Overview
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Washington State’s Public Health Laboratories play a critical behind-the-scenes role in protecting communities statewide. This position is a hands-on Lead role within Operations Support Services, the team that keeps the labs running safely, smoothly, and on time. As a Lab Technician Lead you will provide daily, on-site leadership to staff who prepare media, manage supplies, decontaminate waste, and ensure specimens and materials move where they need to go. If you like being the calm, steady presence that keeps complex operations moving, this role matters more than most people realize.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide frontline leadership and daily coordination for Support Services staff across media prep, glassware, dish room, stockroom, mailroom, and kit preparation
Train and support staff, including onboarding, annual competencies, and cross-training
Monitor workflows, prioritize tasks, and ensure critical lab support functions meet safety, quality, and turnaround expectations
Prepare microbiological media and reagents using approved protocols and quality controls
Maintain and update procedures, logs, and documentation tied to safety, quality, and equipment maintenance
Serve as the go-to lead when the supervisor is unavailable, coordinating staffing, resolving issues, and escalating concerns as needed
Support quality assurance, data entry, and use of lab systems that track inventory, supplies, and media production
Step in where needed to keep operations moving, including emergency response or backup coverage for specimen receiving
About Washington Department of Health
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
