Laboratory Technician

County of Marathon•Wausau, WI

9d•$26

About The Position

Are you looking for a role that blends scientific work with leadership and operational responsibility? The Marathon County Health Department Water Laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Technician for a dynamic and rewarding position. In this role, you’ll support critical water testing services while also playing an important part in our rabies program, helping protect the health of our community. The ideal candidate brings strong laboratory experience, excellent computer skills for data management and reporting, and a commitment to high-quality customer service when working with internal and external partners. If you’re looking for a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to grow your skills and advance your career, this could be your dream job. The Laboratory Technician performs technical-level laboratory duties within the environmental health and communicable disease programs. The position has responsibility for performing routine bacteriological and chemical laboratory analysis on drinking and recreational water. Work also includes administering the Rabies Program at the Health Department. The work is performed under the direction of the Environmental Health & Safety Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an approved college/university in physical or biological sciences OR associate’s degree in food science, environmental technician, medical lab technician, or other related health science field; OR two years’ work experience performing water, milk, food, or health laboratory test procedures. Other combinations of closely related education and work experience may be considered.
Ability to complete the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Rabies Control Program Trained Observer Certification.
Possession of a valid driver's license with a driving record that meets county standards.
Data Analytics and Assessment Skills
Accesses existing quantitative and qualitative data
Analyzes quantitative and qualitative data
Uses quantitative and qualitative data
Manages quantitative and qualitative data
Assesses community health status
Policy Development and Program Planning Skills
Develops policies, programs, and services
Implements policies, programs, and services
Evaluates policies, programs, services, and organizational performance
Improves policies, programs, services, and organizational performance
Communication Skills
Communicates with internal and external audiences
Responds to information, misinformation, and disinformation
Facilitates communication among individuals, groups, and organizations
Health Equity Skills
Applies principles of ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
Engages in continuous self-reflection about one’s own biases
Recognizes the diversity of individuals and populations
Community Partnership Skills
Establishes relationships to improve community health and resilience
Collaborates with community members and organizations
Public Health Sciences Skills
Applies public health sciences
Uses evidence in developing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services
Management and Finance Skills
Engages in professional development
Implements organizational policies, programs, and services to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
Manages programs and services
Applies critical thinking in decision making
Engages individuals and teams to achieve program and organizational goals
Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills
Responds to emerging needs
Advocates for public health

Responsibilities

Performs bacteriological and chemical laboratory analysis on drinking and recreational water, including testing for bacteria, nitrates, fluorides, pH, and various chemistry screening tests
Communicates with internal and external stakeholders about Maximum Contaminant Level Exceedances (MCL) in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
Accurate data entry into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Monitors and documents refrigeration and freezer unit temperatures
Performs routine maintenance on lab equipment
Compiles and analyzes data on laboratory services for Departmental reports and programmatic quality improvement
Performs Quality Control Procedures at required intervals throughout the year
Collaborates with State Agencies regarding preparation for and follow-up to laboratory audits
Ensures laboratory SDS database is accurate and complete
Performs weekly invoicing to laboratory customers
Trains interns
Reviews and updates policies and procedures annually
Maintains lab supply inventory and ordering of materials
Investigates and implements updates or changes to water analysis instruments and methods, as requested
Ensures data is retained appropriately
Investigates animal bite exposures by consulting with animal owners, exposure victims, the medical and veterinary community, law enforcement agencies, and State veterinary professionals.
Responsibilities include animal quarantine procedures, issuing and coordinating enforcement of quarantine orders, facilitation of required animal observations by licensed veterinarians, rabies specimen submission for testing, and referring bite victims to medical providers for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
Compiles records in response to open records requests
Ensures accurate data entry into the rabies computer databases
Communicates environmental health information for diverse customers using oral and written communication skills.
Provides other educational presentations relating to environmental health programs that may include water testing and rabies education
Develops and selects appropriate educational methods and materials based on language, culture, or disabilities and uses interpreter when necessary
Contributes to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork
Interviews individuals to obtain information related to environmental problems; handles confidential information and sensitive complaints, requests, inquiries, and emergencies in a diplomatic and positive manner
Performs related work as required