Lab Manager

Date Revised: 09/27/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Lab Manager

Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30490

Salary Grade: F

Summary

Incumbents in the Lab Manager series oversee the daily operations, management, and staffing of a laboratory assigned to a specific department. Incumbents ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the laboratory and the safe use and maintenance of equipment and facilities.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Lab Manager reports to a faculty member, Director, or Dean. This classification may train and guide student and/or part-time employees.

Typical Functions

1. Oversees and manages the day-to-day technical, educational, and research support activities conducted in the laboratory; resolves problems and issues as they arise.

2. Researches and recommends purchases; locates parts, supplies, and research materials for the maintenance of the facility and for students and faculty using the facility.

3. Develops and conducts orientations for students and faculty on the proper use of equipment, materials, and supplies.

4. Responsible for the training and enforcement of safety and security standards.5. May conduct training workshops on new technology specific to the lab.6. Performs routine and preventive maintenance and repair on laboratory equipment; ensures

proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment, materials, and supplies; performs periodic safety checks.

7. Investigates emerging technologies and makes recommendations in support of teaching and learning initiatives; keeps abreast of technical developments in the field as they relate to the curriculum, technical processes, and materials and equipment including computer hardware and software.

8. Supervises student and/or part-time employees, which includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions.

9. Establishes and maintains policies regarding safe use of the facilities and equipment.10. Writes, develops, and publishes for websites and other social media and/or publications as

requested.

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Lab Manager

Date Revised: 09/27/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

11. Maintains accurate records and databases.12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of applicable legislation, standards, policies and procedures within specialty area.2. Ability to analyze supplies costs and develop cost-effective procedures.3. Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and

developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.4. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.5. Ability to calibrate, maintain, modify and/or repair laboratory equipment.6. Ability to develop appropriate safety policies for the facility/equipment users.7. Ability to analyze complex information, and to define and solve problems.8. Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures specified by

equipment/supply manufacturers.9. Ability to analyze and solve problems.

Minimum Qualifications

Six years of related experience or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position requires moderate physical activity, including the handling of average weight objects up to 25 pounds and/or standing or walking more than four hours per day. Employees are exposed to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. The work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

Fundamental Abilities

Within the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, each incumbent is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Communicating : Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. 2. Problem solving : Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve

problems. 3. Monitoring : Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate

corrective action.4. Critical Thinking : Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.

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Lab Manager

Date Revised: 09/27/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

5. Team Building : Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.

6. Active Listening : Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.

7. Service Orientation : Actively seeks opportunities to help others.8. Conflict Resolution : Acts professionally when encountering customers who, at times, may be

frustrated.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

1.

2. Take initiative.3. Maintain confidentiality.4. Be accountable.5. Behave ethically.6. Be honest and trustworthy.7. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

8. Be inquisitive.9. Be detail oriented.10. Be self-motivated.11. Efficiently manage multiple tasks.12. Be a team player.13. Be committed to improving USU.

Disclaimer This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

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Lab Manager

Date Revised: 09/27/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

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