Laboratory Specialist II-61006414

Full Job Description

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Acts as lead worker on a daily basis performing routine cleaning and/or decontamination procedures utilizing laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, ultrasonic washers and sonicators when processing collected or delivered general and specialized laboratory apparatus including bio-hazard discard pans, as well as decontamination and disposal of bio-hazard infectious waste bags that are laboratory collected twice daily.

Maintain an adequate inventory of clean discard pans. Weekly inspection of glassware and laboratory apparatus for proper cleanliness to ensure quality control standards are maintained.

Articles that have satisfied stands are delivered to the Glassware Area for final preparation and storage. Delivery of glassware to laboratory sections.

Performs daily quality control check procedures on equipment to ensure proper operation in the completion of decontamination.

Performs basic clean up and disposal of infectious and medical waste in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Laboratory Exposure Control Plan.

Prepares and sterilizes 3L of Deionized Water in 4L Flasks for the Serology Laboratory.

Assists in the preparation of biological reagents, which may include Accurately weighing and mixing chemical ingredients according to written instructions.

Assists with the packaging and delivery of completed media and reagents to ordering laboratories.

Proper dispensing of biological culture media and chemical reagents into bottle flasks, culture tubes, and other appropriate containers.

Applies, physically, the appropriate closures to containers, culture tubes, flasks, bottles, etc. as required for sterilization by autoclaving.

Assists in labeling media and reagents per guidelines mandated by the Hazardous Communication Standard and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

Assists the supervisor in upholding the quality assurance and control standards, including the monitoring and maintaining of laboratory's environment and equipment.

Minimizes the potential for contamination in the work area by performing daily housekeeping duties such as the sweeping, mopping, and wiping work areas within the laboratory.

Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and journey level technical experience in a related laboratory setting.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: Read and understand laboratory procedural and safety manuals.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in resolving problems related to routine laboratory procedures, housekeeping and maintenance tasks. Must be able to carry out oral and written instructions.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs and up to 100 lbs with assistance. Communicate effectively. Must be able to operate standard laboratory equipment.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Additional Information

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.