Careers

Description:

Are you passionate about public health and laboratory sciences? Join the Washington State Public Health Laboratories (WAPHL) as a Laboratory Technician 2 and support critical work to protect the health of Washingtonians from biological, chemical, and radioactive threats. This on-site role offers the opportunity to perform vital laboratory tasks in a team-oriented environment.

As a Laboratory Technician, you will:

• Accession, inventory, prepare, and recycle resources needed by scientists.
• Conduct sample preparation and analysis for environmental and drinking water testing.
• Perform quality assurance testing in alignment with accreditation standards.
• Communicate with stakeholders about sample submissions and coordinate testing kits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform standardized testing of water samples for Total and Fecal coliforms.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment like pH meters, centrifuges, and Quanti-Tray sealers.
• Conduct quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Analyze microbial and chemical contaminants in environmental samples.
• Prepare reports and communicate results.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample preparation.
• Accession laboratory samples using data management systems.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance.
• Prepare sample kits and process incoming specimens for analysis.
• Restock supplies and maintain laboratory cleanliness.
• Properly store and track samples.
• Manage laboratory files and data entry into laboratory databases (e.g., LIMS).
• Ensure proper labeling of reagents and chemicals.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including local health jurisdictions, wastewater facilities, and schools, to ensure seamless sample submissions and reporting.

Skills/Eligibility:

You Will Be Successful at the DOH If: 

• You embrace cultural humility by honoring diverse perspectives and cultures.
• You are committed to equity and inclusion, removing barriers, championing social justice, and fostering a sense of belonging.
• You use an outward mindset to make impactful contributions, blending your personal expertise with collaborative achievements.
• You excel at problem-solving and crafting effective solutions while communicating clearly across different mediums.
• You are dedicated to customer service and navigate diverse interactions to build strong organizational relationships.
• Your technical competence shines, making you an invaluable asset to our team!

What We’re looking for – Required Qualifications:

We value all relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid and your diverse experiences can make a difference in this role. To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the required qualification options listed and any additional qualifications included in the required qualifications section.

• Option 1: An Associate’s degree or higher in Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related field. 

• Option 2: Two (2) or more years of experience performing microbiological, chemical, clinical, or public health testing or surveillance.

Preferred Qualifications:

The qualifications below are what would make you a strong fit for this role. While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Demonstrated experience in the following:
  1. Receiving and tracking samples and/or materials into inventory or a laboratory information system (LIMS)
  2. Working with blood-borne pathogens, chemical hygiene, and general laboratory safety.
  3. Demonstrated basic proficiency using a word processor, spreadsheet and email interface (ie MS Excel, Word, and Outlook)
  4. Maintaining electronic and hard copy files.