STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Laboratory Assistant 3 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #250703-5238FK-001

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Introduction


The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Assistant 3 within the Breathalyzer sub-unit of the Toxicology Unit.

Position highlights
The Laboratory Assistant 3 is expected to perform reagent preparation-related duties while at the same time perform laboratory-specific instrumental operation (under the direction/guidance of a trained analyst) which support routine ethanol and drug analyses. They will assist scientists and administrators with keeping the turnaround and backlog numbers down (optimally to a 30-case backlog or lower) and ensure casework flow is maximized, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Responsibilities of this position include:
• Preparation of reagents, solutions, and other materials needed for casework analyses.
• Daily evaluation of instruments for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/.QC) within the Toxicology Unit (under direction/guidance of a trained analyst)
• Management and disposal of court adjudicated DUI-related evidence.
• Assistance with screening of DUI-related incoming communications and facilitate requests to appropriate personnel (i.e., section/analyst/supervisor).
• Assistance with the Case Management Unit with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Discovery requests in gathering and providing necessary toxicological documentation for DUI-related cases.
• Assistance with the organization, maintenance, and quality improvement of Alcotest9510 breathalyzer instrumentation and certification documents for breathalyzer trainers.
• Assistance in maintaining breathalyzer instrument information within LIMS (e.g., incoming/outgoing distribution, maintenance records, updated software, and equipment inventory).
• Assistance with breathalyzer instructional classes
• Assistance with the procurement and management of supplies/ordering within the Toxicology Unit and Breathalyzer Sub Unit.
• Assistance with the Case Management Unit, when needed, regarding receipt of DUI-related evidence and entering case information into the LIMS software database.

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. This is a grant-funded position with an end date of September 30, 2025.

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. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence 

  • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data 
  • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve 
  • Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility 

  • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources 
  • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
  • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability 

  • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies 
  • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement 
  • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments 
  • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY: 

  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Mackenzie Robinson at Mackenzie.Robinson@ct.gov. 

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience in laboratory work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience completing multiple tasks simultaneously within strict deadlines
  • Experience tracking, preparing and presenting data
  • Experience handling and protecting confidential information
  • Experience safely handling potentially infectious, hazardous, or foul-smelling materials
  • Experience in public speaking or providing training in group settings
  • Experience in the operation of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

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; 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.

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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.




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