Chemistry Lab Paraprofessional

Muskegon Community College 

Muskegon Community College is a center for lifelong learning that helps people attain their educational goals by offering programs that respond to individual, community, and global needs. MCC is an associate degree-granting institution of higher education and an applied technology leader for high-tech, hands-on training.

With nearly a 100-year history of academic excellence, MCC is a public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. With robust student success support, free tutoring, 18 athletic teams, events, clubs, and activities, MCC has an annual, full-time equated student enrollment of approximately 2,300 and an unduplicated headcount of 5,100.

Most recently, Muskegon Community College outranked all other colleges in Michigan for the rate of students who received federal financial aid and then transferred to continue their education at a four-year institution. The college’s transfer-out rate was the highest in Michigan, 7 percentage points above the state average, and outpaced the average transfer rate across the nation. MCC is nationally recognized for its liberal arts and occupational programs. 

The College has an annual operating budget (general fund) of $44 million and employs about 210 regular full and part-time staff and many adjunct faculty and student assistants. The College also offers 56 Associate degree programs and 29 certificate programs.  

The main campus is located on a 111-acre campus in Muskegon which includes the Hendrik Meijer Library & Information Technology Center, Bartels-Rode Gymnasium, Frauenthal Foundation Fine Arts Center (including the Overbrook Theater and Art Gallery), Stevenson Center for Higher Education, the Science Center, the Health and Wellness Center, and the Art & Music Center.  

Muskegon Community College also operates the Sturrus Technology Center and Fab Lab in downtown Muskegon and extension centers in Ottawa and Newaygo Counties.

Living in Muskegon County 
Muskegon County residents enjoy 26 miles of sugar-sand beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, as well as one of America’s only luge tracks at the Winter Sports Complex and the regionally popular Michigan’s Adventure Amusement & Water Park. An outdoor recreation hub with three state parks and swimming, fishing and boating on its many lakes and rivers, the Muskegon area offers dynamic downtown and beachfront restaurant and entertainment venues. The Muskegon Farmer’s Market is the second largest in Michigan. Cruise ships dock in Muskegon, while a high-speed ferry connects the city to Milwaukee. Notable local museums range from rare art collections to an actual World War II submarine and a U.S. Navy ship used during D-Day. 

BENEFITS 

Muskegon Community College provides excellent benefits options for our faculty and staff. Below is an overview of our full-time employee benefit options. 

Ø  Choice between three health insurance plan options (includes a high deductible plan with a health savings account option).

Ø  Employer provided dental, vision, life insurance and long term disability insurance.

Ø  Employer-sponsored retirement plans including state Pension or 14% Retirement Contribution to TIAA (differs by group).

Ø  Voluntary retirement savings plan options (403b or 457 plans)

Ø  Tuition benefits at MCC for you and your eligible dependents.

Ø  Generous time off plans.

Ø  Paid holidays and holiday closure period in late December.

Ø  Onsite Fitness Center at the Main Campus & discounts to Muskegon Community College Golf Course

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled- First Review July 14, 2025

STATUS: Full Time 40 hours/52 weeks

STARTING SALARY: up to $60,000 - Depending on experience

COLLEGE HOURS: Typically Monday 8AM-6:30PM; Tuesday-Thursday 8AM-5:30PM; Friday 8AM-12PM; variation agreed upon with supervisor

General Description:

Management of the Chemistry Stockroom and laboratory preparations; routine cleaning and maintenance of chemical instrumentation and accessories; serve as Chemical Hygiene Officer for the College; supervision and training of a student employee(s).

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1.      Bachelor’s degree (or major course work completed towards a bachelor’s degree, including two semesters of General Chemistry and two semesters of Organic Chemistry), in Chemistry, Biology or Pre-Pharmacy; degree preferred.

2.      Demonstrated technology skills with excellent analytical abilities using Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel.

3.      Minimum of one year laboratory skills experience required.

4.      Knowledge of proper handling of chemicals. Operate as Chemical Hygiene Officer including but not limited to ability to train, communicate and ensure compliance of safety requirements to other employees and outside organizations as required. 

