Laboratory Technician I (#MGBC01)
$29,250.00 Yearly Min / $32,727.00 Yearly Mid / $39,272.00 Yearly Max

Laboratory Technician II (#MGBC02)
$31,546.00 Yearly Min / $39,433.00 Yearly Mid / $47,320.00 Yearly Max

Laboratory Technician III (#MGBC03)
$35,721.00 Yearly Min / $44,651.00 Yearly Mid / $53,581.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses three levels in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sciences occupational group, Sciences occupational series and describes technical laboratory duties in support of environmental regulation/enforcement and public health/safety programs.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates levels I, II and III.  The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Prepares media, reagents and stains.  Computes and measures quantity.
   
• Ensures orderly and environmentally correct storage of media, reagents, supplies, samples and equipment.
   
• Ensures technically correct cleaning, sterilization and solvent treatment of equipment.
   
• Conducts laboratory tests and analyses.
   
• Operates and maintains various laboratory equipment.
   
• Requisitions, inspects and distributes laboratory supplies and equipment.
   
• Records information on manual/computerized records, logs and related requests for analysis, shipping/transporting samples, ordering supplies/equipment, and status of water supply system.
   
• Packs and ships, picks up or delivers supplies, samples and equipment.
   
• May perform phlebotomy to obtain blood specimens for examination.

Laboratory Technician I

This is first level of laboratory work responsible for performing support services related to laboratory testing and analysis.

• Work is performed under close supervision of a technical superior.
• Assists with performing routine laboratory tests.
• Performs routine, specific laboratory activities in accordance with established laboratory practices and procedures.

Laboratory Technician II

This is the second level of laboratory work responsible for conducting technical laboratory support services in performing a variety of sample preparations, testing and analysis.

• Work is performed with supervision from a technical superior
• Conducts a variety of standardized tests and analyses in accordance with established methods and procedures while ensuring quality control and time constraints are met.
• Ensures time critical and technically correct sample/specimen preparation and testing.
• Operates and maintains increasingly complex equipment.
• Prepares and performs quality control checks.
• Records sample/specimen/test information such as test results, type of test, observations and laboratory activities.

Laboratory Technician III

This is the third level of laboratory work responsible for conducting technical laboratory support services in performing a variety of sample preparations, testing and analysis.

• Work is performed with limited supervision and reviewed at random.
• Conducts a variety of quantitative and qualitative chemical, bacteriological or microscopic tests and analyses.
• Samples/matrices may be in extremely small quantity or in less than usual condition.
• Prepares, stains and analyzes slides when the quantity/condition of samples precludes analysis via instrumentation.
• Recommends alternative methods for dealing with problem samples.
• Provides guidance to lower level technicians.
• Operates standard and complex instrumentation.  Examples include:  determine quality and quantity of chemical analytes present in various tissue samples/body fluids/environmental matrices or develop data regarding blood cell components or analyze various plant, animal, soil, water or air samples to determine presence of toxins, disease and other abnormalities and/or pollutants.
• Performs daily quality control, standardization, calibration and instrument maintenance.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of laboratory practices, procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of chemistry.
• Knowledge of proper sample handling, preservation and storage.
• Knowledge of inventory control procedures.
• Skill in the proper use, maintenance and storage of lab equipment, media and reagents.
• Skill in basic mathematics.
• Ability to conduct routine tests.
• Ability to prepare media, reagents and stains according to established procedures.
• Ability to compute correct amounts and measure ingredients.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Laboratory Technician II requires:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of quality control.
• Knowledge of proper data reporting.
• Skill in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Skill in laboratory practices and procedures for area of discipline (e.g., analytical chemistry, medical/biological/microbiological).
• Ability to perform precise measurements and mathematical computations through algebra.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Laboratory Technician III requires:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices for area of discipline (e.g., medical technology/microbiology; analytical chemistry).
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to assigned area, in particular, EPA requirements.
• Skill in operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of complex instrumentation.
• Skill in performing precise measurements and mathematical computations.
• Ability to recognize problem samples, determining alternative methods for testing or rejecting.
• Ability to train lower level staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Laboratory Technician I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals.  
2. Knowledge of laboratory practices such as testing, sample handling, preparing media, reagents and stains, shipment or storing.
3. Knowledge of chemistry.