Public Health Lab Technician: Shellfish & Toxin Testing

tsu.edu; California; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) seeks a Public Health Laboratory Technician I to support the Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Section. You will receive and test environmental samples, prepare media, and perform routine laboratory tests under supervision.

Responsibilities include quality control, equipment maintenance, data entry into laboratory information management systems, inventory management, and adherence to biosafety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Assist with routine laboratory tests and specimen processing.
• Knowledge of biosafety and regulatory standards.
• Ability to handle equipment and maintain inventory.

Responsibilities

• 35% Handle and inoculate animals to detect and identify marine toxins of public health significance. Perform environmental testing on shellfish samples and generate results reviewed and approved by PHM or supervisor. Perform computer data entry for accessing and receiving specimens using laboratory information management systems.
• 20% Responsible for the movement of equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 lbs. (or more with assistance); clean, measure, divide, and dispense equipment and supplies. Maintain and clean laboratory equipment and perform instrument calibration. Clean and wash laboratory glassware and shellfish equipment. Contact CDPH facilities to schedule minor laboratory or equipment repairs. Schedule equipment preventative maintenance and service visits. Autoclave, disinfect, and dispose of contaminated materials and infectious agents. Work in full compliance with biosafety requirements and federal and state regulatory standards.
• 20% Prepare reagents and complex media for use in diagnostic testing. Prepare labels and aliquot reagents using pipetting devices and finely graduated glassware. Perform quality control testing on reagents, media, and test kits using standards and characterized control materials. Maintain inventory and monitor expiration dates on test reagents, kits, and media. Maintain laboratory stocks of consumables and glassware. Use and maintain computer databases to manage inventories.
• 20% Assist with low complexity testing, equipment maintenance and reading of instrument data output. Manipulate laboratory materials, instruments, and glassware to successfully and consistently make aseptic transfers, measurements, and other manipulations involving living organisms. Effectively use small, intricate instruments such as, pipettes, balances, thermometers, and pH meters with skill.
• 5% Other job-related duties as required.

Skills

LIMS

Tools

LIMS

Job description

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) seeks a Public Health Laboratory Technician I to support the Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Section. You will receive and test environmental samples, prepare media, and perform routine laboratory tests under supervision.

Responsibilities include quality control, equipment maintenance, data entry into laboratory information management systems, inventory management, and adherence to biosafety and regulatory standards.