Public Health Laboratory Technician I (#RH4960)
$19.13-$23.25 Hourly / $3,315.08-$4,029.50 Monthly / $39,781.03-$48,354.09 Yearly

Under immediate supervision, performs and assists with routine laboratory work in the preparation, sterilization, and distribution of media, glassware media, reagents, and other equipment used in a public health laboratory; and performs related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the entry-level class in the Public Health Laboratory Technician series. Incumbents are expected to learn and develop necessary skills to perform basic work assignments.

• Learns to collect, clean, sterilize, inspect, prepare, wrap, and distribute glassware, instruments, and other laboratory supplies.
• Receives specimens for testing and matches specimens with test request forms.
• Operates and maintains autoclave, ovens, glassware washer, and other equipment.
• Fills and labels media reagent containers and kits for specimen collection for distribution to private physicians, clinics, laboratories, and hospitals.
• Prepares, dispenses, and sterilizes a large variety of media and reagents for use in various sections of the laboratory.
• Records and documents daily laboratory measurements for review.
• Maintains the laboratory in a sanitary and orderly condition.
• Maintains laboratory supplies, materials, and appropriate records; delivers supplies to clients.

License:  Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry and mathematics; record keeping principles and techniques; laboratory hazards; proper safety precautions and procedures; basic computer and computer software relevant to department operations.

Learn basic laboratory procedures; learn scientific terminology and measurements; clean and care for laboratory equipment; follow oral and written directions; utilize standard office procedures and equipment; operate computers and related software; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Mobility-Operating data entry device, standing for long periods, walking; occasional sitting for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting, driving, climbing stairs; Lifting-Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less; occasional lifting 5 to 30 pounds; Vision-Frequent overall vision, eye/hand coordination, reading/close-up work, field of vision/peripheral; color perception, depth perception; Dexterity-Frequent reaching, grasping, repetitive motion, writing; holding; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing normal speech; frequent hearing on the telephone, talking in person, talking on the telephone; occasional hearing faint sounds; Emotional/Psychological-Concentration, working alone; frequent public contact, travel; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, death, exposure to hazardous materials; Special Requirements-Working alone; overtime; Environmental Conditions-Frequent exposure to noise; occasional exposure to dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, cold, heat (indoor), hazardous materials.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.