Laboratory Program Assistant

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health - SD Public Health Laboratory in Pierre, SD is hiring a Laboratory Program Assistant for a full-time, 40-hour work week from 7am to 4pm. Duties include unpackaging samples, data entry, inventory, and support for lab programs.

No specific educational requirements; on-the-job training provided. Applicants with kitchen or restaurant experience and familiarity with Microsoft Office are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• No formal education or prior experience required; on-the-job training provided.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds in a lab setting.
• Strong computer skills and willingness to learn electronic test ordering and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Unpackaging clinical, environmental, and forensic samples; inventory management and data entry.
• Manage mailroom, waste handling and media preparation.
• Support laboratory scientists and leadership to meet daily goals.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic test ordering system

Inventory management system

Job description

22.74 - 22.74 US per hour

Posted 3 days ago | Apply before October 27, 2026

Description

Job ID: 38034
Agency: Department ofHealth - SD Public Health Laboratory
Location:Pierre, SD Salary:$22.74 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade:G
Closing Date:10/27/26

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Health - SD Public Health Laboratory. For more information on the Department of Health, please visit https://doh.sd.gov/ .

The South Dakota Public Health Laboratory is located in Pierre, South Dakota and provides medical microbiology, environmental chemistry and forensic chemistry testing services. The SDPHL is currently seeking a Laboratory Program Assistants to join our team. This Laboratory Program Assistant performs a wide variety of duties that directly support all laboratory programs. Duties may include unpackaging clinical, environmental, and forensic samples, inventory management, data entry and data management, as well as supporting mailroom activities, waste management and media preparation.

Education or experience in natural or physical sciences is not required for this position. On-the-job training will be provided. This position is full-time and works Monday-Friday from 7am-4pm. The incumbent will work in a laboratory environment that includes noise and heat from equipment similar to a commercial kitchen. The incumbent will work directly with chemicals and will handle infectious waste. The incumbent must be able to stand much of the workday and must be able to lift packages up to 50 pounds. Successful candidates will be innovative, resourceful, and assist laboratory scientists and the Public Health Laboratory Leadership.

Knowledge of computer based software such as Microsoft Office. The incumbent should have the ability to train in and become a user of an electronic test ordering system and inventory management system. Individuals with experience working in a commercial kitchen or restaurant industry are encouraged to apply. Individuals with experience packaging and shipping through USPS, UPS, FedEx or other courier are also encouraged to apply. Self motivation and the ability to work as a team player is very important to be successful in this position.

Knowledge of:

• familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of programs;
• observe all aspects of chemical, biological and occupational safety;
• adhere to federal, state, and Department of Health patient confidentiality policies;

Skills to:

• effectively communicate both verbally and in writing;
• solve problems using common sense, reasoning, and resourcefulness;
• operate commercial dishwashers, ovens, and autoclaves (steam sterilizers);
• operate scales and balances
• make complex microbiological media and dispense media into appropriate vessels (tubes, plates, and bottles)
• package and ship infectious substances and laboratory supplies;

Abilities to:

• support the diverse needs of the laboratory;
• manage multiple projects and meet agreed-upon deadlines;
• work collaboratively in a team environment;
• maintain flexibility and adapt quickly to shifting priorities;
• work cooperatively with Program Assistants, laboratory scientists, and laboratory leadership to meet daily goals.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.