Sample Receiving Technician - Laboratory Technician

Working Title: Sample Receiving Technician
Job Class: Laboratory Technician
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 92676
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.  Open to bidders through 03/19/2026.
• Date Posted: 03/13/2026
• Closing Date: 03/26/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division:  Public Health Laboratory Division
• Work Shift: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.61 - $33.28 / hourly
• Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
• Work Area: Public Health Lab / Environmental Section Sample Receiving
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to provide administrative support (sample acceptance, data entry, sample distribution, sample collection, kit assembly, and sample disposal) within the Public Health Laboratory Environmental Section. 

Working as a Sample Receiving Technician you will: 

• Greet and direct clients, couriers, facilities, and laboratory staff with sample submissions.
• Perform sample triage procedures for all sample submissions to accurately capture date, time, and temperature, and determine priority order for sample entry.
• Perform sample entry procedures for all sample submissions to capture and enter information for sample documentation and tracking.
• Perform sample delivery for all sample containers submitted for analysis to ensure proper thermal preservation and analytical holding times are maintained.
• Perform sample disposal procedures for all sample containers that have been identified as being ready for disposal. 
• Perform sample container and preservative labeling, preservative dispensing and kit preparation for sample collection containers.

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.

This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

• One (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory setting in an area of biological, chemical or physical science.
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals in relation to a laboratory environment.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory principles, practices, and techniques of the chemical laboratory sufficient to perform and/or assist with supporting the process of chemical analysis or related scientific activities. 
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety procedures. 
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple tasks to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and tasks are prioritized. 
• Ability to communicate in a variety of formats to gather and relay information with tact and diplomacy. 
• Analytical skills sufficient to understand and follow various laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and related documents accurately and consistently.

A bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical or biological science may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; an associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in chemical, physical or biological science from an accredited institution OR a current student pursuing an associate degree in chemical, physical or biological science from an accredited intuition with completion of one year of coursework. 
• Experience using computer programs to input and organize data. 
• Customer service skills sufficient to interact effectively to partners, vendors, and coworkers. 
• Experience in assembly, packing and shipping.
• Knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Physical Requirements

Occasional transportation of up to 50 pounds.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass a background and reference check.
• Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.  This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us or 651-401-4842.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.