Jobs › Joliet Junior College

Lab Technician, Natural Sciences

Joliet Junior College · Romeoville, IL · $20.70–$21.94 an hour · Part time

Posted Jul 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about lab equipment you've maintained or troubleshot, like microscopes or balances.

What they are checking: Whether they can keep equipment working so classes are not disrupted.

Tell me about a time you found and fixed a mistake in your work.

What they are checking: Whether they catch errors before they reach the classroom.

What would you do

A chemical spill happens during a student lab. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can respond quickly and correctly to protect students and staff.

Several instructors need labs prepped on the same day. How do you prioritize?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing requests and communicate clearly.

A student asks you a question about the lab while the instructor is busy. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they support students appropriately without overstepping the instructor's role.

About the work

Walk me through how you would prepare a chemistry or biology lab before class begins.

What they are checking: Whether they can set up labs accurately and on time so instructors can teach.

How do you prepare solutions to a specific concentration?

What they are checking: Whether they have the core lab math and technique the job depends on.

How do you store and dispose of chemicals safely?

What they are checking: Whether they know chemical safety rules, SDS sheets and proper waste handling.

How do you keep track of inventory so labs never run short of supplies?

What they are checking: Whether they plan ahead and manage stock carefully.

How do you handle preserved specimens or biological materials safely?

What they are checking: Whether they know safe handling for biology lab materials.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Joliet Junior College from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Joliet Junior College.

Position Title: Lab Technician, Natural Sciences Job Description: POSITION: Lab Technician, Natural Sciences STATUS: Part Time DEPARTMENT: Natural Sciences and Physical Education, Main Campus DIVISION: Academic Affairs CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt UNION: TOSSC-AFT Local 604 REPORTS TO: Department Chair PLACEMENT: Grade 105 HIRING RANGE: $20.70 - $21.94 hourly Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age, and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff. POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the biological and physical sciences lab supervisors, performs laboratory setups and prepares chemical solutions for Natural Science classes. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Prepare laboratory setups and chemical solutions for chemistry and physics classes. All preparations are under the direction of the biological and physical sciences lab supervisors at JJC main campus. 2. Prepare microbiological culture media. 3. Handle preserved materials and cadaver maintenance as required. 4. Monitor laboratories, clean and store materials after experiments are completed. 5. Perform daily care and feeding of all laboratory organisms. 6. Perform the maintenance and upkeep of data acquisition software and hardware. 7. Ensure the safety and security of the laboratories. Ensure the proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemical and bio-hazardous waste. 8. Coordinate laboratory work with main campus lab supervisors and/or instructors. 9. Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. High school or equivalent. 2. Ability to use computer technology, laboratory equipment and apparatus. 3. Attentiveness to detail, multitasking and initiative, with ability to work accurately, efficiently, and cooperatively within a diverse population. 4. Ability to work a flexible schedule, may include evenings and some weekends and/or work assignments at Main and Romeoville Campuses. 5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence. 6. Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation, and quality. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Associate’s Degree or equivalent in Biological or Chemical Sciences. 2. Related work experience in a position of equivalent responsibility. 3. Familiarity with Mac and PC computers. 4. Working knowledge of chemical handling, disposal, and safety procedures. 5. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency. 6. Demonstrated multicultural competence. WORK SCHEDULE 1. Approximately 20-28 hours per week, at least 4 days per week or permission of the NSPE department chairperson. 2. Duties will be assigned at JJC Romeoville Campus laboratories. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 1. Normal office physical demands. 2. Ability to travel between locations as needed. 3. Some moderate lifting required. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Duties are performed indoors in the usual laboratory setting and/or outdoor laboratories (JJC Natural Areas). BENEFITS Click on the link for information about JJC's Benefits: Technical Office Support Staff Council (TOSSC)-AFT Local 604 Full Time/Part Time: Part time Union (If Applicable): TOSSC Scheduled Hours: 20

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