Career Center

The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to promoting population health, protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring residents' equitable access to health services and information.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of paraprofessional laboratory work in support of clinical and environmental laboratory programs. May collect clinical specimens, including COVID-19, as required, performs procedures for accessioning, receipt, assessment of sample appropriateness, and labeling of client samples. Under direct supervision, may perform CLIA waived testing (Rapid COVID-19, Urine dipsticks, etc.) Operates, monitors, and maintains basic laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, glassware washers, centrifuges, and balances. Provides clean and sterilized glassware for use in the public health laboratory. Weighs and prepares accurate chemical buffers, media, and solutions. Prepares standard microbiological media and other laboratory reagents; maintains equipment, including incubator, small refrigerator, autoclaves, and water baths. Prepares diagnostic test kits and reviews, packages, and labels customer supply orders for delivery to clients. Assists in maintaining laboratory inventory including receiving and conducting physical inventory of materials and supplies. Sterilizes medical waste and documents correct disposal in accordance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Performs related clerical duties (i.e. answering telephones, photocopying, filing, backup courier duties, etc.) and performs complex data entry of demographic information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Establishes workflow and provides training and guidance to staff in duties of this position, and performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list.)
Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, mathematics and techniques in a clinical or environmental laboratory;
Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;
Skill in the maintenance and use of laboratory equipment;
Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues;
Ability to read, interpret, and follow direction of safety procedures;
Ability to pay close attention to detail;
Ability to work independently and part of a team;
Ability to think critically and to utilize problem-solving techniques;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;
Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions;

Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with experience working in a medical environment, possessing knowledge of medical/laboratory terminology, and processing of samples submitted for clinical laboratory testing.  Possess ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; ability to multi-task and prioritize work. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  
 
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.