Laboratory Technician 2 (LT2) DOH8527

State of Washington - King County, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

King County, WA

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

This is a project position funded through July 31, 2027. This position will report onsite to the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA. Are you passionate about public health and laboratory sciences? Join the Washington State Public Health Laboratories (WAPHL) as a Laboratory Technician 2 and support critical work to protect the health of Washingtonians from biological, chemical, and radioactive threats. This on-site role offers the opportunity to perform vital laboratory tasks in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Accession, inventory, prepare, and recycle resources needed by scientists.
• Conduct sample preparation and analysis for environmental and drinking water testing.
• Perform quality assurance testing in alignment with accreditation standards.
• Communicate with stakeholders about sample submissions and coordinate testing kits.
• Perform standardized testing of water samples for Total and Fecal coliforms.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment like pH meters, centrifuges, and Quanti-Tray sealers.
• Conduct quality control testing of media and reagents.
• Analyze microbial and chemical contaminants in environmental samples.
• Prepare reports and communicate results.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample preparation.
• Accession laboratory samples using data management systems.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance.
• Prepare sample kits and process incoming specimens for analysis.
• Restock supplies and maintain laboratory cleanliness.
• Properly store and track samples.
• Manage laboratory files and data entry into laboratory databases (e.g., LIMS).
• Ensure proper labeling of reagents and chemicals.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including local health jurisdictions, wastewater facilities, and schools, to ensure seamless sample submissions and reporting.

Requirements

• An Associate's degree or higher in Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience performing microbiological, chemical, clinical, or public health testing or surveillance.

Nice-to-haves

• Receiving and tracking samples and/or materials into inventory or a laboratory information system (LIMS).
• Working with blood-borne pathogens, chemical hygiene, and general laboratory safety.
• Demonstrated basic proficiency using a word processor, spreadsheet and email interface (ie MS Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Maintaining electronic and hard copy files.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package tailored to support your lifestyle.