5.      Small equipment maintenance skills required with the ability to operate and maintain analytical equipment.

6.      Demonstrated excellence in communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, which transcend diverse audiences.

7.      A passion for continuous learning and a dedication to support student success through the mission of the College.

8.      Must be detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to deal effectively with college staff at all levels and handle confidential information appropriately.

9.      Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations representing a wide range of abilities, ages, nationalities, and cultures.

10.  Highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics and dedication to the mission of the College.

Essential Functions:

1.      Set up all levels of labs: preparation of chemicals for regularly scheduled laboratories, demonstration labs/materials, and supervision of student employee(s) in the preparation of lab equipment.

2.      Responsible for proper handling of chemicals, and training employees, to be able to read and understand SDS, knowledge of proper use of protective equipment, knowledge of emergency spill cleanup and proper waste disposal. 

3.      Maintain the current inventory of chemicals and equipment and prepare orders for equipment and chemicals as required.

4.      Inspect, catalog and maintain storage of incoming equipment and chemicals. When receiving new supplies of chemicals, the SDS is consulted for updated safety recommendations for proper handling, storage and disposal.

5.      Ensure proper compliance and safety measures/protocols are in place and updated as appropriate.

6.      Assist with emergency laboratory spills by identifying the spilled substance and selecting the proper cleanup method, while wearing personal protective equipment and, if necessary, evacuating the affected area.

7.      Place properly labeled containers in the laboratories to collect chemical waste. Manage, evaluate and arrange for the proper storage and disposal of laboratory waste. 

8.      Arrange for the maintenance and repair of scientific instruments and equipment.

9.      Regular testing of the emergency eye wash and emergency shower.

10. Serve as the College’s Chemical Hygiene Officer.

11. Establish and promote an effective learning environment that maximizes documented student learning and outcomes.

12. Participate in professional development activities and maintain current knowledge in the discipline as well as safety protocols.

13. Prepare, submit and maintain reports related to student learning or other requested activities.

14. Assist in development of curriculum including review or revision to keep programs on the cutting edge.

15. Provide educational assistance to students during regularly scheduled and posted times or by appointment.

16. Contribute to Department or College by working collegially with Academic Leadership or other teams to support or review processes or participate in council, committees, and teams as well as mentoring.

17. Perform other duties as assigned.

 Physical, Mental, and Environment Requirements Include:

Mental Demands:

☒ Detailed Work

☒ Student Contact

☒ Deadline oriented

☒ Problem Situations                                                                                 

☒ Multiple Priorities & Demands

☒ Emergency Situations

☒ Confidentiality

☐ On-call Availability

☒ Continual Interruptions

☒ Working Alone

☒ Faculty Contact

☒ Working with Others                                                                                    

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing & Walking

☒ Sitting

☐ Reclining

☐ Carrying                                                                                                         

☐ Lifting up to 10 lbs.          ☐ Up to 25 lbs.          ☒ Up to 50 lbs.                   ☐ 80 + lbs.

☐ Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Bending

☐ Climb or Balance

☐ Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl

☐ Squatting     

☐Handle or Feel

☐ Reach with Hands and Arms

☒ Talking or hearing

☐ Tasting/Smelling

☐ Working Overhead

☒ Speak in English via Phone or In Person

☐ Close, Distance, Peripheral, and Color Vision along with Depth Perceptions

☒ Ability to Adjust and Focus

Work Environment:

☐ Exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat/cold; and moderate to loud noise levels.

☒ Normal Office environment with little, if, any, discomfort due to heat, dust, noise and the like. Ability to travel to all campus locations required.

☒ Includes exposure to various chemicals requiring safety protocols – these may include fumes or potentially hazardous materials. 

uskegon Community College is an equal opportunity employer.  MCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, political persuasion, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or any other protected class in any of its educational programs, activities or employment. Minorities, women, veterans, and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.  To the extent required by applicable law, anyone with a disability will be reasonably accommodated by the College.  If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance in applying for this position, please contact the Human Resources Office.