The Merced College Rising Scholars Program provides currently and formerly incarcerated students with rigorous, hands-on laboratory experiences that support academic transition and workforce readiness. The Lab Technician plays a vital role in supporting laboratory instruction within carceral facilities, including Valley State Prison (VSP), Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), United States Penitentiary (USP), and Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex (JJCC).
This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, safety-conscious individual who is comfortable working within correctional environments and collaborating with faculty to serve justice-impacted students. The Lab Technician is responsible for preparing and maintaining laboratory spaces, equipment, and specimens inside these facilities to ensure labs are ready for high-quality instruction. By bridging lecture content with applied learning in a unique educational setting, the Lab Technician directly contributes to student rehabilitation and success across multiple science-based programs.
As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college — we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California’s Central Valley.
Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.
Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Merced College Vision
Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:
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Degree/Certificate Programs
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Transfer
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Career Technical Education
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Workforce Training
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Lifelong Learning
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Basic Skills
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Community Engagement
Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.
Salary Schedule
Range 24
19 hours/week
12 months/year
General Description:
Under direction, to perform a variety of instructional and clerical duties designed to free the instructor from routine, ancillary and preparatory work associated with an educational program or discipline. The focus of the duties is not only on assistance to the instructor but to the student as well.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education/Training/Experience
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Bachelor's degree
OR -
Associate's degree AND three (3) years of applicable experience
OR -
The equivalent education and experience
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Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students
PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a classroom environment, incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.
Physical Ability to:
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Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
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Hear and understand speech at normal levels
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Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation
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Read printed matter and computer screens
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Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
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Bend and twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull
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Lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight
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Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard
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Reach in all directions
Vision
See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
How to Apply:
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Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd/transferjobs
Required Documentation:
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Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
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Resume
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List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
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Legible, unofficial college transcripts; transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
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If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization
Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.
Interview Information:
Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.
Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
