Technical Laboratory Assistant

Diagnostic Laboratory Services; Aiea (HI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Diagnostic Laboratory Services in Wahiawa, HI is seeking a Technical Laboratory Assistant Specialist. The role involves performing preparatory portions of laboratory procedures under supervision, assisting with QA/QC, and leading training for other TLAs and students.

Regular full-time schedule includes weekends with a core Sunday-Thursday shift, and a pay range of $22.00–$28.45 per hour depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to be flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to learn laboratory SOPs.
• Ability to be a strong team player.

Responsibilities

• Performs defined pre- analytical / waived / POCT / PPMP procedures and related tasks.
• Handles specimen receiving, processing, and preparation for testing.
• Operates laboratory equipment and instrumentation, performs QC and maintenance as required.
• Trains new employees and students and completes training checklists.
• Unpacks/restocks supplies and manages inventory and orders.
• Updates and documents SOPs and lab competencies on a regular basis.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Adaptability

SOP learning

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

MT/MLT program enrollment

3 years clinical lab experience

Job description

Technical Laboratory Assistant Specialist - Wahiawa (DLS Oahu)

2026-08-11 Diagnostic Laboratory Services Aiea,HI Description:

ABOUT DLS

Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii's largest locally owned and operated clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory. DLS is proud to serve the communities of Hawaii, Guam and Saipan and utilizes state-of-the-art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care to positively impact patient lives.

SCHEDULE

Regular Full-Time Position
Must be available for 8-hour shifts between 12:00 pm and 12:00 am, Sunday through Saturday, including weekends and holidays. Primary schedule will be Sunday to Thursday, 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Must be flexible with schedule changes to meet operational needs.

HIRING RANGE

$22.00 to $28.45 hourly
Actual pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of a licensed MT/MLT, the TLA Specialist will perform preparatory portions of laboratory procedures including moderate/high complexity laboratory tests, equipment maintenance and QC/QA procedures. TLA's will not perform the analysis and reporting of the testing. Performs defined preparatory portions of laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of licensed personnel. Performs testing and duties as authorized by CLIA qualifications and the laboratory director. Operates as a lead and trainer for other TLA's and students. Performs all functions of a Technical Laboratory Assistant II with a high degree of proficiency, depending on location. Works with minimal supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs defined pre analytical / waived/POCT/PPMP analytical / waived/POCT/PPMP post analytical laboratory procedures. Performs tasks & duties associated with specimen receiving, processing, & preparation for lab testing to support the laboratory technical staff.

Beaches & Islands

• Verifies receipt of specimens in Laboratory Information System (LIS) monitors pending lists.
• Identifies, researches and resolves problems with specimens and TIQ's.
• Performs specimen receiving, advanced processing, storing, disposal functions and archiving.
• Processes and handles specimens to maintain specimen integrity, build worklist loads as

needed in LIS, loads and unloads equipment according to established procedures.

• Operates equipment or laboratory automation, troubleshoots waived/POCT/PPMP laboratory instrumentation loads reagent as needed onto equipment, performs maintenance, runs calibration, QC, and lot to lot comparisons at required intervals.
• May prepare smears (peripheral, eosinophil, body fluid, or gram stain), plant and inoculate media with specimen as needed.
• Prepares calibrators, controls and reagents as needed.
• May receive, prepare and issue blood products.
• Performs POCT moderate complexity testing, demonstrating proficiency in operation of instrumentation.
• Reviews POCT moderate complexity results to see if they are within defined parameters.
• Assist the technical staff in the technical areas as needed.

• Assists in training new employees and students and completing the training checklists.

• Unpacks and restocks supplies.
• Takes inventory and completes ordering supplies.
• Receives reviews, verifies and files packing slips.
• Researches and places special request orders. Works with buyers to process the order.
• Assists in the coordination of product recalls as assigned.

• Updates and documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Assist with completing applicable department competencies.

• May perform Forensic Toxicology specimen collections.

Technical Laboratory Assistant Specialist Hospital Duties and Essential Functions by Hospital Locations

5-15%
Accessioning/Processing/Receiving

5-15%
Waived, POCT& PPMP and preparatory portion of testing

60-70%
Running Quality Control (QC) Maintenance

10-20%
Specimen Collections

0-10%

7. Performs other duties as required.

8. Job expectations:

• Demonstrates clear, audience-focused and effective communication with Aloha.
• Reads, interprets and writes documents, such as policies, standard operating procedures and reports.
• Creates a positive work culture and environment.
• Models organizational values and contributes to quality improvements to support innovation.
• Builds collaborative relationships with teammates: shares ideas, supports others to achieve goals and has each other's backs.
• Follows all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with DLS safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe and secure working environment.
• Provides excellent customer service to our internal and external customers with compassion and respect.
• Maintains and values the importance of attendance at work.
• Stays current on information and requirements to perform the job while embracing continuous learning to improve skills and knowledge.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality of information.
• Uses sound judgement, analytical skills and innovation while problem solving and takes appropriate and timely actions.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability by adjusting to shifts in priorities, demands, and procedures.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Requires ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to, lab coats, gloves, face shields, and respiratory equipment.
• Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Distinguishes and identifies color.
• Requires corrected hearing to normal range and ability to talk throughout shift.
• In an eight (8) hour workday requires frequently standing.
• In an eight (8) hour workday requires frequently sitting.
• May require occasional lifting and carrying of supplies weighing up to thirty five (35) pounds (using hand trucks) and pushing or pulling of supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes conditions common to a hospital/laboratory environment, including working directly with potentially hazardous chemicals and/or patients with communicable diseases. Potential for inadvertent skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other infectious materials.
• Generally works in an indoor, air-conditioned area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent with:
  • Two (2) years of full-time coursework completed at an accredited college or university within a laboratory, medical or related science program;
  • OR enrolled in an MLT or MT program;
  • OR three (3) years of clinical laboratory experience performing the preparatory portion of moderate to high complexity testing to replace the course work;
  • OR two (2) years DLS experience performing the preparatory portion of moderate to high complexity testing to replace the course work.

Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in related science field (such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.).

Experience:

Required:

• One (1) year relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred:

• Two (2) or more years of experience operating as a DLS TLA II with a successful record of demonstrated experience with the technical, training or administrative aspects of a TLA I and II;

Skills:

Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to flexible in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to learn laboratory SOP's.
• Ability to be a strong team player.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Vet