Public Health Laboratory Assistant (Public Health Laboratory Technician)

Join the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) team and use your skills to protect, promote, and improve the health and quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our community. FCHD is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

About the role

Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of paraprofessional laboratory work in support of laboratory programs:

• 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.

Requirements

• High school graduation plus three years of related experience within a clinical or environmental laboratory setting.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification (required within 60 days of appointment).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification (required within 60 days of appointment).

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check. This position is emergency/essential services personnel and may require reporting for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.

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.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Detail-oriented, accurate in data entry, organized, with excellent customer service skills/experience, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• 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.

Skills

• 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 safety procedures.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to think critically and 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.

Physical Requirements

• Job is generally sedentary but requires walking, standing, sitting (for long periods), kneeling, reaching, bending, and climbing stairs.
• May be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs.
• Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
• Visual acuity required to read data from paper, computer monitors, or other electronic devices; ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and use touchscreens.
• Visual acuity required to read data on laboratory equipment, closely examine specimens microscopically, and distinguish fine gradations of color, bands, or structures.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment.
• Frequent communication required to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing.
• Works primarily in an office environment but may occasionally perform job duties outside of the typical office setting.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.

All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

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

Fairfax County Government encourages candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.