The Opportunity: The Preclinical Skills Laboratory Technician supports the Dental Therapy Program by overseeing the daily operations of the preclinical laboratory environment. This role ensures compliance, organization, and effective delivery of student training experiences. The ideal candidate is a skilled dental assistant; however, individuals with equivalent or higher clinical training (e.g., dental hygienists, dental therapists) are encouraged to apply. This is a 100% full-time classified position working 12-months per year, 40 hours per week.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Laboratory Operations and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and institutional safety standards;
• Ensure proper infection control protocols and documentation;
• Oversee laboratory cleanliness, organization, and readiness for instruction;
• Maintain and service dental equipment; coordinate repairs as needed;
• Maintain and order all pre-clinical materials and supplies;

• Prepare and set up preclinical lab sessions in coordination with course instructors;
• Supervise and support students during open lab and scheduled lab sessions;
• Assist with teaching preclinical skills as determined by the educational coordinator;
• Ensure adherence to clinical protocols and safety procedures during training;
• Coordinate and calibrate with faculty to ensure consistency in instruction and evaluation;
• Provide technical assistance to new and visiting faculty for all things they will need to utilize for course instruction and delivery in the laboratory.

• Order and manage inventory of all preclinical and clinical supplies and materials;
• Maintain accurate inventory records and anticipate program needs;
• Work with vendors to procure equipment and supplies;
• Assist with mini-budget management and cost tracking.

• Perform data entry and course support tasks (e.g., Canvas support for Year 1 courses);
• Prepare quarterly reports and maintain required documentation;
• Support program coordination, scheduling, and logistics;
• Perform lab setup and breakdown for courses and special training sessions.

• Support laboratory exercises at off-site clinical training locations as needed;
• Ensure consistency of materials, protocols, and setup across all training sites that meets program and CODA requirements.

• Dental lab procedures and materials;
• Passion for supporting student success and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment; Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) and lab management software;
• Familiarity with HIPAA compliance and other privacy laws in a healthcare setting;
• Skagit Valley College Dental Therapy Programs policies;
• Skagit Valley College policies and procedures;
• CODA Accreditation standards for Dental Therapy;
• Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
• Strong Excel skills;
• Data analysis;
• State and federal regulations;
• General office equipment.

• Problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable demeanor;
• Must have critical thinking skills and be able to follow instructions/directions;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Work independently and in a team-oriented environment;
• Manage and resolve conflicts or challenges as they arise;
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities;
• Work effectively with students, faculty, and administrative staff;
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience as a dental assistant or in a comparable clinical role;
• Knowledge of dental materials, instruments, and infection control standards;
• Familiarity with OSHA and HIPAA regulations;
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty and students;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain compliance standards;
• Effective communication and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• Problem-solving skills related to lab operations and equipment;
• Commitment to student success and a positive learning environment.

• Candidates with dental assisting backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply; applicants with similar or advanced dental training (e.g., dental hygiene or dental therapy) will also be considered;
• Certification as a Dental Assistant (CDA);
• Experience in dental education or training environments;
• Background as a dental hygienist or dental therapist;
• Experience with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas);
• Basic budgeting and inventory management experience.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is based on Range 44, Step A, $4,004 per month with periodic increments to $5,240 per month. The listed salary is based on the anticipated WPEA salary schedule effective July 1, 2026. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.