Lab Specialist CL368

Advance your laboratory career with the Department of General Services.

Join one of the nations most advanced state laboratories and make an impact that matters! The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking a detail-driven Laboratory Specialist to support critical testing that protects Virginias health environment and safety.

Title:Laboratory Specialist - Sample Support Services CL368

State Role Title:Laboratory & Research Specialist I

Hiring Range:$44000 - $51000

Pay Band:3

Agency: Department of General Services

Location:Richmond VA

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type:General Public G

The Virginia Department of General Services is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Laboratory Specialist for the Sample Support Services Group for the CommonwealthsDivision of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) which is one of the largest and most diverse consolidated state laboratories in the nation. With an annual budget of over 30 million dollars and over 250 state employees DCLS performs approximately 9 million tests annually. Results from these tests are used confidently by local state and federal public health agriculture food regulatory environmental protection and law enforcement officials serving to protect our citizens food supply environment and commerce. DCLS is a member of public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealths environmental laboratory accreditation program.

This position serves as a Laboratory Specialist for the Sample Support Services team. The Laboratory Specialist role supports mail room functions by receiving shipping inspecting sorting delivering and collecting all mail packages and freight for DCLS. Determines correct postage amount delivery methods and interprets postal regulations. Documents incoming packages and samples in receiving log. Manages dock activities. Supports laboratory functions by receiving and delivering laboratory supplies as well as shipping clinical and environmental collection kits to trains in the clinical and environmental accessioning group to support pandemic surges. Trains staff as needed.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) Sample Support Services Group (SSS) assembles and ships a variety of specimen/sample collection kits to hospitals health departments Department of Environmental Quality regional offices Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water submitters across the Commonwealth. SSS also receives supplies that are distributed throughout the building to support clinical environmental newborn screening and food testing throughout DCLS.

As a Laboratory Specialist on the Sample Support Services team you will play a critical role in supporting DCLS operations and ensuring timely accurate processing of incoming and outgoing shipments. Key responsibilities include:

• Manage Incoming and Outgoing Packages Freight and Mail
  Receive inspect sort and deliver mail and packages; prepare and ship specimen collection kits using UPS in compliance with regulations. Maintain detailed package delivery logs.
• Ensure Accuracy and Quality of Shipments
  Conduct verification of outgoing packages maintain Dangerous Goods documentation and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Support Customer Service and Communication
  Respond to inquiries resolve delivery issues and maintain detailed communication logs while fostering positive relationships with clients and team members.
• Maintain Compliance and Quality Standards
  Follow established procedures report and assist with corrective actions and adhere to confidentiality safety and quality assurance protocols.
• Promote Safety and Team Collaboration
  Maintain a clean and secure work environment complete mandatory safety training and assist team members in meeting production goals during peak periods.

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge of general laboratory terminology procedures and basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical microbiological infectious and toxic materials.
• Experience providing customer service by demonstrating problem resolution and investigation skills and techniques to internal and external clients.
• Proven experience maintaining accurate documentation and records.
• Experience using various computer applications (i.e. Outlook Excel Word).
• Experienced in following procedures prioritizing tasks and identifying errors.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
• Ability to routinely lift push pull and transport up to 50 pounds;must be able to frequently stand walk bend stoop kneel and reach in order to manage incoming and outbound packages.

This position is in Richmond Virginia and must report on-site.

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing pre-tax spending accounts paid life insurance paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits paid holidays vacation and other leave benefits wellness programs and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally supplemental bus passes ride share or parking are available and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with accessioning high volumes of clinical and/or environmental samples accurately.
• Experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience working in a mailroom or post office.
• Experience training staff in accordance with SOPs.
• Experience using hand pallet jack/electric jack/pallet stacker.

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via .

Fax e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office or .

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received but this position may be closed at any time after February 25 2026.Please refer to the Your Application page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at for assistance.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employees Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e. weather-related closures/delays holidays etc.) unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act Federal Select Agent Program and DHRM Policy 1.05Alcohol and other Drugsit is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLSs abilityto perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health safety and security of the public. As such DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture distribution dispensation possession or use of alcohol marijuana or other drugs prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol marijuana or any controlled substances (including but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles in the workplace or on DCLS premises or when performing official work duties.

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups individuals with disabilities veterans and individuals with AmeriCorps Peace Corps and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found atAHP Letteror by calling DARS at .

Note:Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone:

Email: