Laboratory Technician Lead, Support Services (Lab Tech 3) DOH8784

Full Job Description

Laboratory Technician Lead, Support Services

Public Health Laboratories, Shoreline, WA | Onsite/In Person | PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

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:

Why You’ll Love This Role

The Ideal candidate

You are steady under pressure, detail-driven, and comfortable juggling multiple moving parts. You enjoy training others, setting clear expectations, and jumping in alongside your team when needed.

You notice when something is off, speak up early, and help fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.

You value safety, accuracy, and teamwork, and you take pride in keeping complex operations organized, compliant, and reliable.

You do not need a spotlight, but you like knowing the system works because you helped make it work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed.

Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. While “Preferred Experience” is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.

Option 1: Associate’s degree or higher in biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental science, laboratory science, or a closely related field AND one (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics

Option 2: One (1) of more years of training in medical technology or education in college with courses in laboratory sciences AND two (2) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics

Option 3: Three (3) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics

And the following experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience in laboratory operations or laboratory support functions within a regulated or SOP driven environment
• Knowledge of general laboratory safety principles, quality control practices, and documentation requirements
• Proficient in using standard office productivity software such as Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and similar tools for documentation, tracking, and communication
• Experience using computerized systems to enter, review, and track operational or laboratory related data
• Skill in reading, interpreting, and following technical instructions, written procedures, and standard operating protocols
• Experience in training, leading, or mentoring others on technical tasks, processes, or equipment
• Ability to maintain accurate records related to work activities, quality checks, training, or equipment usage

Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

ABOUT US:

The Public Health Laboratories – Where Science Protects Communities

At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters.

From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life-saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington’s most vulnerable.

We’re the state’s reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety.

Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity-driven team committed to real-world impact and public health at scale.

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health.

Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health.

To learn more about the DOH please visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog.

Benefits and Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance with one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. At DOH, you’ll find flexibility, growth, and stability. Learn more about why we’re a great place to work by visiting Work@Health.

Conditions of Employment:

The following terms and conditions of employment must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Schedule (i.e., hours and days):

Travel Requirements:

Tools and Equipment:

Customer Interactions:

Other:

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references directly in your Applicant Profile including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation with your application.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer.

We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application.

Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Questions and Accommodations

If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number.

Technical Support

Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

This position is located in King County. A 5% salary increase is included in the advertised pay.