City and County of San Francisco

Laboratory Technician II (#2416)

$32.55-$39.61 Hourly / $5,642.00-$6,866.00 Monthly / $67,704.00-$82,394.00 Yearly


Definition

Under supervision, assists laboratory analysts in processing samples, performing laboratory examinations and quality control. Responsibilities include: assisting microbiologists in the execution and analyses of laboratory based tests; assisting with analytical and data-reporting operations; managing and processing human clinical specimens; maintaining and registering patient/laboratory information into an electronic information management system or database program; performing quality control protocols on general lab equipment; recognizing and reporting errors or discrepancies in the course of performing quality control operations and assisting in the rectification of the noted problems; and may provide technical training to new Laboratory Technician I staff. Work area may be somewhat disagreeable and may include exposure to unpleasant odors, heat, blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C or other health hazards and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

The Laboratory Technician II is the journey level in the Laboratory Technician series. This class works under general supervision, performing complex and difficult laboratory assistance work.   This class is distinguished from the Laboratory Technician I in that the latter class works under direct supervision, performing simple, routine, non-professional laboratory tasks.

Supervision Exercised

None

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Unpacks and centrifuges specimens; separates plasma or serum from blood cells; and distributes into different tests and storage vessels.
2. Prepares and processes sputum, blood and other specimens for laboratory analysis and microbiological examinations; prepares media and reagents for bacteriological laboratory tests; prepares proper stains for microscopic analysis; process patient specimens for laboratory analysis.
3. Reads, records and evaluates the temperatures and water levels of incubators and refrigerators to ensure proper temperature and water ranges are maintained.
4. Conducts quality control and assurance of patient specimens for laboratory analysis and on performance of devices, laboratory equipment, supplies and machinery; records all quality control data for reporting and quality assurance.
5. Enters patient data and specimen information into computer system to prepare computerized worksheets and reports.
6. Acts as liaison between biomedical engineering personnel and laboratory technicians to ensure proper functioning of laboratory equipment.
7. Monitors and performs maintenance of laboratory equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, rotators and incubators.
8. Assists, coordinates, and provides laboratory support for research projects.
9. May provide on-going technical guidance, instruction, and training to newly rotated laboratory personnel in the proper performance of routine procedures.
10. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
Names, uses and care of standard laboratory equipment and supplies;
Laboratory methods and techniques, including the preparation of common media, reagents and other solutions;
Laboratory safety protocols;
Sterilization techniques;
Methods and procedures for handling and shipping hazardous materials;
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) regulations and standards for protection of privacy and personal health information;
Medical and microbiological terminology;
Word processing, spreadsheet, and database computer software programs.

Skill and Ability to:
Communicate effectively orally and in writing; 
Properly handle and dispose of chemicals and infectious materials;
Perform duties according to detailed instructions and established procedures;
Operate and work efficiently with and maintain laboratory equipment;
Prepare culture media, reagents, laboratory supplies;
Maintain records and reports;
Perform data entry;
Organize work and work-lists;
Provide technical training to new laboratory personnel.

Experience and Training

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination).

Experience:
Requires one (1) year of experience, within the last five (5) years, working in a laboratory setting, assisting with the preparation of cultures, media, reagents and specimens for microbiological exams and laboratory analysis, dispensing of bacteriological cultures or other similarly related laboratory work experience equivalent to the duties performed by class 2402 Laboratory Technician I in the City and County of San Francisco.

Substitution:
Successful completion of fifteen (15) semester or twenty-two and one-half (22.5) quarter units, from an accredited college or university, which must have included one (1) college laboratory course in Chemistry or a Biological Science can substitute for six (6) months of the required experience; OR
Successful completion of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units, from an accredited college or university, which must have included two (2) college laboratory courses in Chemistry or a Biological Science, can substitute for the required one (1) year of experience.

 

License or Certificate

None

Notes

From: Laboratory Technician I

AMENDED:  3/1/2012

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 2416; EST: 1/12/1961; REV: 3/1/2012;