LABORATORY TECHNICIAN                                                          2203

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision an employee in this class performs routine, entry level laboratory tests and assembles data on test results. The employee takes samples and performs physical, chemical and bacteriological tests on a variety of materials, fluids, drugs etc. The employee may be assigned to a position in any one of several specialized fields. Performance is reviewed by a technical supervisor who checks and interprets test results, and by an administrative supervisor who reviews performance for adherence to established policies and procedures. Performs related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Records test results and assembles data for interpretation by technical supervisors;

            Performs a variety of bacteriological examinations to find evidence of diseases and pathological conditions; prepares a variety of culture media; performs microscopic examinations and reports results;

            Draws blood and/or performs hematological examinations, such as making complete blood counts, smears for differential count, and blood grouping; determines sedimentation rates and bleeding and clotting times; makes platelet and reticulocyte count and gravity tests, performs urinalysis tests for the presence of sugar, urea, albumin, etc.;

            Performs standard tests for the presence of drugs or other toxic agents in a variety of specimens;

            Examines samples of water, food and milk for the presence of bacteria;

            Performs chemical tests on all types of environmental samples to determine the presence of contaminants;

            Operates a variety of physical and chemical test apparatus;

            Assists in the testing of new products and/or procedures;

            Sets up, breaks down and cleans test apparatus.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of bacteriology including incubation and culture of bacteria; working knowledge of slide staining techniques; working knowledge of microscopic examination techniques; working knowledge of the methods of making chemical analysis of blood and urine samples; working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices; skill in measuring and weighing small quantities of liquid and solid substances; ability to learn proper use of laboratory equipment; ability to learn methods, procedures, and practices of testing, sampling, examining specimens and/or ability to learn venipuncture; ability to perform assigned tasks according to exactly prescribed procedures and to make accurate observations; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            Either:

            (a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with an Associate's degree in one of the natural sciences (physical or biological); or,

 

            (b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of technical laboratory experience; or,

 

            (c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

 

            PROMOTIONAL

            Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Laboratory Aide.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

            Depending upon assignment, possession of a professional license and registration, issued by the New York State Education Department, as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Technician will be required.  Candidate must maintain the license/certification throughout employment in the assignment.

            Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to possess a valid New York State Driver's license.

 

R 6/25/10

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15