Introduction
Do you have a passion for the sciences and enjoy working within the lab?
If so, please consider this fantastic opportunity!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) has an opening for a Laboratory Assistant 1 (LA1) to join our team with the Division of Scientific Services (DSS) in Meriden, CT.
Position Highlights:
This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with a first shift schedule, Monday through Friday.
This LA1 will be assigned to work in the Case Management Unit of the DSS. The LA1 performs clerical functions in support of the technical units. For example, this individual will support the lab in processing Discovery and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and triaging rush requests.
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!
About Us:
DESPP 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 three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and arson), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including computer crimes).
The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: 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.
For an inside look at what it is like as a State of Connecticut employee, check out the video below!
Selection Plan
Application Process:
In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
In order to be considered for this job opening, 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.
Please ensure your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut.
Throughout the Recruitment Process:
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
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.
During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.
Selection Process:
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees
- Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
- Cover letter
- Completed CT-HR-13
Non-State Employees
- Two (2) professional references contact information (including name, email, phone, and relationship)
- Cover Letter
- Completed CT-HR-13
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 this selection process.
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
Contact Information:
Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Benjamin Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state health, academic or diagnostic laboratory this class is accountable for receiving training in and performing with increasing independence routine technical laboratory work with emphasis on solution and sample preparation or performing processing and laboratory functions for investigated cases.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Receives training in basic technical laboratory procedures and techniques; prepares simple solutions, stains, culture media and/or reagents according to written instructions; prepares specimens and/or samples for examinations; maintains records of work performed; may perform simple and routine tests and examinations under supervision; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Some knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, techniques and terminology; some knowledge of medical terminology; interpersonal skills; ability to carry out written and oral instructions; ability to apply policies and procedures; some typing ability; ability to carry out simple calculations and keep simple technical records; manual dexterity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of experience in a laboratory or medical setting.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Graduation from high school with courses in mathematics and science may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite software including Word, Excel and Outlook;
- Experience processing Discoveries or Freedom of Information Act requests;
- Experience working in a forensic science laboratory environment;
- Experience composing correspondence letters or emails between organization and stakeholders;
- Experience with electronic case management systems for the use of maintaining case files;
- Experience operating a networked copier machine that allows for printing, scanning, emailing and saving files electronically;
- Experience working with confidential or privileged information such as names, dates of birth, address, personal financial information, medical records or test results;
- Experience interfacing with Lawyers, Law Enforcement, Judicial, other State and Federal Agencies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class must be willing to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases as necessary.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment and supplies, may be exposed to some risk of injury from such elements as toxic vapors or broken glass and may be exposed to disagreeable conditions including communicable infectious diseases.
Conclusion
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.
