LABORATORY TECHNICIAN III8342C3 Pay Grade: 23 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is advanced technical or supervisory work in a laboratory. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Laboratory Technician II class which performs less complex laboratory tests and preparatory procedures for more complex tests. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Determines schedules and priorities for work performed. Calibrates, operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory instruments, such as a farinograph, gamma counter apparatus, ion electrode, infrared spectrometric analyzer, spectrophotometer, and x-ray equipment. Determines the specimen to be selected for further study. Performs or oversees the performance of a variety of laboratory testing (e.g. chemical, viral, bacteriological) procedures and performs and maintains established quality assurance procedures such as the disposal of radioactive tracer material and the handling of toxins and pesticides. Computes final results of a range of tests and determines if results are within acceptable limits. Prepares and analyzes a variety of environmental or biological samples for the presence and quantity of chemical substances. Coordinates, confers with and assists professional laboratory staff in performing complex laboratory tests, such as radioimrnunoassay procedure, and viral propagation procedure. Monitors laboratory supplies and equipment, determines the type and quantity required, and completes the necessary purchase requisitions. Enters or oversees the entry of test results and other relevant data into computer system and composes related correspondence and prepares reports. Supervises and instructs lower-level laboratory technicians; assigns and evaluates their work. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of principles and techniques of laboratory testing. *Knowledge of the practices and procedures used in the operation of sophisticated laboratory instruments and equipment. *Knowledge of safe laboratory practices. *Knowledge of standard written laboratory reporting formats. Abilities *Ability to learn subject matter, and specialized laboratory procedures of the particular laboratory concerned. *Ability to perform mathematical computations. *Ability to assemble and maintain accurate laboratory records. *Ability to perform laboratory procedures. *Ability to use, maintain and perform basic calibration of laboratory equipment and instruments. Ability to supervise subordinates. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in laboratory procedures/analysis. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |