PRINCIPAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (R18)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the general supervision of Supervising Laboratory Technician or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, supervises a group of laboratory technicians conducting technical laboratory analyses, and performs difficult and complex technical laboratory analyses in bacteriology, chemistry, parasitology, immunology and blood chemistry in a bacteriological, chemical, immunological, serological, virological, histological, criminological, venereal disease control, animal industry, hospital, institution, forensic research or other laboratory; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Supervises lower level Laboratory Technicians in receiving, unpacking, opening and preparation of specimens for examination. Provides assignments and instructions to staff and supervises the performance of their work. Aids laboratory personnel in procedures pursuant to required tests. Maintains standard analytical procedures and instructs staff in new procedures and techniques and performs the more complex tasks. Assures adherence to all pertinent quality control systems and determines that satisfactory quality control is practiced by staff. Establishes laboratory equipment maintenance schedules and is responsible for their observance. Provides orientation and training to new staff. Supervises personnel in the preparation of proficiency testing specimens for monitoring the performance of independent and hospital laboratories throughout New Jersey. Supervises the preparation of reports and assists in the maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative laboratory reports of tests/analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Successful completion of sixty (60) semester hour credits from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in the biological, chemical, and/or physical sciences.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience as a technician in a public health, hospital, clinic, or research laboratory performing various types of tests.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the bacteriology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, or other field of knowledge involving extensive laboratory analyses. Knowledge of laboratory equipment, reagents, and techniques. Knowledge of the principles of laboratory analyses and test techniques and the use of standard laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagents. Knowledge of the purpose of and the varied tests likely to be made in hospital, institution, chemical, bacteriological, histological, criminological, animal industry, or other laboratory. Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in receiving, preserving, identifying, labeling, and when required shipping specimens of varied kinds sent to the laboratory for analysis. Ability to analyze laboratory problems, organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to provide assignments and instruction to staff and supervise the performance of their work. Ability to supervise and conduct laboratory analyses of varied types in accordance with standard and prescribed procedures. Ability to observe precautions and to do the precise and accurate work required in receiving, labeling, analyzing and shipping specimens. Ability to observe and enforce adequate/realistic safety precautions. Ability to comprehend and carry out written and verbal instructions and laboratory procedures and methods. Ability to use laboratory equipment, utensils, materials, and supplies in such a manner as to avoid breakage, deterioration, and loss. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to prepare detailed correspondence. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative laboratory reports of tests/analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain and/or supervise the maintenance of essential records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Successful completion of a certificate program in Clinical Laboratory Technology may be substituted for the above education. Applicants who do not possess the required education or certificate in Clinical Laboratory Technology, but possess the specialized credits outlined above may substitute additional experience as a technician in a public health, hospital, clinic, or research laboratory performing various types of tests, for the remaining education (years to complete the credits) on a year-for-year basis.