Shoreline, Washington
Saint Louis, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska
San Jose, California
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Posted: 26-Jan-26
Location: Shoreline, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $4,769.10 - $6,412.35 Monthly
Internal Number: DOH8784
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Washington State’s Public Health Laboratories play a critical behind-the-scenes role in protecting communities statewide. This position is a hands-on Lead role within Operations Support Services, the team that keeps the labs running safely, smoothly, and on time. As a Lab Technician Lead you will provide daily, on-site leadership to staff who prepare media, manage supplies, decontaminate waste, and ensure specimens and materials move where they need to go. If you like being the calm, steady presence that keeps complex operations moving, this role matters more than most people realize.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide frontline leadership and daily coordination for Support Services staff across media prep, glassware, dish room, stockroom, mailroom, and kit preparation
- Train and support staff, including onboarding, annual competencies, and cross-training
- Monitor workflows, prioritize tasks, and ensure critical lab support functions meet safety, quality, and turnaround expectations
- Prepare microbiological media and reagents using approved protocols and quality controls
- Maintain and update procedures, logs, and documentation tied to safety, quality, and equipment maintenance
- Serve as the go-to lead when the supervisor is unavailable, coordinating staffing, resolving issues, and escalating concerns as needed
- Support quality assurance, data entry, and use of lab systems that track inventory, supplies, and media production
- Step in where needed to keep operations moving, including emergency response or backup coverage for specimen receiving
Option 1: Associate’s degree or higher in biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental science, laboratory science, or a closely related field AND one (1) 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 (2) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics
Option 3: Three (3) or more years of experience working in a laboratory environment supporting laboratory operations, media preparation, specimen handling, or laboratory logistics
And the following experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience in laboratory operations or laboratory support functions within a regulated or SOP driven environment
- Knowledge of general laboratory safety principles, quality control practices, and documentation requirements
- Proficient in using standard office productivity software such as Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and similar tools for documentation, tracking, and communication
- Experience using computerized systems to enter, review, and track operational or laboratory related data
- Skill in reading, interpreting, and following technical instructions, written procedures, and standard operating protocols
- Experience in training, leading, or mentoring others on technical tasks, processes, or equipment
- Ability to maintain accurate records related to work activities, quality checks, training, or equipment usage