Description

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M State is accepting applications for an Cosmetology Laboratory Assistant. This position is located on the Wadena campus.

This position exists to provide support to the Cosmetology faculty directly related to learning, reinforcement, or guiding new technical skills to students in the Cosmetology, Nail Technician, and Esthetician programs in the clinical salon.

This position is designed to provide daily supervision, demonstration, tutoring, and perform other related work as required in order to ensure the safety of students and clients.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Fall semester, 8-4:30, M-F & 40 hours per week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the position is not scheduled to work. Spring semester, 8-4:30, M-F & 40 hours per week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the position is not scheduled to work until the summer. Summer hours will vary (10-20 hrs/wk)

Customer Service. On a daily basis, live the mission, vision and values of M State to ensure a positive experience for all students and stakeholders. Service to M State students and stakeholders is a core component of the position and work responsibilities.

Skills Orientation and Safety. Provide students or student groups orientation on tools, equipment, materials, or supplies. Demonstrate the proper and safe use or necessary steps to complete a task when using lab tools, equipment, materials, or supplies to ensure student and client safety and avoid equipment mishandling

Support & Training. Assist or tutor students in order to answer questions by providing examples to clarify the tasks, drilling the students on concepts or rules, suggesting alternative methods or techniques to problem solving.

Supervision Monitor student progress as requested by faculty by proctoring placement and progress tests, and observing students work. Supervise student performance on a daily basis.

Lab Equipment (safety & preparation). Preparation: Prepare the lab so that supplies and equipment are ready for student laboratory work. Discuss the requirements for each lab set up with the instructor(s) in advance. Security & Safety: Oversee the security of the lab so that equipment and materials are used properly and kept safe. Keep records of equipment used in the lab. Monitor consumption of supplies by students. Protect equipment and supplies from use by unauthorized persons, implement procedures which provide for the security of the lab and students work. Regularly conduct tests of the working condition of the equipment. With appropriate supervision perform repair and maintenance of lab equipment to ensure that it is fully operational and safe to use. Order major repair service from vendors.

Monitor and maintain supplies. Regularly inventory supplies and equipment on hand. Discuss supply and equipment needs with instructor(s). Ensure that sufficient quantities of supplies are available and prepared to perform proper skills for demonstrations, student practices, and tests.

Support for campus and college operations. Recognition of broad and varied professional responsibilities which include but are not limited to support for campus and college operations, such as: front desk coverage, registration events, Spartan Welcome Days, Commencement, this is not an exhaustive list. Support the operation of college and campus Student Services operational area(s). Serve on campus, college and community committees as assigned, approved and appropriate that seek to enhance the student experience. Other related duties as assigned by the Dean for the School of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing.

Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner. Assist faculty in the advising and enrollment of prospective and current students. Assist faculty in the assignment of clients and/or appointments to ensure students are meeting skill requirements.

What Were Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

Post-secondary or industry certificate/diploma/degree or relevant certification in Cosmetology including a current Minnesota Board of Cosmetology Instructor License
AND
One year of teaching/tutoring experience in Cosmetology at the high school level or above
OR
An equivalent combination of education, licensure, and related work experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position

Preferred Qualifications

Customer service skills are sufficient to actively listen to and understand customer needs and provide accurate information and appropriate alternatives in a timely, thorough, courteous, respectful, and professional manner.
Salon Managers License from Minnesota Board of Cosmetology Examiners or 3 or more years full-time industry experience as a licensed cosmetologist.

Knowledge of

The particular subject matter presented within the college lab sufficient to respond to conceptual questions raised by students.
Laboratory equipment sufficient to instruct others in its proper use and to perform routine maintenance.
Lab practices, techniques and safety standards sufficient to determine the physical layout of a lab and to prepare various lab materials and experiments.

Ability to

Communicate orally with students and instructors through short lectures, demonstrations, or discussions.
Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of student assistants in the performance of routine lab work.
Develop and maintain lab records and reports.
Analyze instructional lab practices and experiments and develop and recommend changes or new approaches to instructors.
Observe the progress of the student and prepare written and verbal evaluations to the student's instructor.
Physical Qualifications

Ability to perform program-related skills, communicate with others and understand information, and maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
Ability to transport supplies of at least 15 lbs.

Click now for full job description & to apply online. Submit a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and any applicable transcripts by 12:01 a.m. on July 14th, 2026. Internal applicants need to apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday.

Equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity.

Salary/Compensation: $21.89 - $31.44 per hour