Laboratory Technician 1-3

LDH-Office of Public Health; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Health is recruiting a Laboratory Technician to perform microbiological, chemical, physical, and biological testing on water and environmental specimens to safeguard public health in Louisiana.

You will support Public Health Laboratory Scientists, process samples, and maintain rigorous chain-of-custody and QA/QC standards. The role offers progression within the Laboratory Technician series and licensing as required by state law.

Qualifications

• Two years of general laboratory experience; OR
• Completion of an accredited clinical laboratory or medical laboratory technology program; OR
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in medical technology, nursing, clinical laboratory science, or a biological, physical, or chemical science; OR
• Certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician or Laboratory Animal Technologist by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
• Experience Substitution: Every six semester hours earned from an accredited college or university in any of the biological, physical, chemical, or agricultural sciences will substitute for one year of experience.
• Necessary Special Requirement: Positions in Human Testing Laboratory environments must be licensed to practice as either a Laboratory Assistant or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Technician in the State of Louisiana as required by Louisiana Clinical Laboratory Personnel Law R.S. 37:1311-1329 and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological, chemical, physical, and biological laboratory testing on water and environmental specimens to detect, identify, and quantify contaminants and bacterial pathogens of public health significance.
• Support laboratory operations by assisting Public Health Laboratory Scientists and supervisors with testing activities, sample analysis, and laboratory procedures.
• Receive, process, track, and maintain specimens in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements, laboratory protocols, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare culture media, reagents, laboratory supplies, and related materials necessary for analytical testing and laboratory operations.
• Ensure testing activities meet established quality assurance and quality control standards by documenting results, monitoring performance, and reporting deficiencies or irregularities.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment while maintaining competency in approved testing methods and regulatory requirements.
• Accurately document testing results, maintain laboratory records, participate in proficiency testing programs, and ensure compliance with applicable EPA, FDA, and public health laboratory standards.

Skills

General laboratory experience

Laboratory testing

Education

Accredited clinical/medical laboratory program

Associate or Bachelor’s in medical technology, nursing, clinical laboratory science, or related science

Certification as LAT or LALT by AALAS

Job description

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

Help Protect Louisiana’s Water Supply! Join the Office of Public Health as a Laboratory Technician and play a vital role in safeguarding public health through environmental microbiology testing. In this hands-on laboratory position, you'll perform critical water quality testing that supports safe drinking water programs, private well monitoring, and regulatory compliance across Louisiana. Working closely with public health professionals and regulatory agencies, you'll contribute to protecting communities from waterborne health risks while building expertise in a dynamic, mission-driven laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of general laboratory experience; OR
• Completion of an accredited clinical laboratory or medical laboratory technology program; OR
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in medical technology, nursing, clinical laboratory science, or a biological, physical, or chemical science; OR
• Certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician or Laboratory Animal Technologist by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.

Experience Substitution

• Every six semester hours earned from an accredited college or university in any of the biological, physical, chemical, or agricultural sciences will substitute for one year of experience.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Positions in Human Testing Laboratory environments must be licensed to practice as either a Laboratory Assistant or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Technician in the State of Louisiana as required by Louisiana Clinical Laboratory Personnel Law R.S. 37:1311-1329 and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Perform microbiological, chemical, physical, and biological laboratory testing on water and environmental specimens to detect, identify, and quantify contaminants and bacterial pathogens of public health significance.
• Support laboratory operations by assisting Public Health Laboratory Scientists and supervisors with testing activities, sample analysis, and laboratory procedures.
• Receive, process, track, and maintain specimens in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements, laboratory protocols, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare culture media, reagents, laboratory supplies, and related materials necessary for analytical testing and laboratory operations.
• Ensure testing activities meet established quality assurance and quality control standards by documenting results, monitoring performance, and reporting deficiencies or irregularities.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment while maintaining competency in approved testing methods and regulatory requirements.
• Accurately document testing results, maintain laboratory records, participate in proficiency testing programs, and ensure compliance with applicable EPA, FDA, and public health laboratory standards.

Position-Specific Details

Location: Office of Public Health / Central Laboratory / Caddo Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as aProbationary or a Promotional appointment

Cost Center:3262107440

Position Number(s):50514499

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Laboratory Technician 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.

Contact Information

Paul Tran

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non‑merit factor.