Laboratory Technician I

Overview

Employment with Canton Public Health comes with an array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, paid vacations, paid holidays, a retirement plan, and sick time.

Starting Salary:  $48,478.00

Applicants must apply at governmentjobs.com. Applicants must submit a copy of their valid driver’s license along with their application.

This is an open examination. To be eligible for this position applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or have a permanent resident card.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Laboratory Technician I performs analyses and activities necessary for the daily operation of the laboratory. This may include, but is not limited to, clinical testing in compliance with Federal and Ohio Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), drinking water testing in compliance with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), Food testing conforming with the current edition of Standard Methods, and examine air samples for common pollen and molds. Repetitious work is expected to be performed independently. Supervision needed only on unusual problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

55% Medical Testing: 

• Conduct analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, oral, urethral and vaginal samples to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.

· Operate, set-up, clean, calibrate, or maintain equipment, such as rotator, centrifuge, incubators, refrigerators, microscopes, gene amplification system, conductivity, pH meter, deionized water system and autoclaves.

· Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.

· Measure or weigh and prepare compounds and solutions for use in testing.

· Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage and electronic reporting.

· Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers and visitors engaged in laboratory testing.

· Evaluate and recommend modifications to policies, procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens.

· Analyze laboratory findings through multiple quality control/assurance activities to check the accuracy and validity of the results.

· Perform pre, post and analytic quality assurance activities. Participate in and maintain and organize departmental proficiency testing results.

· Complete electronic monthly report.

· All clinical testing is done in compliance with CLIA rules and interpretations.

34% Drinking Water Testing:

Conduct water testing in accordance with the Ohio EPA Laboratory Manual for Microbiological Analyses of Public Drinking Water.

· Operate, set-up, clean, calibrate, or maintain equipment, such as, incubators, refrigerators, conductivity, pH meter, deionized water system, thermometers and autoclaves.

· Analyze laboratory findings through multiple quality control/assurance activities to check the accuracy and validity of the results.

· Measure or weigh and prepare compounds and solutions for use in testing.

· Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.

· Enter data into paper and electronic reporting systems accurately and timely.

· Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, technicians, or other laboratory workers and visitors engaged in laboratory testing.

8% Seasonal Mold and Pollen:

· Conduct standardized microbiological tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of substances gathered utilizing a rotorod sampler.

· Operate, set-up, clean, calibrate, or maintain equipment, including a microscope, rotorod sampler, and thermometer.

· Measure or weigh and prepare compounds and solutions for use in testing.

· Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.

· Enter data into paper and electronic reporting systems accurately and timely.

· Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, technicians, or other laboratory workers and visitors engaged in laboratory testing.

2% Food Testing:

• Conduct standardized microbiological tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of substances in food. · Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.

· Measure or weigh and prepare compounds and solutions for use in testing.

· Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.

· Enter data from analysis of tests are recorded and reported accurately and timely. Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, technicians, or other laboratory workers and visitors engaged in laboratory testing.

· Evaluate and recommend modifications to policies, procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens.

· Analyze laboratory findings through multiple quality control/assurance activities to check the accuracy and validity of the results.

· Perform pre, post and analytic quality assurance activities.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Manage time and accounting efforts: This includes recording of work activities utilizing current electronic management system.

Participate in departmental wide activities, such as accreditation team member, support functions in response to public health emergencies as directed by the Health Commissioner and all staff trainings and meeting.

Other Duties as Assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Graduated from an accredited collegiate program with a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in clinical, laboratory, medical, or related science. Previous experience in a laboratory, while preferable, is not if a laboratory environment was included in the person’s academic studies. · Must be computer proficient and able to work efficiently in a heavily computerized PC environment using various Microsoft Office programs and database applications, including web-based collaboration tools, email, Excel and Word. · Must have a valid Ohio driver’s license with good driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Additional ratings such as ASCP or CAP Certification, OEPA Water Analysis Certification, or CLIA Registration. · MLS (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Certification. · 2 years of laboratory training in a clinical or environmental field.

MINIMUM CREDENTIALS: 

The following credentials must be acquired and maintained. These credentials are not required upon initial hire but are required to be acquired within six months of starting date. Training will be provided for the all of these credentials.

· Packaging and Shipping Category B Substances

· Current version of Federal Emergency Management Institute Courses: IS100, and IS 700.

· Blood Borne Pathogen

· HIPAA Compliance

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The Laboratory Technician must be able to be physically present in the laboratory during their assigned work schedule. They must be able to perform duties and procedures which may require standing or sitting for prolonged periods. They must be comfortable with the normal ambient temperature, humidity, noise, and lighting which prevail in a laboratory environment. At least once per week they must be able to tolerate additional noise generated by vacuum suctioning devices. They need to be able to lift and transfer articles weighing up to 25 pounds. The person must be able to clearly perceive and skillfully manipulate objects and demarcations smaller than 1/16 of an inch; and able to detect and identify colors. They must have sufficient manual dexterity to utilize a computer mouse, keyboard, monitor, and associated peripherals. The person should be able to discern normal speech and communicate in kind. They must be able to tolerate interruptions from phones, visitors, and co-workers. They must be able to operate a motor vehicle and use it to attend meetings, trainings, and to collect or drop-off specimens and samples from off-site locations when necessary. They must accept that for rabies testing animal euthanasia for public health purposes may be conducted within the work environment (typically dispatching bats). They must be able to work in independent and team environments.

ADA COMPLIANCE 
Reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA Compliance will be made available upon request to those qualified applicants in need of it, in order to achieve the essential job functions as described above.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT  
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, age, type of disability, or any other non-merit factor.

 At the City of Canton, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.