Skilled Trades Lab Manager

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!

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, wellmaintained, properly equipped, and instructionready. 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 highereducation environments is preferred, along with experience supporting diverse learners in handson training settings.

* 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 handson 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.

* 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 fastpaced instructional schedules.

* Communication Skills - Clear, professional communication with faculty, students, vendors, and administrators.

* ProblemSolving - Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and respond quickly to operational needs.

* StudentCentered Approach - Comfort working with diverse learners, including adult students, apprentices, and careertransitioning 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

* 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

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 handson instructional activities while maintaining a safe, organized, and studentfriendly atmosphere.

Howard Community College offers competitive salaries, excellent medical and dental selections, tuition reimbursement and paid leave programs. As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options: The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP, a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor's degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a bachelor's degree and hold professional positions that require a bachelor's degree may choose to participate in either The Pension or The ORP.

*Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment.

HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for work at HCC and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits.

Please complete the entire HCC Employment Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full).

Howard Community College ( HCC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.