POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Laboratory and Stores Supervisor, Natural Sciences - West Plains
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5556
GRADE 25
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Division Chair of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor, Natural Sciences-WP utilizes knowledge of natural sciences to supervise the natural science stores and laboratories including assuring proper storage and disposal of reagents. The Laboratory and Stores Specialist, Natural Sciences-WP provides solutions and reagents for the instructional laboratories by preparing solutions of specific concentrations, properly purifying reagents, and troubleshooting problems that occur with solutions. The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor, Natural Sciences-WP trains and supervises work-study students functioning as student laboratory assistants, supports faculty in ordering equipment, chemicals, and supplies, and maintains inventory control over all materials, equipment, and supplies received and contained within the natural science storage facilities. The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor, Natural Sciences-WP is designated an Academic Affiliate and may teach selected college courses and/or laboratory sections in the natural sciences depending on credentials and experience.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or a related professional degree is required.
Experience: At least one year experience is required in an industrial, commercial, government, or other laboratory setting, including educational laboratory experiences, where knowledge of chemical and physical properties is employed, including accepted methods for the safe storage, handling and disposal of chemical substances typically used in a variety of university laboratories.
Skills: Effective interpersonal and managerial skills are required. Computer application skills including word processing, spreadsheet, email, and internet skills, are required.
Effort: Must be able to lift and carry materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
Other: Must possess normal color vision and olfactory response.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Utilizes an understanding of chemical reactivity to assure compliance with all applicablesafety regulations and standards by storing reagents in the proper manner (at room temperature, at very cold temperatures, in a nitrogen atmosphere, in a hood, etc.), safely disposing of all waste (i.e., hazardous, biological, chemical, etc.) generated by the departments, (in coordination with the Director of Environmental Management), and keeping accurate records, including Material Safety Data Sheets, of receipt, storage, and disposition of reagents.
2. Helps to ensure an effective laboratory experience for students by providing all necessary equipment, glassware, solutions and reagents for the instructional laboratories, preparing solutions of specific concentrations by weighing and measuring the volume correctly, mixing the solution correctly, troubleshooting and problem solving when solutions do not work as desired in the teaching laboratories, and preparing microbiology media.
3. Helps to assure laboratory safety at the university by working with the University’s Director of Environmental Management, attending seminars related to scientific laboratory operation, reagent storage, and hazardous waste disposal, and making recommendations to assure and enhance the safe operation of laboratories and chemical storage facilities.
4. Complies with established guidelines and regulations for the proper and safe storage of all equipment and glassware maintained in the department.
5. Helps to ensure laboratory supplies (i.e., chemicals, biology samples, cleaning supplies, etc.) are in adequate supply, including transporting them to and from the Mountain Grove campus.
6. Helps to ensure an effective instructional operation by training and supervising student laboratory assistants in the safe preparation of chemical reagents and other materials and supplies as specified by instructors and in the delivery and storage of these items.
7. Maintains active involvement in the natural sciences academic program by participating as an academic affiliate, providing instruction as assigned by the supervisor in accordance with Faculty Duties and Responsibilities section of the current Missouri State University-WP Faculty Handbook relative to teaching, and actively participating in required activities.
8. Contributes to the learning experience of students by maintaining and utilizing a current
knowledge of reagents, equipment, and new approaches to laboratory instruction.
9. Contributes to laboratory safety by providing sanitized safety goggles and other safety equipment, as prescribed by Missouri statues, to students and instructors.
10.Ensures laboratory equipment is properly maintained and functional and provides recommendations for replacement of equipment as necessary.
11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing
professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Division Chair of Math and Science.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the Natural Sciences departments (Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics) by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Laboratory and Stores Supervisor, Natural Sciences-WP is supervised by the Chair of Mathematics and Natural Sciences on the West Plains campus.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MAY 2025
