Laboratory

Laboratory support position accountable for providing basic technical support to professional laboratory staff. At this level, employees prepare samples for testing, prepare reagents, prep tools and equipment, and clean and restock laboratory equipment. Employees at this level do not participate in running tests.

Laboratory position accountable for providing technical support to professional laboratory staff. At this level, employees prepare samples for testing, prepare reagents, and test media and stains used in the laboratory; calibrate equipment and organize samples and reagents; and perform quality control checks on equipment. Employees may run well-defined tests under supervision but are not responsible for interpreting test results.

Laboratory position accountable for providing technical support to professional laboratory personnel by performing a variety of standard testing and examination procedures. Employees frequently assist a scientist or other professional in performing technically complex tests or procedures. Employees prepare specimen for analysis by diluting, filtrating, centrifuging, or staining; calibrate equipment and organize supplies and reagents; and perform quality control checks on equipment by comparing readings from quality control samples with known values to determine if equipment is functioning within acceptable limits. Employees are responsible for the accuracy of tests run and may require correlation with other tests before reporting results.

Supervisory position accountable for overseeing and directing the work of lower-level laboratory positions. Mentors lower-level positions in laboratory procedures including sample preparation, accessioning, and disposal. May coordinate the maintenance of critical laboratory equipment (i.e. centrifuges, microscopes, air handling systems). Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires the employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

This is a professional level position accountable for performing a variety of standard and complex tests and analyses to provide laboratory data. Tests performed at this level require a degree of technical judgment, decision making and accuracy in performance of assigned duties. At this level, employees provide technical interpretation of test results.

Employees at this level serve as technical experts and representatives and apply knowledge and judgment as technical experts in the field and/or assist in laboratory compliance with quality management systems, federal and/or state regulations, and inform policy and provide expert advice on national committees. Employees design and implement validation studies and tests, troubleshoot and maintain equipment, analyze data, and write reports. Employees may also function as a lead worker and train or supervise lower-level positions.

Employees at this level serve as supervisors, technical experts, and trainers for laboratory analyses in an assigned area such as medical, environmental, forensic, animal health, agricultural, or materials testing, including the identification of program priorities and client needs. Employees have supervisory responsibilities over vocational and professional employees within the lab and input into setting a budget. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires the employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Laboratory position accountable for managing the overall planning, development, coordination, and administration of laboratory services. Directs or assists administrative personnel in policy development, program planning, and coordination; assists in directing the development and implementation of departmental planning issues. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires the employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen with responsibility for data generated.