Medical Technologist III

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Functional Title: Medical Technologist III 
Job Title: Medical Technologist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Clinical Chem/Oth Med Scrning 
Posting Number: 15238 
Closing Date: 09/22/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $4,539.50 - $4,993.45 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: 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: 230X,43TX,4T090,4T0X1,4T0X2,68K,68Z,71E,HS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Chemistry(CC) Branch Manager and in collaboration with the Medical Screening Unit Clinical Chemisitry Education Specialist III and Specimen Acquisition, performs specimen logistics activities. Extensive use of complex computer software applications, databases, and computer systems. Performs intermediate-level essential functions associated with the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and remote services. Performs LIMS validations. Performs routine and non-routine data extracts to identify submitters with unsatisfactory specimens to provide targeted education to submitters. Performs complex internal quality assurance on specimen acceptability for high volume clinical laboratory tests to increase validity and accuracy of testing. Investigates specimens that do not meet the established turnaround times. Prepares and maintains proper laboratory quality assurance documentation. Prepares periodic QA reports. Performs extensive customer service duties and maintains frequent communication with external and internal customers. Collaborates with staff from other areas of the laboratory, as appropriate to resolve issues with specimen submissions. Confers with medical providers to obtain required and accurate demographic information on potential invalid specimens.  Performs result approval after consulting with the appropriate testing laboratory staff. Participates/assists with updating website information for Clinical Chemistry and ListServ notifications. Places banner messages on mailer reports. Assists with the development and/or update of standard operating procedures and educational materials such as but not limited to presentations, tutorials, and FAQs. May train personnel. Serves as backup to other specimen logistic staff, as appropriate. Advanced verbal and written communication are required. Complies with the DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal safety guidelines. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. Duties are independently performed with adherence to standard protocol and with moderate latitude for the use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):   

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

EJF 1: Performs essential functions associated with the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and remote services. Performs validation of LIMS updates/new builds and completes the appropriate documentation. Performs routine and non-routine data extracts to identify submitters with unsatisfactory specimens. Prepares periodic or ad hoc statistical spreadsheets, graphs, charts, and reports for review of shifts and trends of submitter unsatisfactory specimens. Monitors medical providers with unsatisfactory specimen issues. May collaborate with, but not limited to, the DSHS Laboratory Customer Service representatives, Specimen Acquisition, and Specimen Logistics staff to identify providers that have a high percentage of unsatisfactory specimen reports and provides target education. May release/authorize results after receipt of missing/invalid demographic information from medical providers and after consulting with the appropriate testing laboratory staff. Monitors the LIMS for pending results that potentially need follow-up to ensure turnaround times are met. Initiates investigation of specimens pending in the LIMS including specimens that do not meet the established turnaround times. Reports inefficiencies and other problematic issues to the appropriate laboratory staff and /or IT staff.  (30%)  

EJF 2.  Provides extensive customer service and maintains frequent and effective communication with internal and external customers, consistently exhibiting a professional, ethical, and positive attitude. Keeps the Education Specialist III and the Clinical Chemistry Branch Manager informed of specimen logistic activities. Maintains technical knowledge in the specimen processing procedures followed in the Clinical Chemistry and Specimen Acquisition Branches. Keeps abreast of knowledge of the regulatory requirements for pre-analytical, clinical testing and post-analytical processes. Utilizes continuous quality improvement methods for work process improvement. (25%)

EJF 3.  Initiates, coordinates, and performs independent review of specimen acceptance criteria for clinical chemistry specimens flagged as potentially unsatisfactory. Performs complex quality assurance procedures on specimen acceptability for high volume clinical laboratory tests. Prepares and maintains proper laboratory quality assurance documentation. Prepares periodic QA reports. Initiates contact with medical providers to obtain valid and missing demographic information for specimens submitted for clinical chemistry testing. Ensures accurate information is obtained in a timely manner to process specimens for accurate patient reports.  Performs troubleshooting of specimens received that have invalid/missing demographic information required for specimen processing. Ensures that information obtained from reviews and investigations are clearly and properly documented, per protocol. Collaborates with, but not limited to, the clinical testing personnel and other Specimen Logistics staff to obtain valid information to ensure the accuracy of patient reports prior to approving results. Investigates specimens that do not meet the established turnaround times and documents findings and notifies providers of specimens with excessive turnaround time. May prepare QA event logs and may recommend corrective actions. Maintains competency on pre- and post-analytical and other logistics procedures. Coordinates the storage and disposal of high-volume clinical chemistry specimens after test results are reported. Maintains communications with the Education Specialist III, Team Leaders or designee and ensures all required documentation is finalized on all clinical specimens prior to discarding. Based on the work area, consistently complies with the DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (20%)

