Collision Program Lab Specialist

Lab Specialist

The Lab Specialist facilitates the operation of the Collision Repair and Refinish labs and supports students in a variety of hands-on activities that reinforce proper repair procedures, problem-solving skills, and safe equipment use within Southeast Technical College's (STC) Collision Repair and Refinishing program. This role collaborates with program instructors to coordinate lab operations, including equipment maintenance, materials acquisition, scheduling, and the development of lab activities that enhance student learning and align with program requirements and accrediting standards. The Lab Specialist promotes a safe and effective learning environment while supporting program goals, maintaining accurate records, and continuously updating technical skills in alignment with industry expectations and advisory input.

Essential Functions

Provide instructional reinforcement to students in the collisions repair and refinish labs that ensure proper repair procedures and problem-solving techniques.

Coordinate the operations and equipment in the collision repair and refinish lab to ensure a properly equipped and efficiently functioning lab.

Assist the instructor in the estimating, scheduling, and acquisition of materials, supplies, and equipment for lab projects.

Operate and calibrate technical equipment and tools and demonstrate safe and proper operations.

Promote and provide a safe lab environment for the health and welfare of the students.

Assist the instructor with curriculum development that includes preparation of lab activities, exercises, and teaching aids.

Maintain records related to lab activities as directed by the instructor.

Support the instructor's theories and laboratory techniques.

Update skills and apply new knowledge on the job.

Support the goals of the STC collision repair and refinish staff, programmatic accreditation requirements, and industry advisory board.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required. Diploma or AAS in Collision Repair and Refinish Technology or related field preferred.

Experience: minimum of 5 years of work experience in the collision repair and refinish industry required.

Other requirements:

Computer skills: Ability to use, or learn to use, email systems, word processing, spreadsheet, and estimating software (training provided if needed)

Communication: ability to actively listen and to effectively communicate with others through written and oral communication

Leadership: ability to make decisions, delegate tasks, be innovative, negotiate, problem solve, build teams through coaching and development, resolve conflicts, hold yourself and other accountable, and work under pressure.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in both a general office setting and a collision repair and refinishing shop environment. Office and classroom spaces are climate-controlled with typical lighting and moderate noise levels from staff, students, and office equipment. Laboratory areas are not climate-controlled and may be subject to temperature and humidity extremes, with noise levels consistent with an active collision repair shop.