County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This series specification describes two Laboratory Assistant classes which, under close supervision (of a certified or licensed laboratory professional) at the lower level and under supervision at the higher level, wash and clean glassware and utensils; keep the laboratory in a clean and orderly condition; perform routine preparation for laboratory testing; perform specified tests; and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the journey-level class in the Laboratory Assistant series. Incumbents perform a wide variety of tasks, including the preparation of media and checking laboratory supplies for quantity. Also, under direct supervision of a laboratory professional, incumbents may assist in test preparations. Positions in this class may supervise the work of a Laboratory Assistant I.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. May assist in the preparation of tests under the supervision of a certified or licensed laboratory professional; prepares a variety of bacteriological media following established instructions and directions, including the weighing, boiling, autoclaving and dispensing of media; prepares specimens for shipping and maintains accurate records.

2. Operates laboratory equipment such as the steam autoclaves, water distilling apparatus, centrifuges, and the glassware washer; performs operator maintenance on laboratory equipment.

3. With required training, performs venous and skin punctures to obtain blood samples for test purposes.

4. Maintains glassware for the laboratory; washes, rinses, dries, distributes and stores glassware such as test tubes, beakers, flasks and cylinders; maintains cleanliness and orderliness of work areas including disinfecting workbenches, materials, equipment and other laboratory areas; prepares and sterilizes laboratory supplies, equipment and other materials.

5. Makes solutions of acids and other chemical reagents required for cleaning; prepares reagents using prescribed formulas and following standard procedures.

6. Makes rounds of wards picking up specimens such as urine, stool and tissue; makes entries in laboratory records and routes specimens to the proper laboratory; makes entries in patient medical charts of laboratory test results.

7. Maintains stocks of laboratory supplies and materials and maintains appropriate records.

8. Performs clerical duties such as charging laboratory slips, logging test requests and recording temperatures; receives and signs for evidence from officers and couriers; logs in evidence and keeps accurate records; types evidence release forms; releases evidence to proper agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of one year as a Laboratory Assistant I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of two years’ full-time work experience in a clinical laboratory, crime laboratory or related unit involving the preparation of various media, acids, chemical reagents and the sterilization of laboratory equipment and materials.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and materials used in cleaning laboratory utensils, equipment and materials.
• Proper and safe handling of acids and chemicals.
• Laboratory safety features.
• Basic filing systems (numerical, alphabetical).
• Preparation of specimens for shipping.

Abilities:

• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Maintaining laboratory records.
• Mixing according to detailed technical directions, chemicals and neutralizing agents.
• Planning and organizing time.
• Working independently.
• Instructing and demonstrating to others how to do routine laboratory cleaning work.
• Assisting in the preparation of tests under the close supervision of a laboratory professional.
• Operating laboratory equipment such as steam autoclaves, ovens, incubators, and centrifuges.
• Performing non-technical laboratory work, including dusting and washing.
• With proper training, performing venous and skill punctures to obtain blood samples for test purposes.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TAT:lm-h
Retyped: 4/85
TMZ:pb
Updated: 4/87
TMZ:pb
Updated: 9/14/88
TMZ:aa
Revised 12/90
Old document: 0737h
New document: Jobspecs/7850-7855
ys/9/01

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.