IMPERIAL COUNTY
CLASS TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Public Health Laboratory Manager, perform a variety of technical
laboratory duties involved the receipt, processing, testing and analysis of water, dairy,
clinical, animal and various other specimens.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Perform a variety of technical laboratory duties involved the receipt, processing, testing
and analysis of water, dairy, clinical, animal and various other specimens; conduct a
variety of tests; interpret and report test results in accordance with established procedures,
guidelines and requirements.
Receive, sort, prepare and set up dairy, water and various other samples for testing and
analysis; set up quality control tests such as run controls, lot controls and sterility checks.
Perform laboratory analysis such as standard plate count, coliform count, Delvo P mini
and microscopic somatic cell count of dairy products; prepare media and reagents for use
in performing dairy analysis.
Perform laboratory analysis such as MPN testing, P/A and Quantitray analyses, and
related confirmatory testing used in water analysis.
Input patient information, test results and a variety of other data into an assigned computer
system; establish and maintain automated records and files; initiate queries and generate
a variety of computerized reports; verify accuracy of input and output data.
Receive, document and ship specimens from outside clinics such as viral loads, BIDS
specimens, Hepatitis and HIV/Orasure; prepare specimens for transport to the reference
laboratory or process specimens for in-house testing.
Perform quality assurance functions such as error documentation, temperature monitoring
and preventative maintenance duties; observe and test lab equipment to assure proper
functioning and calibration; adjust equipment as needed.
Perform proficiency and split-sample testing as needed; prepare rabies smears from bats
or animal brains; perform CLIA-waived tests and prepare related documentation; process
AFB specimen; set up related cultures and prepare related smears.
Compile information and prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports and files
related to specimens, tests, analysis, results, shipments and assigned activities; receive
interpret, evaluate and distribute lab reports.
Prepare, package and label laboratory samples and other goods for shipping and
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Public Health Laboratory Technician - Continued
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distribution; dispose of toxic and bio-hazardous waste in accordance with established
policies, procedures and regulations as directed.
Communicate with personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information and
resolve issues or concerns; provide information to inspectors concerning tests and related
time lines, results and methodology as requested.
Utilized a variety of lab equipment such as an autoclave, pH meter, centrifuge, weighing
scale, chemical safety hood, incubator, biological safety cabinet, and various meters,
testers and analyzers; operate a computer and assigned software.
Monitor inventory levels of laboratory equipment and supplies; order, receive and maintain
adequate inventory levels of subcultures, media, reagents and various laboratory supplies
and equipment.
Establish, maintain and update standard operating procedures for dairy; water and other
testing as needed.
Assist with training designated staff by answering questions and assuring proper
laboratory methodology and compliance with safety precautions.
Maintain current knowledge of laws and regulations related to assigned activities; attend
and participate in related in-services.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Practices, procedures and techniques involved in the preparation, processing and testing
of clinical, animal, dairy and water samples.
Regulations related to confidentiality of laboratory results and shipment of biological
specimens.
Laboratory equipment, proper usage and safety precautions.
Principles of chemistry, microbiology and bacteriology.
Proper use and storage of laboratory chemicals, media and reagents.
Chemical symbols used in laboratory work.
Public health laboratory terminology.
Technical record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
Oral and written communication skills.
Health and safety precautions and regulations.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
ABILITY TO:
Perform a variety of technical laboratory duties involved the receipt, processing, testing
and analysis of water, dairy, clinical, animal and various other specimens.
Analyze, interpret and report test results in accordance with established procedures,
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Public Health Laboratory Technician - Continued
Page 3
guidelines and requirements.
Receive, sort, prepare and set up dairy, water and various other samples for testing and
analysis.
Perform laboratory analysis such as standard plate count, coliform count, Delvo P mini
and microscopic somatic cell count of dairy products.
Perform quality assurance functions such as error documentation, temperature monitoring
and preventative maintenance duties.
Work independently with little direction.
Operate a variety of laboratory equipment.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Work cooperatively with others.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Operate a computer and assigned software.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by collegelevel course work in chemistry, biology or related field and two years related laboratory
experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIORNMENT:
Public health laboratory environment.
Possible exposure to fumes and odors.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects as assigned by the position.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders or horizontally.
Seeing to perform lab work and read a variety of materials.
HAZARDS:
Possible exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes.
October 2006