EJF 4.  Participates/Assists with updating Clinical Chemistry website information for ListServ notifications. May participate in the addition of ListServ subscribers. Assists with the development and/or update of standard operating procedures and educational materials such as, but not limited to, presentations, tutorials, and FAQs. May train personnel. Serves as the backup staff in the absence of other specimen logistics staff and the Education Specialist III to avoid disruption and delays of specimen logistics activities. (10%)  

EFJ 5: Safety Coordination: Collaborates with the Safety Office and serves as the Branch’s Safety Coordinator. Enforces safety policies and participates in Safety Coordinator/Safety Committee meetings, CDC online trainings, and trainings organized by the Safety Office. Collaborates with Branch Manager and/or Team Leaders to monitor compliance and identify safety issues. Conducts clinical chemistry specific safety training for current and new employees as well as new procedures. Ensures continual observation of area to minimize the risk of job-related activities and monitors operations to eliminate hazardous activities. Requests information and clarification on safety requirements from Safety Office prior to changing or implementing new procedures. Ensures the required safety and health documents, periodic inspections of all safety equipment, and other safety measurements are complete and up-to-date. Assists Safety Office in accident investigation and proposes corrective actions.(10%)

EJF 5:  Other duties may be assigned, including but not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in 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 alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical chemistry testing procedures, quality assurance, regulatory requirements and specimen processing principles, techniques and terminology including continuous quality improvement processes.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to understand/interpret laboratory results and regulations.
• Ability to detect and troubleshoot problems with specimen acceptance criteria and supplies.
• Skill in written and oral expression, and interpersonal interactions.
• Skill in use of business grammar, proofreading and editing for creation of education materials.
• Skill in collection and handling of protected health data and other confidential records.
• Skill in use of a computer, office equipment and software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, graphs, database analysis, and result reporting.
• Skill in the use and validation of the laboratory information management systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and productively both orally and in writing to internal and external customers. 
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively and work in harmony with internal and external customers and maintain constructive relationships with co-workers and superiors by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to report findings in a comprehensive and thorough manner. 
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a structured, high volume, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. 
• Ability to work multiple projects with rapidly changing deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, work independently and self-motivate to complete tasks within required timeframes.
• Ability to create and accurately follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.
• Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment on pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical processes based on professional knowledge and experience.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

EXPERIENCE

Prefer experience in the following:

• Pre-analytical (such as but not limited to phlebotomy, receiving, etc.)
• Clinical/Analytical Laboratory 
• Post analytical
• Quality Assurance
• Customer Service                                                                   
• Training
• Use of personal computer operations and software applications (such as, but not limited to Microsoft applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems.)    

Additional Information

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills, and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.

All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.

Interviews are scheduled after screening. Applicants who are selected for interviews are expected to provide a copy of their official transcript, certifications, as appropriate, prior to or during the interview.

Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must have them evaluated for equivalency by an approved credentialing agency, such as www.naces.org.  The equivalency of credentials documentation must be provided prior to or at the time of the interview.

Applicants will be given a color discrimination assessment exercise during the interview.

Hepatitis Risk - High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. 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.

Must wear provided personal protective equipment including face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, and safety glasses, as required by testing/safety procedures.

List on separate sheets, and submit with application, college course work and hours completed in microbiology, chemistry, and other sciences. Please note the requisition number on all faxed information.

Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary. - Applicants accepted for the position are expected to work flexible hours before/during holidays or weekends. When necessary, advance notice will be given. Additionally, time off during the holidays is rotated between all staff based upon seniority; staff are not permitted to book trips or airplane fares before time off is officially approved. This is to ensure that an appropriate level of coverage is maintained to meet deadlines.

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