LT3: Specimen Receiving and Pre-analytical Processing

Department-of-State-Health-Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Job summary

Dept of State Health Services in Austin, TX seeks a Laboratory Technician III to receive and process specimens, assign lab numbers, and ensure requisitions are complete. You will use LIMS to enter test requests, track demographics, and perform QC tasks to meet SOP deadlines.

Responsibilities include handling unsatisfactory/abnormal samples, providing customer service to providers and submitters, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Regular weekend days are required; telework is not available.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles.
• Proficient with computer software and data systems.
• Ability to enter data accurately and quickly.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process specimens; assign lab numbers and verify forms.
• Use LIMS to manage test requests and demographics; document QC steps.
• Process unsatisfactory/abnormal specimens and ensure timely QC reports.
• Provide customer service; greet visitors and relay information per SOPs.
• Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly; operate state vehicle if required.
• Assist in disaster response or COOP as needed.

Skills

Lab knowledge

Computer software

Data entry

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Career Opportunities: LT3: Specimen Receiving and Pre-analytical Processing (21924)

Posting ID21924-Posted09/30/2026-Dept of State Health Services-Quality Assurance-Life, Physical, and Social Science-Not Eligible for Telework- Additional Shifts available (2) -b. $3000 - $4999 per month

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas . If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page .

Functional Title: LT3: Specimen Receiving and Pre-analytical Processing
Job Title: Laboratory Technician III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Quality Assurance
Posting Number: 21924
Closing Date: 10/14/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $3,907.90 - $4,494.09
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-15
Shift: Regular Weekend Day
Additional Shift: Days (First); Weekends
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Other Locations: None
MOS Codes: 18D,4T0X1,68A,68K,68S,68Z,HM,HN,HS

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Receives and processes specimens and samples received at the laboratory, including but not limited to microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples. Sorts, determines pre-analytical acceptability, and assigns lab numbers for all specimens/samples that are suitable for DSHS laboratory testing. Ensures that all requisition forms are properly completed. Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others. Completes specimen and form processing by deadlines set forth in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals (35%)

EJF 2. Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to processing unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging/delivery of specimens. Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for patient demographic information, and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps as defined in SOP for assigned procedures. Responsible for ensuring daily reports are completed for QC purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps as defined in SOP for assigned procedures. (20%)

EJF 3. Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to processing unsatisfactory specimens and abnormal specimens. Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for patient demographic information, and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps, reports, and documents, as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures. (20%)

EJF 4. Provides customer service. Ensures that customer needs are met regarding the handling of specimens. Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS, or hand deliveries. Provides information to providers and submitters according to SOPs. Assists Team Lead and Group Manager to solve logistical and technical problems. (10%)

EJF 5. Tasks require the ability to lift, push, pull and carry packages, boxes, and/or coolers up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day. For all packages over 50 lbs., assistance is required. Deliver or pick up packages, boxes, and/or coolers via state vehicle. Safe operation of a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (10%)

EJF 6. Performs other duties assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment, and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Microbiological and chemical principles and terminology.

Skill in:

• The operation of computers and applicable computer software.

Ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
• Self-direct in the absence of detailed instruction or supervision.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.
• Solve technical problems.
• Work cooperatively in a team setting.
• Enter data into a computer quickly and accurately.
• Lift, push, pull and carry packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day; for all packages over 50 lbs, assistance is required.
• Multitask and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Train co-workers.
• Make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.
  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state. Must be indicated on application.

Initial Screening Criteria:

All applicants are required to:
1. Work hours other than 8 am – 5 pm, weekends, and holidays, as indicated by application.

2. Transport ("travel") samples and/or specimens up to 5% of the time, as indicated by application.
All applicants are required tomeet at least one