Environmental Lab Technician

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Receive and log in samples into computer system for environmental testing. Clean glassware, open sample boxes, prepare sampling kits for mailing. Perform testing for solids and biochemical oxygen demand on water samples.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $37,648.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Log specimens/samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Check and prepare all received sample paperwork or Chain of Custody forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare bottles, reagents, and specialized culture media for a variety of laboratory examinations as requested. Keeps appropriate documentation.
• Record results of analyses on prescribed forms and prepares applicable reports.
• Handle and clean glassware containing contaminated material prior to sterilization or disposal.
• Design and perform comparative procedures necessary for quality control to provide reporting for administrative review.
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment and supplies.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Ability to check and maintain proper Chain of Custody Forms.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team environment to perform the routine login and processing of environmental and other samples.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records in compliance with regulations.
• Ability to cross-train in other testing areas to maintain workflow in times of staff shortages and workload surges.
• Broad knowledge to conduct a wide range of established laboratory procedures both manual and automated
• Specialized knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and laboratory safety.
• Broad knowledge of basic laboratory preparation techniques (dilution culture media) as well as equipment operation (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, autoclaves, and pH meters).
• Broad knowledge and compliance with all State and Federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to laboratory operations (e.g. CLIA, EPA, FDA, USDA, HIPPA, Blood Borne Pathogen, etc.).
• Working knowledge of common laboratory procedures in the chemistry and/or microbiology laboratory with knowledge of terminology associated with assignments in the laboratory.
• Working knowledge on current advancements in laboratory sample preparation and/or analysis as well as relevant equipment.
• Ability to read and follow instructions for the preparation of culture media, reagents, test kits, and specimens.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to perform administrative support tasks such as inventory, data entry and report preparation and filing.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 2+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.