LT3: Specimen Receiving and Pre-analytical Processing

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: LT3: Specimen Receiving and Pre-analytical Processing 
Job Title: Laboratory Technician III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 15358 
Closing Date: 04/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $3,907.90 - $4,494.09 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-15 
Shift: Regular Weekend Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First); Weekends 
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 
 
 
 

Works under limited supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Specimen Receiving Group Manager with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Receives and processes specimens received by the Laboratory Services Section (LSS). Verifies work of co-workers and ensures accuracy and integrity of daily reports and related data for specimens. Distributes specimens, samples, and forms as needed. Performs tasks on priority or critical specimens as assigned. May assist team leads on troubleshooting, new employee training, and other required Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures. Provides customer service. Follows all QA/QC procedures and reports any errors and problems to Team Leads or Managers. Performs other duties as assigned, including COOP activation. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Receives and processes specimens and samples received at the laboratory, including but not limited to microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples. Sorts, determines pre-analytical acceptability, and assigns lab numbers for all specimens/samples that are suitable for DSHS laboratory testing. Ensures that all requisition forms are properly completed. Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others. Completes specimen and form processing by deadlines set forth in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals (35%)

EJF 2. Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to processing unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging/delivery of specimens. Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for 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 procedures. Responsible for ensuring daily reports are completed for QC purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps as defined in SOP for assigned procedures. (20%)

EJF 3. Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to processing unsatisfactory specimens and abnormal specimens. Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for patient demographic information, and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps, reports, and documents, as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures. (20%)

EJF 4. Provides customer service. Ensures that customer needs are met regarding the handling of specimens. Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS, or hand deliveries. Provides information to providers and submitters according to SOPs. Assists Team Lead and Group Manager to solve logistical and technical problems. (10%)

EJF 5. Tasks require the ability to lift, push, pull and carry packages, boxes, and/or coolers up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day. For all packages over 50 lbs., assistance is required. Deliver or pick up packages, boxes, and/or coolers via state vehicle. Safe operation of 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. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (10%)

EJF 6. 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. (5%)  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Microbiological and chemical principles and terminology.

Skill in:

• The operation of computers and applicable computer software.  

Ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
• Self-direct in the absence of detailed instruction or supervision.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.
• Solve technical problems.
• Work cooperatively in a team setting.
• Enter data into a computer quickly and accurately.
• 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.
• Multitask and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Train co-workers.
• Make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.
  
  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state. Must be indicated on application.

Initial Screening Criteria:

All applicants are required to:
1. Work hours other than 8 am – 5 pm, weekends, and holidays, as indicated by application. 

2. Transport ("travel") samples and/or specimens up to 5% of the time, as indicated by application.

All applicants are required to meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in microbiological, chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution OR

2. Experience in pre-analytical processing or accessioning of samples or specimens in a clinical, research, or environmental laboratory OR
3. Experience in providing customer service.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends 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 vehicle type. 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. NOTE: 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