LABORATORY TECHNICIAN SENIOR 43103

7/1/89 C

This is the third class in the Laboratory Technician series. Positions in this class are responsible for performing basic laboratory work in support of the operations of a teaching, research, clinical, service or regulatory laboratory. Positions exercise limited judgment in performing a wide variety of standard procedures and techniques under the guidance of higher level laboratory personnel. This class is distinguished from the Laboratory Technician class by its greater independence in determining daily activities and its greater accountability for performing a wider range of standard procedures, some of which involve a higher degree of complexity. Positions in this class may also function as lead workers.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty involving a variety of laboratory procedures. The work typically involves performing clinical tests and routine histological techniques; collecting and compiling data; monitoring animals and administering routine treatment; conducting routine chemical, microscopic, and/or bacteriological tests; and performing more complex venipuncture to obtain blood samples. Positions may act as lead workers in a specialty area by assigning daily tasks, monitoring performance, and training lower level laboratory personnel.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions may act as lead workers.

Supervision Received: Positions work under the general supervision of higher level laboratory personnel; and may receive closer supervision in non-routine tasks.

Scope: Activities facilitate the work of the laboratory and/or research projects.

Impact of Actions: Effective performance contributes to efficient and timely laboratory service and avoids the time-consuming intervention of higher level laboratory personnel. Inaccurate test findings resulting from improper test procedures can result in misdiagnosis or improper treatment in a clinical setting; or in invalid research in a research environment. Improper disposal of laboratory waste can be harmful to the surrounding environment/public well-being.

Personal Contacts: Positions have frequent internal and external contact with researchers, medical staff, patients, other laboratory users, local and state agencies, and vendors in order to obtain samples, receive instructions, obtain supplies and services, and report results of routine laboratory tests.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of general laboratory procedures, equipment and safety techniques used in a chemical, biological, research, teaching, or medical laboratory. Working knowledge of mathematic principles to compute laboratory formulations.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors, patients, vendors, and other agencies; to maintain records; to record and report test results; to order laboratory supplies; to operate standard laboratory equipment; and to follow established laboratory procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent with course work in one or more natural sciences.

Level and Type of Experience: Laboratory experience related to the work.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class, which replaces Laboratory Technician B class, was developed in April 1989 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program.