Laboratory Assistant 3 (40 Hour)

Are you an experienced lab professional who is looking to gain valuable experience in State service?

If so, we invite you to explore this durational opportunity with the State of Connecticut!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with a first-shift schedule, of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our lab is centrally located in Meriden, CT.

This is a grant-funded position with an end date of September 30, 2022.

YOUR ROLE

The Laboratory Assistant 3 will be performing bench work that includes:

• Quality Control checking reagents;
• Evidence handling;
• Exams; and
• Any documentation necessary for casework examination procedures.

More details can be found in the class specification.

ABOUT US

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.

The Division of Scientific Services provides forensic support to local, state and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. This Division is divided into five sections:

• The three analytical sections are the Chemical Analysis Section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and fire debris/ignitable liquid residue), the Forensic Biology/DNA Section, and the Identification Section (including computer crimes).
• The two non-analytical sections are the Quality Section and the Laboratory Support Services Section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management).

If you'd like to learn more about our division and our sections, please visit our webpage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes:

• Excellent health and dental coverage;
• A generous retirement plan;
• Paid time off;
• A healthy work - life balance!

Learn more about joining our dynamic team with DESPP

.This is a non-competitive position, open to the public.

This is a grant-funded position with an end date of September 30, 2022.

In order to be considered you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date unless otherwise specified.

TO APPLY

• Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.
• In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

• Current State Employees: Two (2) most recent performance evaluations, Cover Letter, and a completed CT-HR-13 form.
• Non-State Employees: Two (2) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor, Cover letter, and a completed CT-HR-13 form.

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in the selection process.

Should you have any questions about the position, please contact Samantha Wasef, Human Resources Associate – Talent Solutions at Samantha.Wasef@CT.Gov

In a state health, academic or diagnostic laboratory, this class is accountable for performing a range of technical laboratory work with emphasis on special techniques and more complex technical examinations involving independent calculations, more advanced laboratory equipment and analytical judgements.
In an academic institution laboratory complex, this class is accountable for preparing and maintaining student laboratories.

STATE HEALTH, ACADEMIC OR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY: Prepares specimens/samples, culture media, solutions and reagents of varying complexity but with emphasis on use of more specialized techniques and calibrated measuring devices, analytical balances and independent calculations; performs more complex technical examinations; assists in collection and identification of specimens for special laboratory studies; performs minor maintenance on laboratory equipment; maintains inventory of all testing materials prepared; keeps records of laboratory findings and prepares reports; may lead lower level laboratory employees in preparatory techniques and performance of technical examinations; performs related duties as required.
ACADEMIC INSTITUTION LABORATORY COMPLEX: Prepares materials and equipment needed to carry out student laboratory assignments and maintain large student laboratories, e.g. media, solutions, reagents and stains of varying types and complexities, preserved materials and animal specimens, instructional media, etc.; ensures cleanliness and proper set up of laboratory equipment, materials and facilities; requisitions needed supplies and maintains inventory; assembles and breaks down laboratory exercises and course materials; oversees and assists student workers and other lower level laboratory employees; prepares reports; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of specialized laboratory techniques and procedures; ability to make independent analytical judgements and carry out independent calculations; ability to prepare reports and keep technical records.

Four (4) years' experience in laboratory work.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a related laboratory setting at the level of Laboratory Assistant 2 or above.

College training in the biological or physical sciences may be substituted for the General or Special Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

• Experience in General Laboratory Skills (e.g. weighing, pipetting, use of laboratory glassware, aseptic technique, laboratory terminology);
• Experience in safely and effectively handling potentially infectious and hazardous materials;
• Experience in handling forensic evidence and accurately document examination and observation procedures;
• Experience in laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Incumbents in this class must be willing to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases as necessary.

Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment; may be exposed to some risk of injury from such elements as toxic vapors and toxic and/or disease-carrying substances; may be exposed to moderately disagreeable conditions.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.