Laboratory Assistant (NY Helps) - FT - Evening Shift

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The work involves performing routine laboratory and medical tests and assisting technicians in more complicated procedures. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher ranking technical employee in a clinical or public health laboratory, health-care setting, or water or wastewater plant laboratory. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Assists in the conducting of tests, examinations, or analyses of various media in a laboratory, medical setting or water or wastewater plant laboratory
• Receives instructions and performs routine laboratory tests in different fields
• Sets up and/or adjusts laboratory equipment such as colorimeters, centrifuges, etc.
• Prepares various types of media, re-agents, or test solutions for use by technicians
• Collections specimens from patients
• Collections samples and assists technicians in water or wastewater plant or in the field
• Keeps equipment and instruments in clean condition and good working order
• Operates an EKG machine or related equipment
• Aids in education and orientation of new employees
• Uses County vehicle to deliver and pick-up samples and/or reports

Fully Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

• Working knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, terminology and equipment used in a laboratory or health-care facility
• Working knowledge of chemistry and biology
• Ability to perform routine technical laboratory work with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to exercise safety precautions in handling specimens and equipment
• Ability to utilize a variety of electronic software applications
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency
• Good judgment
• Initiative
• Industry
• Dependability
• Good eyesight
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of an Associate's degree* in Chemistry, Biology or related technical field
• Completion of a minimum of 60 semester credit hours* with a minimum of 24 semester credit hours in Chemistry, Biology or closely related scientific field
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of technical laboratory or technical medical experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B)

Special Requirement for County (Non-ECMCC) Employees Only

• Possession of New York State driver’s license at time of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment