DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  250 N 17th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $38,720 

Grade: 15

Initially, participates in assigned activities of the Shipping/Receiving section. Work includes activities related to the receipt of
specimens/samples which, including preparation and shipping of specimen/sample collection kits and shipping containers; receiving
supplies; following state and federal regulations, quality assurance, and administrative procedures; and assisting with send-outs. Displays
professional demeanor in all situations with customers and summarizes dialogue to show understanding in customer service.

Advances to assist in the Analytical Preparation Services section. Receive and sterilize infectious materials; sort and wash reusable
laboratory glassware and apparatus. Monitor sterilization cycles and determine when contaminated materials may safely be handled
and/or disposed of. Performs equipment procedures and quality assurance documentation. Assemble scientific equipment and
laboratory glassware for chemical cleaning using automated systems; perform quality control testing and documentation; and ensure
appropriate procedures are used. Prepare a wide variety of laboratory equipment and materials for sterilization by steam. Assist with
inventory management.

Prepares sterile and non-sterile microbiological culture media and reagents using approved regulatory procedures and techniques.
This involves compounding or preparation of various chemicals into reagents and microbiological media. Components of these
reagents and media are often classified as hazardous materials and knowledge of safe handling is required. The position also
performs chemical analytical testing on laboratory water samples for pH, chlorine, and conductivity.

Receive packages for delivery and infectious and/or hazardous samples for testing, verify condition and
paperwork enter/verify samples in LIMS, and prepare for testing sections. Meticulously document activities,
and notify leadership of concerns and out-of-specification readings or activities.
Ensures that the customer service needs of submitters, programs, and laboratory staff are met during hours of
operation. Communicate with submitters and program staff to provide information regarding specimen and sample submission, and resolve problems with shipments. Documents and researches customer complaints
to determine the appropriate resolution of problems.
Performs packing and shipping of Category A and Category B infectious substances in alignment with state and
federal requirements (USDOT/IATA) and internal processes and procedures. Reviews incoming orders and
performs packing, and shipping of sample/specimen kit orders to submitters.
Organize stockroom and assist with inventory management. On occasion, you may be requested to pick up or drop
off items (specimens, reports, equipment, etc) for the laboratory at other locations.
Process infectious materials for disposal, including autoclaving and discarding. Monitor sterilization cycles and
determine when contaminated materials may safely be handled and/or disposed of. Clean glassware,
receptacles, and utensils with manual cleaning in the sink or mechanical cleaning using a washer/disinfector.
Prepare reagents and media, including autoclaving. Participate in reagent and media formula review and
maintenance. Manage ingredient and media inventory for timely preparation of media, reagents, and supplies.
Provide feedback on changes to procedures relating to the processes within the Shipping/Receiving and
Analytical Preparation Services sections. Assist in the process of writing or updating new procedures and in the
dissemination of information.
Keep records, assist with quality control and quality assurance activities, and if requested assist with training
other staff.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge of:
- Extensive laboratory terminology
- Shipping, handling, and labeling
requirements for sending and receiving
collection kits and specimens
- Safe handling and decontamination of
biological and chemical waste
- Principles of scientific processes and
analytical techniques
- Laboratory procedures
- College-level algebra and its use in
scientific formulation
- Use of scientific reference material
- Quality control and quality assurance
practices
- Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and
Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Computer data entry/writing skills
- Training skills
- Organizational skills
- Record keeping
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Efficient and safe operation of office and
laboratory equipment.
- Effective communication.
- Computer operation, including: network
procedures, Microsoft Office including Word
and Excel, Google Cloud software including
Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, and
Hangouts, internal laboratory information
management system.
- Data entry, data retrieval, and report
generation

Ability to:
- Operate scientific equipment
- Communicate with staff, supervisors and
managers
- Multi-task
- Work independently
- Learn personnel policies and procedures.
- Perform manual tasks necessary for
receiving packages.
- Problem-solve.
- Learn analytical services provided by our
laboratory, the agencies we provide these
services to, and the proper collection kits and
laboratory forms required for submissions.
- Assist the general public, couriers and
laboratory staff with problems concerning
laboratory specimens.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce
that reflects the community, promotes equal
opportunity at all levels of the public
employment, and creates an inclusive work
an environment that enables all individuals to
perform to their fullest potential free from
discrimination.

Preference is given to a Bachelor's degree in Biological or Physical Science that includes laboratory coursework in the basic sciences
appropriate to the assignment or education including courses in biological or physical sciences that include laboratory work and
laboratory experience in an appropriate field.

Driver's License
A current Shipping of Infectious and Biological Substances Division 6.2/IATA training or to obtain training as soon as it is offered or within one year of hire.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award-winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing Tammy.Kaczmarek@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.