Laboratory Operations Support Technician

Overview

As the Laboratory Operations Support Technician, you will play an essential role in keeping Washington’s Public Health Laboratories operating safely and efficiently. Working on-site in Shoreline, you’ll rotate through key laboratory support areas including media preparation, glassware processing, laboratory waste decontamination, inventory and stockroom operations, and mailroom services. Your work ensures laboratory scientists have the clean equipment, prepared media, supplies, and specimens they need to perform testing that protects public health across the state.

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced laboratory environment where accuracy, organization, and attention to safety are critical. You’ll prepare laboratory materials, maintain inventory, process incoming supplies and specimens, and follow established quality and safety procedures while working closely with colleagues across the laboratory.

The work you perform behind the scenes directly supports timely laboratory testing and emergency response activities. By ensuring laboratory operations run smoothly every day, you help enable the testing and scientific work that informs public health decisions and protects the health of Washington communities.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Prepare microbiological media, laboratory solutions, and sterilized glassware used for public health testing.
Decontaminate laboratory waste and clean, inspect, sterilize, and prepare laboratory glassware and equipment for reuse.
Receive, track, and distribute laboratory supplies, specimens, and procurement orders while maintaining inventory and chain-of-custody documentation.
Assemble specimen collection kits, process laboratory supply orders, and prepare inbound and outbound shipments in compliance with shipping regulations.
Maintain accurate laboratory records, inventory data, and quality assurance documentation using computerized tracking systems and laboratory information systems (LIMS).
Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory support equipment, including autoclaves, industrial dishwashers, drying ovens, media dispensers, balances, and related equipment.
Collaborate with laboratory staff to coordinate workloads, train new team members, maintain organized work areas, and provide cross-coverage across multiple support service units as operational needs change.
Participate in emergency response activities and provide operational support during public health emergencies as assigned.