LTE Laboratory Assistant

Dane County; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Dane County is looking for a Laboratory Assistant to support operations in their Public Health Laboratory. This role includes sample preparation, assisting lab personnel, and performing administrative duties in a collaborative environment focused on diversity and inclusion. Candidates are expected to have a high school diploma and relevant experience, as well as effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license or equivalent transport.
• Experience in a laboratory or similar setting is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis and assist laboratory personnel.
• Perform lab equipment checks and assist with administrative tasks.
• Maintain organization of laboratory and storage areas.

Skills

Multicultural competence

Laboratory techniques

Recordkeeping

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Two years of college or technical school training in relevant areas

Job description

The Public Health for Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) department has a limited term vacancy for a LTE Laboratory Assistant position in Madison, WI.

Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Public Health - Madison and Dane County in Madison (PHMDC), Wisconsin is seeking a laboratory assistant to perform technical and analytical work in the Public Health Laboratory. The selected candidate will work under the direction of the environmental health services supervisor providing support for laboratory services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Prepares samples for analysis and assists laboratory personnel in any way to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. This includes, but is not limited to: participating in sampling, setting up samples for analysis, logging sample information into the laboratory LIMS,sample disposal, testing and monitoring of samples, cleaning laboratory supplies and equipment. Assists with general housekeeping and maintaining the organization of the laboratories and storage areas, maintenance of field/laboratory facilities and equipment. Performs laboratory and equipment checks including temperature and safety equipment checks, preparing laboratory culture medias, reagents, and buffers in accordance with laboratory prep methods. Assists with administrative tasks including organization of records, scheduling and supporting maintenance and repair appointments, completing clerical and general office duties associated with laboratory prep methods and samples. Prepares laboratory equipment, supplies and trash for sterilization and/or decontamination. Responds to complaints and/or inquiries from customers. Provides direct hands-on help to the laboratory lead workers and performs related work as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to a High School Diploma/GED and six (6) months’ experience in a laboratory or a setting performing similar work. Experience may be gained by completing two (2) years of college or technical school training in relevant areas.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. As a condition of employment, employees are required to be current, and remain current, with certain immunizations and vaccinations. A list will be provided at the time of the job offer.

Background Check Statement:Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Laboratory work is performed primarily indoors and requires intermittently sitting at a desk, twisting to reach chemicals, equipment, and materials. Use Grasping and fine finger manipulations. Regular exposure to laboratory chemicals, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, and wetness. Office work involves sitting/standing at a computer workstation/desk operating computer software or reviewing paper plans. Intermittently sitting at a desk while studying or preparing reports. Twisting to reach equipment or materials.

Field work requires the ability to lift or carry up to 30 lbs. depending on the program, dexterity and acuity inherent in the collection of field samples, including ability to work under freezing and/or extreme heat conditions. Work may be in areas on unstable ground, platforms, and ladders. Good visual acuity and hearing with or without corrective devices. Ability to physically access field locations. The work environment is made up of indoor and outdoor locations. Inspection work will require the staff member to stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, climb, and bend while performing inspection duties. Use a telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge of or the ability to learn the physical and chemical properties of environmental contaminants and the technology and equipment associated with their monitoring and measurement. Ability to implement administrative policies and procedures. Ability to maintain recordkeeping systems. Ability to implement sampling and safety procedures relative to the handling of hazardous materials. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.