Laboratory Technician - Environmental Chemistry Section

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Title: Laboratory Technician -Environmental Chemistry Section

$20.60 - $33.68 / Posted Thru: 5-8-26

Location: In-Person - State of Michigan Laboratory

Purpose: The Laboratory Technician position performs a variety of technical assignments required for laboratory testing within the Environmental Inorganic and Organic Units as part of the Environmental Chemistry Section. This position participates in a variety of laboratory support activities associated with the analysis of environmental and biological samples of epidemiologic and environmental importance, impacting human health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duty 1 - 75 % of time - Under general supervision, the employee will take part in sample preparation and testing of samples within the Environmental Inorganic and Organic Units.

• Sort, organize, and log batches of samples into StarLIMS, the laboratory information system, according to the appropriate procedure.
• Determine adequacy of samples size and condition, recording comments on work sheets.
• Receive, and unwrap samples delivered to the laboratory for analysis.
• Chop, grind and homogenize fish tissue and other biological samples.
• Performs various sample preparation techniques for analysis on instrumentation.
• Perform filtration on drinking water samples.
• Perform sample extraction (solid-liquid, liquid-liquid, SPE, GPC, microwave digestion, hotblock digestion) for heavy metals, cyanotoxins, pesticides and other environmental organic chemical contaminant analysis.
• Performs preventive maintenance, as appropriate, in the laboratory.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of laboratory activities and sample date generated.
• Maintain competency at the appropriate frequency and according to the accreditation guidelines.
• Assure proper disposal of biological and chemical waste generated during the performance of this duty.
• Follow all laboratory procedures and practices pertaining the universal precautions, laboratory safety, laboratory infection control, laboratory chemical hygiene and the handling of hazardous materials.

Duty 2 - 15% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will be responsible for participating in other general laboratory support functions as required in the Environmental Inorganic and Organic Units.

• Assist in inventory management and supply organization as assigned.
• Ensure proper labelling of all laboratory supplies and reagents, as well as expired materials and waste.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks on laboratory equipment including cleaning, disinfecting, calibrating, and replacing consumable components of equipment as needed.
• Monitor and record conditions such as equipment temperatures and leak checks.
• Clean and maintain laboratory glassware for use in sample preparation procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of stocks, solutions, and reagents as needed, ensuring proper labelling, and adhering to storage and expiration requirements.
• Dispose of outdated laboratory reagents, supplies and stock solutions in accordance with established procedures and policies pertaining to the handling of hazardous materials and related safety practices.
• Maintain order and cleanliness of the laboratory to ensure a safe work environment.

Duty 3 - 10% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the safe packaging and shipping of sampling supplies and kits for Environmental Inorganic and Organic Unit tests.

• Prepare collection bottles with appropriate preservatives and assist with assembly of testing kits to send to submitters according to an established schedule.
• Attend annual safety training.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and workshops related to the section.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: A minimum of an associate degree in biological or chemical science (e.g., clinical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, etc.).

Experience: No specific type or amount of experience is required. A desire to participate in laboratory support functions in a variety of capacities is desired.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Meticulous work habits, good attendance, ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of quality assurance procedures
• The ability to stand for long periods of time.
• The ability to stoop, lift, and carry large, awkward, or heavy boxes often in excess of 20 pounds in weight.
• The ability to work at a computer and operate normal office equipment.
• The ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• The ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public.
• The ability to keep records
• The ability to make mathematical computations

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: An employee working with samples of environmental and biological origin is required to employ "universal precautions" in the laboratory; that is, to treat each sample as if it were capable of disease transmission and to use personal protection devices such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats to prevent contamination.

Conditions/Hazards: Dust, odor, fumes, chemicals, noise, sharp objects, high electrical voltage, low temperatures.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: No assigned responsibilities.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS:This position has a direct impact on the quality of services provided by MPHI to MDHHS.

REQUIRED COMMUNICATION

Contact Person/Group	Frequency	Purpose
Supervisor	Daily	Supervision
Internal Partners	As Needed	Collaboration
External Stakeholders	As Needed	Collaboration

For purposes of employment standards, this classification is "Non-Exempt" from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act.

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