  Additionally, OCC is an officially designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has an eligibility designation as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). 
D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism
The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism. Orange Coast College is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

• Orange Coast College - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Page
• Orange Coast College - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Plan (DEIA)

• Works with faculty/instructional administrator to design, construct, troubleshoot, modify, or rebuild equipment, modules, and 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 the 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, calculate 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, and 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 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.

Knowledge and Skills

• The position requires a 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 desktops 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 relations skills to facilitate learning and to convey technical concepts to others.
• Requires sensitivity to the needs of students of diverse backgrounds and 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• Demonstrated evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including students with different ability statuses (e.g., physical and/or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.

• May require a valid driver's license.

• Background in Biology coursework that includes laboratories, especially microbiology and organismal biology and/or anatomy and physiology.
• Experience assisting faculty or lead support staff in preparing laboratories for related courses.
• Experience working in a science laboratory or equivalent experience working in a hands-on work setting.

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

• Note:  Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.   We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA at this time.

• 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.

Incomplete applications, application materials submitted by mail, and documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered. Please note that the district does not return materials submitted in the application process (copies of original supporting documents are acceptable). 

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or call 714.438.4716.

Selection Procedure

• All online applications received by the application deadline will be screened to determine which applicants meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

• Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit separate application materials for each desired position.

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest committee evaluation will be invited to an interview.
• If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense . 

• During the interview, candidates may be asked to conduct a short oral demonstration/presentation on a previously announced topic as well as participate in a writing exercise, or hands-on practical. 
• Consideration will also be given to factors in addition to education and experience, including but not limited to professional development, ability to work with others, and commitment to meet student needs.
• The search committee will rate the candidate's responses to the interview questions, the demonstration/presentation, and the applicable writing exercises and/or hands-on practicals. Based on this rating, a number of candidates will be recommended to move forward and will be invited for a second-level interview.
• The hiring manager will conduct reference checks on the final candidate. The district reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and to investigate past employment records of applicants selected for interviews.
• The campus President will make the final recommendation for employment to the Board of Trustees.
• The start date will be determined based on the needs of the campus and the conditions of employment as posted in the job announcement/recruitment.
• Applicants who are eliminated from consideration will be notified by email. All applicants are requested to provide an email address in their online application. Candidates should not expect official notification of the status of their candidacy until the Board of Trustees has acted upon the College's recommendation for employment.
• The District reserves the right to extend the deadline, re-advertise the position, or delay filling this position based on the needs of the District and the student population we serve.

Employment Information

• 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 equity and inclusion goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following before employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense (Clearance must be received before the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States including a Social Security Card; AND
• Participate in a new hire onboarding appointment with an Employment Services Representative.

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. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and 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.
  
The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes  Coastline, Community College,  Golden West College ,  and  Orange Coast College .  The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services. 

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 the needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population. 

https://www.cccd.edu/employees/hr/title9/Pages/Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx
 
This direct link 2023 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Download PDF reader)   is the 2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for Coast Colleges. The crime statistics for calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022 were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be provided from one of the Campus Safety Offices.  Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions regarding the report.