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PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SCIENTIST 1-3


The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

This position may be filled in the following parishes: East Baton Rouge Parish

Join the Louisiana Office of Public Health as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist in Baton Rouge and make a real impact on environmental health across the state. This exciting role offers the opportunity to work in the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, performing organic, inorganic, and trace metals analysis, with a focus on drinking water testing. Ideal candidates will have experience with EPA-regulated methods, including gas chromatography and GC/MS, and will enjoy collaborating daily with laboratory staff, program teams, and regulatory agencies. Apply today to contribute to protecting public health in Louisiana!

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a biological, environmental, or chemical science.

SPECIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including but not limited to those required for the Federal Select Agent Program and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license requirements.

CLINICAL TESTING POSITIONS:
For positions which involve processing and analysis of human specimens and/or the generation or interpretation of laboratory results that may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or condition in humans, the incumbent must have a current license to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (CLS-G) or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS-S) issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME).

A temporary license to practice as a CLS-G or a CLS-S issued by the LSBME shall fulfill this requirement only for the limited time granted by the LSBME. The incumbent is required to satisfy the requirements for a CLS-G or CLS-S permanent license prior to the expiration of the temporary license.

Qualifications

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.Job Duties:

  • Perform chemical, physical, and biological analyses of environmental samples using EPA-approved methods, including gas and liquid chromatography, ICP-MS, atomic absorption, and other instrumentation.
  • Prepare samples for testing, including extraction, distillation, cleanups, and reagent preparation, while ensuring proper handling, identification, and chain-of-custody.
  • Conduct a comprehensive data review, including calculations, statistical analysis, interpretation, and entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
  • Perform routine quality control and quality assurance activities, including troubleshooting, method development, and corrective action documentation to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
  • Operate, maintain, and perform preventative maintenance on laboratory instrumentation, and cross-train coworkers on methods, instrument use, and data interpretation.
  • Participate actively in the Environmental Team, staying informed of advances in laboratory methods, safety practices, and project status, and contributing to group problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, including CLIA, USEPA, FDA, USDA, and Select Agent Program requirements, and report any deviations to supervisory staff.
  • Ensure a safe and organized work environment, including proper use of personal protective equipment, waste management, disinfection, and ergonomic work practices.
  • Maintain accurate and legible laboratory records, verify the validity of results, and protect confidential data and patient information in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by laboratory supervisors, including special projects, bench work, and support of other OPH laboratory sections, to ensure smooth and efficient laboratory operations.

Position-Specific Details:
Location: Office of Public Health / Central Laboratory/ East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointment or a Promotional appointment

Cost Center: 3262107411

Position Number(s): 118282

Career Progression:  This position may be filled as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.

How To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. 

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

Shambrielle Pooler

Shambrielle.Pooler@la.gov

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477


This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218. 

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. 

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce, and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.

Date Posted
03/19/2026
Job Reference
OPH/SP/219017
Organization
LDH-Office of Public Health
Location
Baton Rouge, LA
Category
Laboratory
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