Laboratory Operations Support Technician (LT 1) DOH8953

About the role

This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, WA. As the Laboratory Operations Support Technician, you will play an essential role in keeping Washington's Public Health Laboratories operating safely and efficiently.

Working on-site in Shoreline, you'll rotate through key laboratory support areas including media preparation, glassware processing, laboratory waste decontamination, inventory and stockroom operations, and mailroom services. Your work ensures laboratory scientists have the clean equipment, prepared media, supplies, and specimens they need to perform testing that protects public health across the state.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological media, laboratory solutions, and sterilized glassware used for public health testing.
• Decontaminate laboratory waste and clean, inspect, sterilize, and prepare laboratory glassware and equipment for reuse.
• Receive, track, and distribute laboratory supplies, specimens, and procurement orders while maintaining inventory and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Assemble specimen collection kits, process laboratory supply orders, and prepare inbound and outbound shipments in compliance with shipping regulations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, inventory data, and quality assurance documentation using computerized tracking systems and laboratory information systems (LIMS).
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory support equipment, including autoclaves, industrial dishwashers, drying ovens, media dispensers, balances, and related equipment.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff to coordinate workloads, train new team members, maintain organized work areas, and provide cross-coverage across multiple support service units as operational needs change.
• Participate in emergency response activities and provide operational support during public health emergencies as assigned.

Requirements

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed.

• Option 1: Two (2) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics
• Option 2: One (1) or more years of training in medical technology or education in college with courses in laboratory sciences AND two (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics.
• Option 3: Associate’s degree or higher in biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental science, laboratory science, or a closely related field.

Additional required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience include:

• Experience preparing, cleaning, sterilizing, or maintaining laboratory glassware, laboratory equipment, laboratory supplies, or laboratory work areas.
• Experience following laboratory safety procedures and standard operating procedures in a regulated work environment.
• Experience maintaining accurate records through data entry, inventory systems, laboratory information systems (LIMS), or other computerized tracking systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, infection control principles, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Skilled in operating laboratory equipment following established procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a public health, clinical, or research laboratory.
• Experience operating autoclaves, dishwashers, and other sterilization equipment.
• Experience preparing microbiological media or chemical solutions for laboratory use.
• Experience handling or shipping Category A/B specimens or other regulated biological materials.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal regulations and laboratory safety standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, or ISO).
• Skill in troubleshooting lab support processes.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in microbiology, biology, chemistry, laboratory science, or a closely related scientific field.

Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today.

Schedule

This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week. DOH business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when working in Media Preparation this position requires an onsite presence Monday to Friday from 7:00am – 4:00pm. The position has a 4-hour AM shift on Saturday, rotating among all staff every 1-2 months, depending on staffing level.