Lab Assistant II

Summary

This series specification describes two Laboratory Assistant classes which, under close supervision (of a certified licensed laboratory professional) at the lower level and under supervision at the higher level, wash and clean glassware and utensils; keep the laboratory in a clean and orderly condition; perform routine preparation for laboratory testing; perform specified tests; and do work as required.

Duties & Essential Job Functions

• Assist in the preparation of tests under the supervision of a certified or licensed laboratory professional.
• Prepare a variety of bacteriological media following established instructions, including weighing, boiling, autoclaving, and dispensing of media.
• Prepare specimens for shipping and maintain accurate records.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as steam autoclaves, water‑distilling apparatus, centrifuges, and glassware washers; perform operator maintenance on this equipment.
• With required training, perform venous and skin punctures to obtain blood samples for test purposes.
• Maintain laboratory glassware: wash, rinse, dry, distribute, and store test tubes, beakers, flasks, cylinders, etc.; keep work areas clean and orderly, disinfect workbenches, materials, equipment, and other laboratory areas; prepare and sterilize laboratory supplies, equipment, and other materials.
• Make solutions of acids and other chemical reagents required for cleaning; prepare reagents using prescribed formulas and standard procedures.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool, tissue) during rounds; enter information in laboratory records; route specimens to the proper laboratory; record laboratory test results in patient medical charts.
• Maintain stocks of laboratory supplies and materials and keep appropriate records.
• Perform clerical duties such as charging laboratory slips, logging test requests, recording temperatures; receive and sign for evidence from officers and couriers, log evidence, type evidence release forms, and release evidence to proper agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Laboratory Assistant I (education requirement).
• Equivalent of two years full‑time work experience in a clinical laboratory, crime laboratory, or related unit involving preparation of various media, acids, chemical reagents, and sterilization of laboratory equipment and materials.

Pay

Pay Range: $37.42 – $45.19 per hour. The pay range reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs.