Laboratory Operations Support Technician
This is a full-time onsite position located at our Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.
The Opportunity
As the Laboratory Operations Support Technician, you will play an essential role in keeping Washington's Public Health Laboratories operating safely and efficiently. Working on-site in Shoreline, you'll rotate through key laboratory support areas including media preparation, glassware processing, laboratory waste decontamination, inventory and stockroom operations, and mailroom services. Your work ensures laboratory scientists have the clean equipment, prepared media, supplies, and specimens they need to perform testing that protects public health across the state.
This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced laboratory environment where accuracy, organization, and attention to safety are critical. You'll prepare laboratory materials, maintain inventory, process incoming supplies and specimens, and follow established quality and safety procedures while working closely with colleagues across the laboratory.
The work you perform behind the scenes directly supports timely laboratory testing and emergency response activities. By ensuring laboratory operations run smoothly every day, you help enable the testing and scientific work that informs public health decisions and protects the health of Washington communities.
Key Responsibilities Include:
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Prepare microbiological media, laboratory solutions, and sterilized glassware used for public health testing.
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Decontaminate laboratory waste and clean, inspect, sterilize, and prepare laboratory glassware and equipment for reuse.
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Receive, track, and distribute laboratory supplies, specimens, and procurement orders while maintaining inventory and chain-of-custody documentation.
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Assemble specimen collection kits, process laboratory supply orders, and prepare inbound and outbound shipments in compliance with shipping regulations.
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Maintain accurate laboratory records, inventory data, and quality assurance documentation using computerized tracking systems and laboratory information systems (LIMS).
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Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory support equipment, including autoclaves, industrial dishwashers, drying ovens, media dispensers, balances, and related equipment.
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Collaborate with laboratory staff to coordinate workloads, train new team members, maintain organized work areas, and provide cross-coverage across multiple support service units as operational needs change.
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Participate in emergency response activities and provide operational support during public health emergencies as assigned.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
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Build experience across multiple areas of laboratory operations while developing a broad understanding of public health laboratory services.
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Work in a collaborative environment where teamwork, quality, and safety are central to daily operations.
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Ensure laboratory scientists have the equipment, supplies, and materials needed to perform testing that serves communities throughout Washington.
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Contribute to Washington's public health emergency preparedness by supporting laboratory operations that are critical during disease outbreaks and other public health events.
What You Bring:
You enjoy hands-on work, take pride in accuracy, and understand that even routine tasks have an important purpose. You stay organized, follow established procedures carefully, and are committed to maintaining a safe laboratory environment. You work well as part of a team, communicate openly when priorities shift, and are willing to learn new processes while rotating across different operational areas. You value the role that quality laboratory support plays in protecting public health and take ownership of the work that keeps essential laboratory services running every day.
Minimum Qualifications
There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Option 1: Two (2) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics-
Option 2: One (1) of more years of training in medical technology or education in college with courses in laboratory sciences AND two (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics.
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Option 3: Associate’s degree or higher in biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental science, laboratory science, or a closely related field.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
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Experience preparing, cleaning, sterilizing, or maintaining laboratory glassware, laboratory equipment, laboratory supplies, or laboratory work areas.
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Experience following laboratory safety procedures and standard operating procedures in a regulated work environment.
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Experience maintaining accurate records through data entry, inventory systems, laboratory information systems (LIMS), or other computerized tracking systems.
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Experience handling laboratory materials, biological specimens, chemicals, or other regulated materials while following established safety procedures.
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Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, infection control principles, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Skilled in operating laboratory equipment following established procedures.
PreferredQualifications
While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.
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Experience working in a public health, clinical, or research laboratory.
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Experience operating autoclaves, dishwashers, and other sterilization equipment.
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Experience preparing microbiological media or chemical solutions for laboratory use.
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Experience handling or shipping Category A/B specimens or other regulated biological materials.
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Experience receiving, processing, or maintaining laboratory inventory, supplies, or procurement records.
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Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
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Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal regulations and laboratory safety standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, or ISO).
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Skill in troubleshooting lab support processes.
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A bachelor’s degree or higher in microbiology, biology, chemistry, laboratory science, or a closely related scientific field.
Employee Benefits
We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.
The Public Health Laboratories – Where Science Protects Communities
At the Public Health Laboratories, every test matters. From hunting emerging pathogens to ensuring every newborn in the state gets life-saving screenings, your work will drive disease detection, outbreak response, and protect Washington’s most vulnerable. We’re the state’s reference lab, tracking rare threats like rabies, hantavirus, and West Nile virus, analyzing outbreaks, and safeguarding food and water safety. Here, science meets service in a collaborative, equity-driven team committed to real-world impact and public health at scale.
About the Washington State Department of Health
We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
Working Conditions:
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting:
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This position's work must be completed at the Public Health Laboratories located in Shoreline, WA.
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The position requires maneuvering and lifting packages and/or materials up to 55 pounds.
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The laboratory environment is noisy, can be stressful, and is fast paced.
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The position requires may require working in an open office setting.
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The position requires working with infectious biological material from humans or animals, in containers received by couriers and transferred to programs for processing.
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The position requires working with various laboratory chemicals including but not limited to commercial grade cleaning supplies, bleach, opticide, alcohol, etc.
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The position requires working in a laboratory with various laboratory chemicals that can cause illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems.
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Exposure to hot, cold, steamy, or odor producing environments may occur.
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This position requires compliance with established safety protocols and risk assessments at the public health laboratories.
Schedule:
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This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week. DOH business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when working in Media Preparation this position requires an onsite presence Monday to Friday from 7:00am – 4:00pm.
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The position has a 4-hour AM shift on Saturday, rotating among all staff every 1-2 months, depending on staffing level.
Travel Requirements:
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Regular travel is required to pick up and deliver laboratory mail to the post office, fuel state vehicles and perform other miscellaneous errands. Located in Shoreline, Washington and nearby locations.
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When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle
Tools & Equipment:
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Duties require the use of personal protective equipment such as but not limited to gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses.
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Duties require the use of standard laboratory and office equipment, including laboratory instrumentation and platforms, incubators, refrigerators and freezers, autoclaves, drying ovens, industrial dishwashers, biological safety cabinets, fume hoods, pipettes, balances and scales, pH meters, media dispensers, mixers, microwaves, hot plates, Bunsen burners, computers and related peripherals, label printers, mailing and copying equipment, pallet jacks, hand trucks, step ladders and stools, and appropriate personal protective equipment, along with standard office furniture and workstations.
Customer Interactions:
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The position regularly requires engaging with internal and external customers in a variety of settings including in-person, email, phone, and chat communication.
Other:
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This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
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The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
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This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
Special Requirement
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This position requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a state issued vehicle.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.
Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact
Shawnelle Goalder, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiterat
[email protected] and reference DOH8953 in the subject.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
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