Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

This is technical laboratory work in the performance of a variety of standardized laboratory tests.

An employee in this class performs a variety of standardized analytical tests and examinations to determine the chemical, physical, or biological nature of laboratory specimens. Work involves utilizing standardized analytical chemical, biological, or physical testing procedures in the examination and analysis of laboratory samples. Work is reviewed by a professional superior upon completion and during progress for adherence to prescribed procedures and for the technical accuracy of results.

Fringe Benefits

• Paid holidays, personal days, vacation and sick leave benefits, medical coverage and dental benefits, a retirement plan, life insurance and a deferred compensation plan after eligibility requirements have been met.

Perks Working for ACHD

• Professional growth through training opportunities (CPR, First AID, Public Health Preparedness, Dignity and Respect, Points of Dispensing, and more); ability to advance in county system; job security; meaningfulness in daily work derived from public service; eligible for federal loan forgiveness; organizational commitment to ACHD’s mission to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of all Allegheny County residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

Routine Laboratory Technician Duties

• Communicating test results with linguistic and cultural proficiency to the testee according to the laboratory’s established procedures.
• Applying ethical principals in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining, and disseminating data and information about clinical specimens and results.
• Assisting in the preparation of written technical and operational procedures and corrective action reports.
• Adhering to the laboratory’s established corrective action policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established levels of acceptable performance, including documentation of all corrective actions taken.
• Maintaining of records of test results, quality control results, patient reports, proficiency testing reports and written procedures.
• Adhering to the laboratory’s quality control policies including documentation of all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance functions.
• Submitting urine specimens to a referral laboratory for confirmatory testing according to established laboratory procedures.
• Utilizing standard laboratory techniques (e.g., drug screening T-Cups, alcohol saliva test strip) to support the Health Department’s public health laboratory.
• Preparing accurate records, both on paper and in a computerized database including laboratory test results, control results, proficiency testing results, and corrective actions reports.
• Filing of records and reports according to the laboratory’s established procedures.
• Providing support at the main laboratory when assigned including preparation of media and reagents, record keeping, etc.
• Participating in professional development opportunities and contributing to continuous improvement of individual, program, and organizational performance.
• Incorporating ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations, and communications.
• Responding to public health emergencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Routine Drug and Alcohol Screening Duties

• Performing drug tests according to the laboratory’s established procedures, including collecting information from the testee, observing collection of urine and saliva specimens and processing specimens.
• Greets clients, collects and processes specimens and reports results
• Files paper records
• Perform daily controls on urine cups and alcohol strips
• Records refrigerator temperatures
• Maintains QC logs and other quality control functions.
• Retrieves client records for caseworkers or caseworker managers.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques of laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures of a variety of standardized chemical and biological laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and biology as related to laboratory testing.
• Skill in laboratory manipulative techniques.

• Microsoft Office
• Laboratory Skills
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Databases
• Data Entry
• Report Writing
• Interpersonal Communication
• Public Health
• Documentation
• Laboratory Equipment

• To perform assigned tasks according to exactly prescribed procedures, and to make accurate and precise observations of test results.
• To perform calculations involving the application of basic mathematics.
• To prepare accurate records of laboratory results.
• To sufficiently view (strong eyesight) and analyze extended microscopic work and normal color perception.
• To respond to emergencies.