Laboratory Technician III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

99d•$3,248 - $4,043•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician III works under the limited supervision of a Lab Manager II, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The position supports the Quality Assurance Department by preparing, processing, and shipping specimen mailing containers, kits, and newborn screening (NBS) supplies; maintaining inventory; providing customer service; and supporting laboratory safety. Duties are performed in accordance with applicable DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines and standard operating procedures. The position is based in Austin and is not eligible for telework. Travel is up to 5%. The employee may also support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require an alternate shift or location.

Requirements

At least one year of experience with inventory systems, whether electronic or manual.
At least one year of customer-service experience.
Experience packaging and shipping goods.
Experience working in a team setting.
Valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
General knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles and terminology.
General knowledge of office practices, managerial principles, administrative procedures, and computer data entry and retrieval.
Knowledge of warehouse procedures, inventory and stock keeping, inventory systems, package shipping systems, and package tracking systems.
Ability to read and follow written or verbal instructions when filling supply orders.
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and customers and work cooperatively in a team.
Ability to perform physical activities including lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted, bending, standing, or walking consistently.
Ability to handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
Ability to enter computer data quickly and accurately, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to perform storekeeping and warehouse duties while maintaining accurate inventory records.
Skill in using a computer and applicable software.
Must be willing to work holidays and weekends as directed and work hours other than 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Must comply with the DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan and applicable immunization requirements based on job duties and tasks.
Must maintain an acceptable driving record when operating a state or personal vehicle for state business.

Nice To Haves

Experience interpreting and following detailed job aids and standard operating procedures.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, preferably Outlook and Excel.
Experience using computers and software to complete assigned tasks.
Experience prioritizing job duties and projects to meet deadlines.
Experience accurately entering data into software programs and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

Prepare mailing-container components and specimen kits; monitor their quality and maintain adequate supplies in an organized, clearly labeled work area.
Receive, fill, process, and release shipment and NBS supply orders according to the Standard Operating Procedural Manual, ensuring orders are shipped within five working days.
Complete daily documentation and end-of-day duties and reports; enter orders into a computer and prepare and ship NBS forms.
Perform stock and inventory counts and submit weekly inventory requests by the established deadline; maintain accurate inventory records.
Pick up, recycle, prepare, deliver, and ship containers, components, and specimen kits, including moving boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
Perform office procedures, including using a copier and fax, answering calls, and directing callers to appropriate personnel.
Check coworkers’ work for accuracy, issue corrections, and report major problems or escalations to the Team Lead and Group Manager.
Provide customer service and technical information about shipping containers and kits; resolve or refer technical and logistical issues, investigate complaints, research shipment errors, generate reports, and report major issues to leadership.
Analyze transaction data for testing kits, forecast potential deployment schedules, and provide insight to leadership.
Review laboratory experiment data related to container-kit components to ensure results have not been affected by tainted supplies or improper procedures.
Monitor work areas and operations for hazards; seek safety guidance before changing or implementing procedures; keep safety documents and equipment inspections current; and assist with accident investigations and corrective actions.
Train new employees in used-container processing, kit components, assembly and shipping, order receiving, and biohazard processing according to the standard procedural manual.
Develop and submit proposed improvements to program policies and procedures for leadership review.
Use a state or personal vehicle for state business when required, deliver and pick up boxes, and maintain an acceptable driving record.
As assigned, sort, assess, and check in microbiological and chemical samples and specimens according to the Standard Operating Procedural Manual.
Participate in or support disaster response, recovery, and COOP activation, which may involve an alternate shift or work location.
Perform other related duties as assigned.