Job Description

Description

---------------

Laboratory Technician 1

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

This Non-Permanent Appointment has a duration of 7 months.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

This role is an essential part of the Public Health Laboratories. As a member of the Support Services team, you keep day-to-day laboratory operations running smoothly by preparing media, processing lab supplies, managing inventory, and handling specimen-related materials. Your work directly supports the scientists and laboratory staff who protect the health of communities across Washington. This is on-site, hands-on work that ensures critical testing can happen safely, accurately, and on time.

Key Responsibilities

:
In this role, you'll rotate across several Support Services units that are essential to lab operations. This work requires accuracy, attention to detail, consistent safety practices, and a strong team mindset. Your typical day may include:Preparing microbiological media and sterilizing lab glassware using autoclaves, mixers, dispensers, and other equipment. Decontaminating laboratory waste and safely processing reusable glassware and materials. Receiving, processing, and tracking packages containing supplies, specimens, and temperature-sensitive items. Managing lab inventory, stocking materials, and ensuring laboratory teams have what they need, when they need it. Assembling specimen collection kits and preparing outgoing shipments in alignment with current packaging and shipping regulations. Sorting and distributing mail and preparing outbound shipments through USPS, UPS, FedEx, and courier services. Supporting the Media Preparation Unit and serving as trained back-up for media prep staff once fully cross-trained. Assisting the lead worker with reviewing protocols, training new staff, and conducting quality checks. Providing backup for Specimen Receiving during staff shortages or meetings. Participating in emergency response activities, as all DOH staff may be called upon during public health incidents.

What Sets This Role Apart

Your work is core to laboratory operations:

Everything from testing accuracy to daily workflow depends on the tasks this position handles, media prep, decontamination, inventory, kit assembly, and specimen support.

You'll gain wide-ranging experience:

Rotating through multiple units gives you exposure to how a public health laboratory functions end-to-end, with hands-on work using specialized equipment and safety procedures.

There's always something to do:

The work is steady, essential, and varies throughout the day. You won't be stuck in one task area or doing the same thing week after week.

You're part of a coordinated team effort:

Support Services works closely together, communicates often, and backs each other up to keep operations running smoothly.

You can directly see your impact:

When glassware is ready, media is accurate, specimens move safely, and supplies are stocked, the entire lab can function and that's because of this role.

The Ideal candidate

You enjoy hands-on, detail-oriented work and take pride in doing things the right way, safely, accurately, and consistently. You're the type who sees what needs to be done and jumps in. You thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where communication and collaboration matter. You value public service, like being part of something bigger than yourself, and want a role where your work has a clear purpose.

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:

Two (2) or more years of professional experience performing microbiological, chemical, clinical, or public health laboratory testing or surveillance.

Option 2:

Completion of a two-year or longer program in medical technology or laboratory sciences and one (1) or more years of professional experience performing microbiological, chemical, clinical, or public health testing or surveillance. (Experience may have been concurrently)

Option 3:

An associate's degree with coursework in laboratory sciences such as biology, chemistry, or microbiology.

AND the following Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Basic experience in laboratory cleaning, waste decontamination, or sterile media preparation. Knowledge of basic lab safety and infection control practices (use of PPE, autoclaves, and chemical handling). Basic proficiency in using digital tools such as barcoding systems, data entry software, or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Proficient in using Microsoft Office/O365 Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook or similar word processing and emailing tools.

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

Experience working in a public health, clinical, or research laboratory. Experience operating autoclaves, dishwashers, and other sterilization equipment. Experience handling or shipping Category A/B specimens or other regulated biological materials. Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal regulations and laboratory safety standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, or ISO). Skill in troubleshooting lab support processes and maintaining QA/QC documentation. A bachelor's degree or higher specifically in microbiology, biology, or chemistry.

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:

Required to work on-site in the lab due to the nature of the work/duties. Laboratory setting. Will be required to use personal protective equipment such as but not limited to gloves, respirators, lab coats, and safety glasses. This position may be required to undergo health testing and vaccinations. Expected to work with various laboratory equipment that produce high pressure/temperatures, hazards including biological and chemical materials, and road hazards. Work areas can be hot, cold, steamy, or smelly for periods of time. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and able to lift = 55 lbs. or the equivalent of 1 box of copy paper.

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

Monday - Friday, 8 hours per day for full-time employees with 1 hour lunch; general work hours 8am-5pm.

Travel Requirements:

This position requires the use of a state vehicle to pick up and deliver laboratory mail to the post office, fuel state vehicles, deliver bank deposits, and perform other miscellaneous errands for the Support Services team.

Tools and Equipment:

This position will be required to use a variety of equipment and tools, but not limited to autoclave, drying ovens, industrial dish washers, biological safety cabinets, computers, label printers, Bunsen burners, media dispensers, balances and scales, microwaves, mixers, hot plates, fume hoods, pH meters, mailing machines, copiers, refrigerators, freezers, laminators, fax machines, pallet jack, hand trucks, ergonomic chairs, keyboards/keyboard trays, tape guns, step ladders, and step stools.

Customer Interactions:

This position will be working directly with both internal and external customers in person, via phone, and via email.

Other:

Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.

Special Requirement:

Must have a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle.

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.

SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts

Supplemental 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.