Laboratory Technician 2 - Seattle Toxicology Lab

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Patrol is seeking a Laboratory Technician 2 to support forensic analysis in the Toxicology Laboratory Division. The LT2 will coordinate outsourcing of death investigation casework, prepare samples for testing, and communicate with staff, customers, and vendors.

Responsibilities include maintaining a clean lab, performing safety checks, tracking inventory, and assisting with ordering supplies. The role may require travel across the state and occasional outside meetings.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 30 days of employment.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• A 2 year community college degree or 4 year university or college degree in biology, chemistry, lab technology, micro or molecular biology may substitute for the required experience as a laboratory technician 1.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate outsourcing of death investigation casework and triage cases; prepare samples for testing and manage receipt/distribution of external results.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment; perform safety checks; monitor inventories and assist with ordering supplies.
• Provide administrative support and assist with temperature monitoring and escort maintenance/repair technicians as requested.

Skills

Driver's License

Domestic travel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2-year community college degree or 4-year degree in biology/chemistry/lab tech

Job description

This is a project position funded until August 31, 2027, however it is anticipated the funding will continue after that time.

About the Position:

The Laboratory Technician 2 (LT2) position provides critical, underlying support to various aspects of forensic analysis performed by the Laboratory and aids in the reduction of casework backlogs. The position is under the supervision of the Lab Manager and also takes direction from the Technical Management and Forensic Scientist teams.

The LT2 is assigned work by the Lab Manager. The LT2 works with Forensic Scientists and technical staff on a daily basis to ensure efficient processing of outsourced casework; the suitability of quality control material; performance equipment/instrument maintenance; up to date inventories; and performs other assigned duties. The LT2 will communicate verbally and in written format with customers and vendors.

About the Division:

The Toxicology Laboratory Division (TLD) provides high quality forensic science services and training for Washington's criminal justice agencies that enhances public safety for the people of Washington.

About the Agency:

The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.

Our new teammate will be able to:

• Manage outsourcing of death investigation casework, under the supervision of the Lab Manager while triaging death investigation cases, completing data entry, preparing samples for testing, data entry, tracking outsource cases, and managing receipt and distribution of external test results. Must be able to effectively communicate with laboratory staff as well as external customers, and vendors.
• Support the laboratory by maintaining a clean laboratory environment, ensuring laboratory safety, performing safety checks, adhere to all policies and procedures, staying current with all manual updates. Assist with troubleshooting. Participate in ordering supplies, and monitoring inventory, and monthly cleaning rotation.
• Provide administrative assistance, perform laboratory refrigerator/freezer electronic temperature monitoring system maintenance/record keeping, and escort maintenance/repair technicians as requested by the supervisor.

Schedule:

40-hour work week, generally 5 days per week Monday through Friday. Hours may be flexible upon approval of the supervisor/laboratory manager. Laboratory business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Travel:

Some travel within and outside the state will be required, this may include cross-Division travel, travel for meetings/training events and/or court testimony.

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 30 days of employment.
• High School Diploma or GED
• A 2 year community college degree or 4 year university or college degree in biology, chemistry, lab technology, micro or molecular biology may substitute for the required experience as a laboratory technician 1.
• Willing to travel throughout the state for meetings, training and providing assistance as required.

Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01.
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please determine your eligibility.

Questions? Please contact Monica Simpson at [e-mail].

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