IMPERIAL COUNTY
CLASS TITLE: LABORATORY ASSISTANT
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Public Health Laboratory Manager, receive, process and test a
variety of water, clinical and various other specimens.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Receive and process various specimens; prepare specimens for transport to the reference
laboratory or process specimens for in-house testing; provide assistance with quality
control procedures and assist with test procedures.
Identify, record and number incoming specimens such as water, clinical, stool, animal
brain and blood samples for accurate identification; set up samples for various tests
such as run controls, lot controls and sterility checks.
Perform CLIA-waived tests and prepare related documentation; prepare rabies smears
from bats or animal brains; process AFB specimen; set up related cultures and prepare
related smears; perform proficiency sample testing as directed.
Provide general office support such as typing letters and memoranda; file intake slips,
worksheets and other documents; answer telephone calls and assist the public.
Input specimen data into an assigned computer system; establish and maintain
automated records and files.
Monitor temperatures or carbon dioxide levels of incubators, refrigerators and freezers;
monitor airflow of biological safety cabinets and rooms; observe various other lab
equipment to assure proper functioning.
Autoclave contaminated materials and dispose of toxic and bio-hazardous waste in
accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations as directed.
Maintain a variety of records and files related to specimens, tests, temperatures and
assigned activities; receive and distribute lab reports.
Communicate with personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information
and resolve issues or concerns.
Utilize a variety of lab equipment such as an autoclave, pH meter, centrifuge, weighing
scale, chemical safety hood and biological safety cabinet; operate a computer and
assigned software.
Monitor inventory levels of lab supplies and reagents; receive and verify incoming
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Laboratory Assistant - Continued
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supplies and reagents; distribute supplies to outside clinics and hospitals as needed.
Maintain work areas in a clean, sanitary and orderly condition; disinfect surface areas;
clean and sterilize equipment and glassware.
Pick up and safety transport specimens from outside providers to the Public Health
Laboratory.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Laboratory equipment, proper usage and safety precautions.
Proper use and storage of laboratory chemicals, media and regents.
General practices, procedures and techniques involved in the preparation, processing
and testing of lab specimens.
Chemical symbols used in laboratory work.
Public health laboratory terminology.
Health and safety precautions and regulations.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
Oral and written communication skills.
Record-keeping techniques.
Regulations related to confidentiality of laboratory results.
ABILITY TO:
Receive, process and test a variety of water, clinical and various other specimens.
Provide assistance with quality control procedures and assist with test procedures.
Set up samples for various tests such as run controls, lot controls and sterility checks.
Prepare smears and set up cultures.
Identify, record and number incoming specimens.
Learn to operate the laboratory computer information system.
Perform clerical duties in support of lab operations and activities.
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Laboratory Assistant - Continued
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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 and horizontally.
Seeing to perform lab work and read a variety of materials.
HAZARDS:
Possible exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes.
October 2006