Senior Laboratory Assistant, CF - Centinela State Prison (CEN)

California Correctional Health Care Services; Imperial (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

California Correctional Health Care Services seeks a Senior Laboratory Assistant, CF, to perform standardized non-technical laboratory procedures, collect and process laboratory specimens, and assist in operating specialized laboratory equipment at Centinela State Prison in Imperial County.

The role may involve leading laboratory assistants, ensuring compliance with state laws and departmental policies, and safeguarding staff and inmates while maintaining order.

Qualifications

• Performs standardized non-technical laboratory procedures in collecting and processing laboratory specimens, materials, and supplies.
• Assists in operating specialized laboratory equipment.
• Maintains order and supervises the conduct of the incarcerated and protects and maintains the safety of persons and property.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, may act in a lead capacity for laboratory assistants.
• Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and departmental policies.
• Supports safety and security within the facility while performing lab duties.

Job description

Department Information

Vision

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.

Across our organization, our programs work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR and CCHCS mission.

This advertisement is for a Senior Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility position(s) located at Centinela State Prison (CEN) in Imperial, in Imperial County.

Department Website: https://cchcs.ca.gov/careers

Job Description And Duties

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 11, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period.

This is a limited term position which may be extended or become permanent.

Under the supervision of the Correctional Health Services Administrator I/II, Correctional Facility (CF), the Senior Laboratory Assistant, CF performs standardized non-technical laboratory procedures in collecting and processing laboratory specimens, materials, and supplies. Assists in operating specialized laboratory equipment. Complies with all the applicable State and federal laws and regulations and departmental policies and procedures pertaining to the laboratory. May act in a lead capacity for laboratory assistants. Maintains order and supervises the conduct of the incarcerated and protects and maintains the safety of persons and property.

Please note: Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.