Rabies Laboratory Assistant Technician

State of Maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency in Maine seeks a Laboratory Technician II responsible for performing rabies testing and supporting various laboratory functions. This role demands technical skills in medical and environmental technology, requiring candidates to perform procedures critical to diagnosing rabies in wildlife. In addition to technical responsibilities, the position emphasizes effective communication and teamwork within the lab environment. The State offers a competitive benefits package to support employee well-being.

Benefits

Paid holidays and sick leave

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan with employer contributions

Fully paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications require two years of relevant education and experience.
• Preferred candidates should have rabies vaccination, communication skills, and laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of autoclaves and patient data entry systems is valued.

Responsibilities

• Perform rabies testing procedures, including necropsies and preparing slides.
• Conduct checks for autoclaves and ensure proper sterilization.
• Assist in other laboratory tasks as needed.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Laboratory techniques

Education

Two years of education, training, or experience in medical or environmental technology

Tools

Laboratory information management system (LIMS)

Autoclaves

Laboratory washers

Job description

Department ofHealth and Human Services (DHHS)

Laboratory Technician II

Opening Date: June 25, 2025

Closing Date: July 9, 2025

Job Class Code: 4212

Grade: 16 (Pro / Tech)

Salary: $36,795.20 - $50,481.60 per year

Position Number: 02031-1651

Location: Augusta

The Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is looking for an individual to work as a laboratory assistant within the TB/Rabies section and provide aid to other lab sections as needed. In this position you will be required to be vaccinated against the Rabies virus.

This position supports the HETL Microbiology section. Primary responsibility will be to perform procedures that aid in the diagnosis of Rabies in suspected domestic and wild animals. These procedures include performing necropsies, preparing smears, and staining slides. This position is also responsible for overseeing the decontamination and sterilization of materials used in the Clinical Microbiology sections, as well as other various duties assigned.

Core Responsibilities:

As a key member of the TB/Rabies team, your core responsibilities will include:

• Perform daily temperature and other checks for autoclaves and washers
• Perform Rabies testing tasks
o Check for animals in the outside refrigerator
o Accession (log into lab database) animals
o Perform necropsy and make slides
o Stain slides, deliver, and notify appropriate staff that slides are available
o Decontamination and disposal of rabies waste
• Check Media Prep tasks
• Wash glassware and other lab items
• Perform weekly quality control test for autoclave(s)
• Perform eye wash and safety shower checks for Necropsy suite

Minimum Qualifications:

A two (2) year combination of education, training, and experience which demonstrates a knowledge of medical or environmental technology and/or analytical chemistry and laboratory equipment, testing, and techniques.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Rabies vaccination/titer
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in performing necropsies
• Knowledge and experience with autoclaves and laboratory washers
• Knowledge and experience with laboratory equipment used to make reagents and media for a clinical laboratory
• A working knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Experience with laboratory database and patient data entry into system
• The ability to work with managers and staff on various tasks

Thinking about applying?

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Lori Webber, TB/Rabies Supervisor, at [phone].

*To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact [e-mail]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated foranything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.