State of Washington Classified Job Specification
LABORATORY ASSISTANT 1 - WPEA
Definition
Performs routine work in the cleaning and care of laboratory glassware and materials and laboratory work areas of a clinical laboratory or operates electrocardiograph.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under direct supervision, performs laboratory tasks such as preparing culture media, compounds and reagents, sterilizing and stocking of lab materials, and maintaining cleanliness in the laboratory.
Typical Work
Prepares culture media according to established procedures including weighing and use of automatic dispensing devices;
Prepares compounds and reagents according to specified procedures;
Autoclaves and sterilizes laboratory materials; cleans and sterilizes glassware; codes new glassware and assists in maintaining a clean laboratory environment;
Soaks seeds in potassium nitrate solution to break dormancy; plants them in incubated soil to evaluate germination potential; counts seeds, using vacuum counting apparatus;
Attaches electrodes to patient and operates electrocardiograph; photocopies and files electrocardiograms;
Crushes and breaks down rock samples and separates microscopic fossils from them;
Performs clerical tasks such as filing;
Cleans, checks and replenishes equipment and supplies from stock;
Assists in performing inventory and reports laboratory supply needs;
Collects soiled laundry; receives and distributes clean laundry;
Perform related duties as required.
Prepares compounds and reagents according to specified procedures;
Autoclaves and sterilizes laboratory materials; cleans and sterilizes glassware; codes new glassware and assists in maintaining a clean laboratory environment;
Soaks seeds in potassium nitrate solution to break dormancy; plants them in incubated soil to evaluate germination potential; counts seeds, using vacuum counting apparatus;
Attaches electrodes to patient and operates electrocardiograph; photocopies and files electrocardiograms;
Crushes and breaks down rock samples and separates microscopic fossils from them;
Performs clerical tasks such as filing;
Cleans, checks and replenishes equipment and supplies from stock;
Assists in performing inventory and reports laboratory supply needs;
Collects soiled laundry; receives and distributes clean laundry;
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: personal hygiene, arithmetic
Ability to: follow written and oral instructions; use common lab equipment; maintain professional relationships at the workplace.
Ability to: follow written and oral instructions; use common lab equipment; maintain professional relationships at the workplace.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
High school graduation
Equivalent education/experience.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Shadow class adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.