County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision of a licensed or certified laboratory professional, prepares specimens for laboratory testing; performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and materials; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class performs pre-analytical phases of testing, which includes accessioning of lab specimens, centrifuging and decanting of samples, and preparing samples for microbial exams in the Public Heath Laboratory. The Public Health Laboratory Assistant is distinguished from the higher-level class of Public Health Laboratory Technician in that the latter performs non-waived complex and technical laboratory testing and examination of diagnostic samples.

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. Assists licensed or certified laboratory professionals in the performance of tests.

2. Independently operates mechanical and electronic test instruments, excluding standardization or calibration of instruments, reading and recording tests not done mechanically and quantitative measurements of samples and reagents; operates certain laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, autoclaves, distilling apparatus, balances, and other related equipment. Performs minor maintenance on laboratory equipment.

3. Prepares clinical specimens for examination using prescribed methods such as labeling, concentration, centrifugation, decantation, and filtration; prepares and stains smears for bacteriological and parasitological examination following prescribed techniques; prepares a variety of bacteriological media following established directions, including the weighing, boiling, autoclaving and dispensing of media; prepares specimens for shipping; and prepares reagents using prescribed formulas including calculation, weighing, compounding and labeling.

4. Prepares for the examination of rabies by opening animal heads and removing brains.

5. Washes, rinses, dries, distributes, and stores glassware such as test tubes, beakers, flasks, etc.; maintains cleanliness in the laboratory work area and in stocks of laboratory supplies.

6. Processes registration transactions by entering required data into the computer system and performs other clerical duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Satisfactory completion of a high school course in laboratory science such as general chemistry including a laboratory component, AND

Experience:

The equivalent of six months full-time experience in test preparation, laboratory support maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment in a biotechnology, medical or public health setting.

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:

• Laboratory methods and techniques used in the preparation of media, reagents, and tests.
• Techniques for disinfecting, sterilizing, and glassware washing.
• The operation of laboratory equipment and instruments such as autoclaves, ovens, incubators, centrifuges, etc.
• Laboratory safety features and operating policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Maintain efficient and accurate records.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Perform mathematical calculations using simple formulas including percentages and ratios.
• Measure liquid and solid materials using graduated glassware and weighing devices.
• Assist in the performance of various laboratory tests under the supervision of a laboratory professional.
• Perform data entry and other clerical duties as assigned.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

11/77
TAT:Lm-h
Revised: 4/83
Retyped: 4/85
TMZ:pb Retyped: 7/88
Old doct: 0739h
New doc: 7856.doc
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 6/1/83
CK:pf Rev/Retitle 11/5/01 [Laboratory Asst. III]
CSC Date: 1/30/02

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.