Laboratory Assistant II - San Mateo Medical Center (Open & Promotional)

Full Job Description

San Mateo Medical Center is seeking an experienced Laboratory Assistant II. Under general supervision of the Laboratory Support Services Supervisor, Laboratory Assistant II's provide assistance to laboratory professionals in the areas of test preparation, collection of blood samples, performance of specified tests, and preparation of media and reagents.

Primary responsibilities of Laboratory Assistant II at San Mateo Medical Center includes adding test reagents to specimen or vice-versa in specified qualitative and semi-qualitative "spot, tablet or stick" tests; performing venous and skin punctures to obtain blood samples for test purposes; operating mechanical and electrical test instruments; preparing clinical specimens for examination using prescribed methods such as labeling, concentration, centrifugation, decantation, filtration, etc.; preparing specimens for shipping; assisting in the supervision and training of subordinate personnel; performing minor clerical duties; and performing other related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate has:

• Experience in pediatric, geriatric, inpatient, and outpatient phlebotomy including, but not limited to, specimen processing in microbiology, pathology, and send outs.
• Experience working within a hospital laboratory setting.
• Ability to work independently.
• Willingness to adapt to change and learn new skills.
• Customer service experience.
• Previous experience communicating directly with nurses and physicians.
• At least one year of inpatient experience and one year of outpatient experience, including ICU, pediatrics and geriatrics.
• Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT) certification.
• Basic Life Support Certificate from American Heart Association.
• Fluency in an additional language is a plus.

This is a full-time, regular day shift (8:30am - 5pm) position with rotating weekends.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future relief, extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Requirements

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist licensed or certified laboratory professionals in the performance of tests, either in a medical laboratory or a public health laboratory setting.
• Prepare and stain smears for bacteriological and parasitological examination following prescribed techniques.
• Prepare specimens for shipping and maintain accurate records.
• Add test reagents to specimen or vice-versa in specified qualitative and semi-quantitative "spot, tablet, or stick" tests.
• Prepare clinical specimens for examination using prescribed methods, such as labeling, concentration, centrifugation, decantation, filtration, etc.
• Maintain cleanliness in the laboratory work area, stocks of laboratory supplies and appropriate records.
• Perform minor clerical duties such as charging lab tests, logging slips, ordering tests in LIS, transcribing results which have been previously recorded, keeping records of temperatures, etc.
• Assist in the supervising and training of subordinate personnel.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

If assigned to a medical laboratory:

• Perform venous and skin punctures to obtain blood samples for test purposes.
• Prepare blood components, reagents and culture media to be used in performing laboratory tests.
• Perform finger stick tests of all types including waived tests.
• Perform and maintain quality requirements of waived CLIA tests including dipstick UAs, pregnancy and fecal occult blood tests.

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification:

• San Mateo Medical Center positions require possession of a valid phlebotomy certificate issued by the State of California to perform phlebotomy in a hospital setting. (Note: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED is a requirement for this certificate.)

Knowledge of:

• Laboratory methods and techniques used in the preparation of media, reagents, and test.
• Infection control principles and practices.
• Techniques for disinfecting, sterilizing, and glassware washing.
• Operation of laboratory equipment and instruments such as autoclaves, ovens, incubators and centrifuges.
• Laboratory safety procedures.
• Proper specimen processing procedures; department and hospital safety practices and procedures; patient rights; infection control policies and practices; handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials; department and hospital emergency response policies and procedures.

Skill/Ability to:

• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as autoclaves, ovens, incubators, and centrifuges accurately and safely.
• Make mathematic calculations using simple formulas including percentages and ratios.
• Measure liquid and solid materials using graduated glassware and weighing devices.
• Comprehend and meticulously follow oral and written procedural and safety instructions contained in standard procedural manuals.
• Deal tactfully with the public and co-workers.
• Perform venipuncture and finger punctures.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Additional Information

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.

Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026, by 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of February 10, 2026
Civil Service Panel/Departmental Interviews: March 2 and/or 3, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

HR Contact: Debbie Kong (01222026) (Laboratory Assistant II - F156)