Laboratory Director

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

Job Description

• Strategic Leadership Align goals, objectives, and budgets of laboratory activities with NWACC's Strategic Plan. Contribute significantly to NWACC's Strategic Planning and Budgeting by assessing classroom needs, laboratory needs, and Science and Mathematics needs.
• Regulatory Compliance Develop and implement policies and procedures in conjunction with the Institutional Policy, Risk Management, and Compliance team to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. These policies and procedures may be specific for the Division of Science and Mathematics or may be campuswide for all NWACC students, faculty, or staff. Coordinate inspections and audits, which includes preparation and follow-up. Monitor students, faculty, and staff to ensure compliance with regulations. Develop and maintain a chemical hygiene plan for the college.
• Personnel Management Oversee all laboratory personnel. Recruit, hire, train, and direct laboratory support staff, including laboratory supervisors, coordinators, and part time assistants. Schedule staff work hours and complete timesheets. Conduct annual performance evaluations and address employee concerns.
• Financial Management Develop and manage the laboratory budget and resources, including procurement of equipment and supplies. Act as the primary purchasing agent for Science and Mathematics.
• Laboratory Duties Oversee execution of labs in Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Geology, Astronomy, Zoology, Microbiology, and Physics. Oversee the procurement, inventory, maintenance, and removal of laboratory equipment and laboratory safety equipment to ensure safety and functionality. Responsible for the proper storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials, chemical waste, and biohazard waste. Keep Safety Data Sheets. Work with faculty and lab staff to implement and monitor overall science lab safety practices for faculty, staff, and students. Oversee maintenance of lab facilities and classrooms to ensure cleanliness and functionality. Oversee lab kit preparation and distribution. Oversee activities in EMPACTS, including procurement of materials and managing EMPACTS lab staff.
• Additional Duties Aid in scheduling of science and math classes each term. Approve laboratory spaces for the teaching of Early College Experience NWACC science courses. Responsible for the update and renovation of classrooms and lab spaces, including technology and furniture. Other duties as assigned.
• Additional Knowledge and Skills Knowledge and ability to navigate in Workday. Knowledge of college chemistry to oversee preparation of labs with specialized knowledge of solution preparation and titration. Knowledge of the Global Harmonization System and Safety Data Sheets to maintain the proper storage of stock chemicals. Knowledge of aseptic technique. Knowledge of handling of biohazardous waste, including microbes, blood, and animal tissue. Knowledge of maintenance and use of laboratory equipment, including autoclaves, unispensers, pipettors, microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, etc.
• Communication Effectively communicate with faculty, students, and staff for compliance of safety protocols. Assist other departments with questions regarding laboratory safety, chemical storage, or waste. Foster a culture that supports research initiatives within the laboratory. Build and maintain relationships with the community, K-12 schools, and other stakeholders through campus events and outreach.
• Professional Development Stay current with advancements in laboratory safety and technology through continuing education and professional development.

Rate of Pay $51,640.65 annualized

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the organization and administration of various higher education academic and social programs.

Knowledge of campus and community resources.

Knowledge of state, federal, and campus rules, regulations, and requirements related to campus academic and social programs.

Ability to coordinate the activities of campus academic and/or social programs.

Ability to evaluate collected information and formulate into recommendations.

Ability to compile information into report form.

Physical Demands

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to move around the laboratories, stand in one position for long periods of time, and push laboratory carts throughout the building. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities by this job include close vision. The employee will also need to be able to travel between the main campus and the Washington County Campus. They will also be required to carry laboratory supplies to and from both campuses.

Environmental Conditions

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee will be working in areas where there is a limited exposure to carcinogens, teratogens, mutagens, biohazardous materials, and other hazardous chemicals. PPE is required and provided by the employer to help limit the risks associated with working with these hazards, but there is always a risk of exposure.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree or higher in a science field (biology, biochemistry, or chemistry preferred).
• 5 years of experience in laboratory management and operations in a college setting.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory regulations and relevant NWACC policies.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, resources, and personnel effectively.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.