Position Information
About Us
Howard Community College ( HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020.
Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!
Position Title
Skilled Trades Lab Manager
FLSA
Exempt
FT/PT
Full Time
Hours Per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday
Grade
14
Compensation Range
$65,218-86,79
Summary
The Lab Manager for the Skilled Trades Department oversees daily operations of instructional labs, shops, and training facilities across multiple technical programs, including Mechatronics, Manufacturing, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, Construction Management, Automotive, Electrical, and Building Automation. This role ensures labs are safe, well‑maintained, properly equipped, and instruction‑ready. The Lab Manager supports faculty, assists students, maintains equipment and inventory, and upholds compliance with institutional, industry, and safety standards.
A cursory understanding of skilled trades concepts and higher‑education environments is preferred, along with experience supporting diverse learners in hands‑on training settings.
Essential Role Responsibilities
• Lab Operations Management — Oversee daily functioning of all Skilled Trades labs and shops; ensure spaces are prepared for instruction, demonstrations, and student practice.
• Safety & Compliance Oversight — Enforce OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and campus safety protocols; conduct routine safety checks; maintain SDS documentation; support faculty in delivering safe lab instruction.
• Equipment Maintenance & Repair — Perform routine maintenance, coordinate repairs, and manage service contracts for lab equipment such as HVAC trainers, PLCs, welding machines, electrical panels, manufacturing systems, and automotive tools.
• Inventory & Procurement — Track tools, consumables, PPE, and materials; process purchase orders; maintain organized storage systems; ensure labs remain stocked for instruction.
• Technical Support for Instruction — Assist faculty with lab setup, demonstrations, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting during classes.
• Student Support & Engagement — Provide guidance on lab procedures, equipment use, safety practices, and project setup; support students in hands‑on learning environments.
• Program Coordination — Collaborate with program leads to align lab readiness with curriculum needs across Mechatronics, Manufacturing, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, Construction Management, Automotive, Electrical, and Building Automation.
• Recordkeeping & Documentation — Maintain logs for equipment usage, maintenance, safety inspections, and inventory; support grant reporting and accreditation documentation.
• Vendor & Industry Partner Interaction — Coordinate with suppliers, service technicians, and industry partners for equipment purchases, repairs, and donations.
Minimum Education Required
High School or equivalent
Experience Required
• Technical Aptitude — Ability to understand and work with tools, equipment, and systems used in Skilled Trades programs.
• Safety Expertise — Knowledge of OSHA standards, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe lab practices.
• Organization & Time Management — Ability to manage multiple labs, competing priorities, and fast‑paced instructional schedules.
• Communication Skills — Clear, professional communication with faculty, students, vendors, and administrators.
• Problem‑Solving — Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and respond quickly to operational needs.
• Student‑Centered Approach — Comfort working with diverse learners, including adult students, apprentices, and career‑transitioning individuals.
Minimum Qualifications
• High School diploma or GED Required.
• Related associate’s degree or two years of experience in lab operations, technical support, or skilled trades environments
• Demonstrated knowledge of tools, equipment, and safety practices used in trades programs
• Experience working in educational or training settings preferred
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in Mechatronics, Manufacturing, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, Construction Management, Automotive, Electrical, or Building Automation
• Prior work in higher education, workforce development, or apprenticeship programs
• Experience maintaining technical equipment or coordinating lab environments
• Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, EPA Section 608, NCCER, NIMS, ASE, or similar
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demand Summary
This role operates in active lab and shop environments that include mechanical systems, electrical panels, welding stations, HVAC trainers, manufacturing equipment, and automotive bays. The Lab Manager must be comfortable working around tools, machinery, and hands‑on instructional activities while maintaining a safe, organized, and student‑friendly atmosphere.
Supervisory Position?
No
Division
Teaching & Learning Services
Department
Business, Engineering, & Technology
