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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 4

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LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 4
Class Code: 510J
Category: Science & Engineering


Definition

Supervises or leads the technologists, technicians, and assistants in a large clinical or research laboratory; performs very complex laboratory determinations in a specialized field.

Typical Work

Coordinates and conducts content analyses on laboratory samples to identify their physical, biological, and chemical characteristics; 

Concentrates and prepares microbiological specimens for isolation and/or definitive identification; 

Makes and records readings of test results; 

Prepares reagents, solutions and buffers for microbiological, biochemical and/or chemical tests; 

Uses computer terminal to collect information; performs complicated chemical calculations; 

Participates with Quality Control supervisor to monitor, investigate and correct any problems with culture media and reagents; 

Consults with project leaders in developing laboratory experiments; assists with special projects; 

Plans, schedules, assigns, coordinates and assists work of medical technology students, technicians, assistants and others; 

Performs very complex procedures in a specialty laboratory, e.g., hormone assays, TB, parasite, seriological analysis, tissue culture, electrophoresis, thin layer chromatography and fluorometric analysis; performs new procedures resulting from research studies; records and summarizes data on laboratory analyses; 

Concentrates TB specimen and prepares means for examination; 

Performs Bio Assay testing including mouse inoculations to determine presence or absence of paralytic shellfish toxic; determines toxin levels and reports results; 

Uses laboratory equipment, centrifuge, spectrophotometer, analytic balance, ph meters, microscope, and autoclave; performs routine maintenance on research equipment and laboratory instruments; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: laboratory principles, practices, and techniques such as those used in bacteriology, hematology, parasitology, histology, immunology, organic and biochemistry, tissue culture, microscopy, clinical and pathological testing; laboratory equipment maintenance, operation, and calibration; laboratory supplies and reagents; report preparation and quality control. 

Ability to: use laboratory equipment and techniques; understand and follow complex written and oral instructions, formulae, and charts; prepare clear and concise reports; record and compile research data using arithmetic and statistical procedures; maintain cooperative working relationships with others; distinguish colors; supervise professional and technical laboratory personnel.

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. 

Desirable Qualifications

Seven years of clinical, chemical, public health or related laboratory experience including three years at a level equivalent to Laboratory Technician 1 or higher. 

College education involving major study in a laboratory science may be substituted, year for year, for the required general experience. 

Completion of a course for laboratory assistants, approved by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, may be substituted for two years of the required general experience. 

Note: Selective certification may be authorized for training or experience in a specific laboratory field.

Class Specification History

Revised January 1, 1968
General revision
Revised May 5, 1972
Revises minimum qualifications
Revised February 15, 1985
General revision
Revised March 3, 1986
Revises definition
New class code, formerly 53140, effective July 1, 2007.
New title, formerly Laboratory Technician 3, effective July 1, 2007.