Laboratory Technician III

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Laboratory Technician III 
Job Title: Laboratory Technician III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 19794 
Closing Date: 08/20/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $3,907.90 - $4,494.09 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-15 
Shift: Regular Weekend Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 18D,4T0X1,68A,68K,68S,68Z,HM,HN,HS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Works under limited supervision of a Microbiologist IV with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Checks in specimens and samples received at the laboratory. Verifies work of co-workers and ensures accuracy and integrity of daily reports and related data for specimens. Distributes specimens / samples and forms. Performs tasks on priority or critical specimens as assigned.  May assists team leads on trouble shooting, new employee training and other required QA/QC procedures. Provides services to internal and external customers. Follows all QA/QC procedures and reports any errors and problems to team leads. Performs other duties as assigned including COOP activation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1.  Checks in specimens and samples received at the laboratory including but not limited to microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples. Conducts pre-analytical evaluations for samples and specimens according to test request(s) and has the authority to reject specimens for not meeting specimen acceptability requirements. Sorts, determines acceptability and assigns lab numbers for all specimens / samples that are suitable for DSHS laboratory testing. Ensures that all requisition forms are properly completed. Tasks require the ability to lift, push, pull and carry packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day; for all packages over 50 lbs, assistance is required.  (30%)

EJF 2.  Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others. Assist in the preparation of samples/specimens for the testing lab. Distributes samples, specimens, and forms according to Standard Operating Procedural Manual (SOP). Performs assigned special tasks including but not limited to processing specimens for request repeats, unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens and packaging and delivery. (25%)

EJF 3.  Assist team leader in investigating causes for errors, or discrepancies. Assists in training of new employees. Responsible for ensuring daily reports are completed for QC purposes. Uses various LIM system to enter test requests, patient demographic information and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures. (15%)

EJF 4.  Submits specimens to CDC and other laboratories, preparing proper shipping packages meeting IATA rules and regulations and documents all steps; checks shipping packages and documents prepared by coworkers; maintains certification. Maintains records. (10%)

EJF 5.  Provides customer service to internal and external customers.  Ensures that laboratory request forms for specimens or samples received are properly completed. Contacts providers by phone to obtain missing information or give advanced notifications related to specimens submitting and results releasing. Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS or hand deliveries. Provides information to providers and submitters in response to phone calls. Assists team leader to solve logistical and technical problems. (10%)

EJF 6.  Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Helps in maintenance of equipments and instruments in the laboratory. Responsible for reporting any errors and problems to team leads.  Provides suggestions that may improve work efficiency and quality on customer services. Performs other duties assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. Delivers / picks up boxes via state vehicle. Ability to lift, push, pull and carry packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day; for all packages over 50 lbs, assistance is required. Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles and terminology. 

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

Ability to handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.

Ability to self-direct in the absence of detailed instruction or supervision. 

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public. 

Ability to solve technical problems.  

Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting. 

Ability to enter data into a computer quickly and accurately.

Ability to lift, push, pull and carry packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day; for all packages over 50 lbs, assistance is required.

Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

Ability to train co-workers.

Ability to make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.

Skill in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Prefer Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour coursework from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree/coursework determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator

2. Experience working in a clinical, research or environmental laboratory is preferred

3. Experience checking in, receiving or accessioning of samples is preferred

4. Experience working with internal customers within the organization and external customers outside the organization

5. MUST be able to work weekends and holidays.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends; all employees must work Saturdays as assigned. Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.

Transportation: Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

Risks: High Hepatitis risk.

Coursework: Include a list of all Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour courses/credit hours on application. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-776-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

When completing your application, complete all fields. Include job titles, dates, salary, supervisor name, and supervisor contact information. Include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this Position Description.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form