LABORATORY SERVICE WORKER 1
Career Family: LABORATORY SERVICE WORKER
New Jersey classifies Laboratory Service Worker 1 as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
It is the lowest-paid of the 2 Laboratory Service Worker grades, a step below Laboratory Service Worker 2, whose band tops out about $6,258 higher. Qualifying turns on 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $38,641 and $55,448.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Laboratory Service Worker series
- Laboratory Service Worker 1 — $38,641 – $55,448 (this title)
- Laboratory Service Worker 2 — $42,866 – $61,705
Promoting to Laboratory Service Worker 2 raises the top of the band by about $6,258. Its top salary lands around the 1st percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
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 direction of a supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, performs tasks involved in operating, maintaining and cleaning various types of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to preparing media, handling specimens, supplies and equipment, and/or caring for laboratory animals; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Takes a leading part in operating complex laboratory equipment by following directions and instructions; sterilizes laboratory equipment and supplies. Cleans and maintains laboratory machines and equipment including, automatic autoclaves, turbomatic washing machines, electronic dryers, large ovens, automatic pipette plugging machines, automatic liquid filling machines, automatic bottle capping machines, industrial labeling machines, high vacuum autoclaves, and cage washers. Carries various sized packages of supplies and equipment throughout the laboratory areas. Unpacks laboratory specimens and containers and delivers these to the proper laboratory area for analysis. Assists in decontaminating, washing, and sterilizing laboratory glassware. Inspects glassware and other materials and equipment for breakage, cleanliness and fitness for use. Prepares and dispenses sterilized media for laboratory use. Assists in instructing Laboratory Service Workers in the proper use, handling, cleaning, adjustment and minor repair of laboratory equipment and in the proper care of laboratory animals. If required, assists in caring for laboratory animals in cleaning their cages and in maintaining the animal room. Disposes of laboratory waste in accordance with established sanitary procedures. Observes sanitary procedures. Maintains the essential records and files. May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in a modern laboratory which shall have included the operation of sterilization and other laboratory equipment, including but not limited to, the care of laboratory samples and/or laboratory animals and the maintenance of related cleaning services.
License
Appointee 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 laboratory equipment used in a complex, modern laboratory sufficiently to carry out the duties required. Knowledge of the types of animals used in a laboratory and their proper care. Knowledge of laboratory mechanical equipment operated manually or by steam, electric, water and/or air. Knowledge of the general and special safety precautions to be observed in a laboratory. Ability to make mathematical calculations sufficiently to perform the duties of this position (eighth grade level). Ability to understand, remember and carry out oral and written direction and to learn quickly from demonstrations and oral and written instructions. Ability to learn and observe the safety and sanitary precautions to be taken in laboratory work. Ability to learn the proper ways of using laboratory equipment in sterilizing utensils and supplies. Ability to work harmoniously with associates. Ability to handle laboratory animals properly and care for them. Ability to understand the workings of mechanical equipment and make minor repairs and/or adjustments to laboratory equipment. Ability to lift and carry bulky and heavy packages of laboratory supplies, materials and equipment. Ability to instruct and take the lead among Laboratory Service Workers. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related unit. Ability to read, write speak, understand, or 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 as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.