Job Description

Posting number: 26-01259

Department: Health Department

Job classification: PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Posting type: Open

Categories: Health Services, Public Health, Laboratory

Are you looking for a position that offers you…

• Opportunity to make a difference by serving those most in need
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities.
• A learning culture
• Work life balance
• Supportive team environment
• Amazing benefits

Then look no further. Come join the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) team and use your skills and abilities to “Protect, promote and improve the health and quality of life for all who live, work and play in our community”. The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. We invite you to apply to become a member of our thriving workforce, together making a difference in the health of our community!

Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of paraprofessional laboratory work in support of laboratory programs as follows: Performs procedures for accessioning, receipt, assessment of sample appropriateness, and labeling of client samples. Operates, monitors, and maintains basic laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, glassware washers, centrifuges, and balances. Provides clean and sterilized glassware for use in the public health laboratory. Weighs and prepares accurate chemical buffers, media, and solutions. Prepares standard microbiological media and other laboratory reagents; maintains equipment, including incubator, small refrigerator, autoclaves, and water baths. Prepares diagnostic test kits and reviews, packages, and labels customers supply orders for delivery to clients. Assists in maintaining laboratory inventory, to include receiving and conducting physical inventory of materials and supplies. Assists in organizing lab supplies and equipment to ensure safe and hazard-free environment. Sterilizes medical waste and documents correct disposal in accordance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Performs related clerical duties (i.e. answering telephones, photocopying, filing, backup courier duties, and data entry) and serves as back-up courier when needed.

Qualifications

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, mathematics and techniques in a clinical or environmental laboratory;
• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
• Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;
• Skill in the maintenance and use of laboratory equipment;
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues;
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow direction of safety procedures;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and part of a team;
• Ability to think critically and to utilize problem-solving techniques;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;
• Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions.

Supplemental information

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
High school graduation education plus three years of related experience within a clinical or environmental laboratory setting.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver's license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (Required within 60 days of appointment).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (Required within 60 days of appointment).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)

Additional Work Schedule Requirements: May be required to provide after-hours, weekend or holiday coverage. May be required to serve as health department emergency responder.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with recent experience working in a medical/healthcare environment, possessing knowledge of medical/laboratory terminology, and processing of samples submitted for clinical laboratory testing.
• Possess ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Must be detail oriented, accurate in data entry, organized, possess excellent customer service skills/experience, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Possess strong decision-making and organizational skills; ability to troubleshoot issues and problems with limited supervision.
• Associate degree in a related science field.
• Two or more years of recent experience performing data entry in laboratory information systems (LIS).
• Experience performing phlebotomy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature, and requires walking, standing, sitting (for long periods of time), and kneeling, reaching, bending, climbing stairs; may be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs. as required for the position. Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data from paper and on a computer monitor or other electronic device; ability to operate keyboard driven equipment and computer and use of touchscreen. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to closely examine specimens microscopically and distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structures. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. Generally, works in an office environment yet may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting. Ability to drive a motor vehicle. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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