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Laboratory Assistant Series

Laboratory Assistant Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established May 1, 1976

Scope

This series specification describes four levels of Laboratory Assistant work.

Definition of Series

Incumbents perform, direct, and/or supervise the performance of Laboratory Assistants involved in routine nontechnical and technical laboratory functions; process and prepare laboratory specimens, solutions, and reagents; operate specialized equipment; and keep records.

 

Laboratory Assistant Series Specification - Class Titles and Codes
Schem Code Class Code Class
SU05 7884 Laboratory Assistant
ST90 7878 Senior Laboratory Assistant
ST80 7890 Supervising Laboratory Assistant I
ST70 7889 Supervising Laboratory Assistant II

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Complexity of work assigned; independence of action and decision; degree of�supervision received, and degree of supervision exercised, serve as differentiating factors between individual classes.

Definition of Levels

Laboratory Assistant

This is the entry and first working level. Incumbents perform assigned, varied, standardized, and nontechnical laboratory procedures in processing or�preparing laboratory specimens, materials and supplies, and in operation of�specialized mechanical laboratory equipment while receiving on-the-job training.

Senior Laboratory Assistant

This level is the journeyperson/leadperson level of the series. Incumbents, under supervision, perform biological, chemical or related procedures involving a varied sequence of technical operations following well-defined methods; and assist with training and direction of subordinates.

Supervising Laboratory Assistant I

This level is the working supervisor level of the series. Incumbents, under general direction, supervise and work with a group of Laboratory Assistants engaged in the routine, nontechnical, laboratory functions.

Supervising Laboratory Assistant II

This level, under general direction, plans, organizes, and directs the work of�a large group of Laboratory Assistants, including subordinate supervisory or technical personnel engaged in carrying out a variety of routine, nonprofessional laboratory functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Laboratory Assistant

Either I

 

Six months of experience in laboratory work similar to that described in Definition of Levels above.

Or II

 

Education: Equivalent to completion of the eighth grade.

Or III

 

Satisfactory completion of a formalized laboratory work experience and training program of at least three months' duration, such as those conducted under Manpower Development and Training Act, Work Incentive Program, or similar work experience programs conducted by State agencies.

Senior Laboratory Assistant

Either I

 

Two years of experience in the California state service performing laboratory work, including one year performing the duties of a Laboratory Assistant, Range

B.

Or II

 

Completion of two years of college including at least twelve semester hours in�college laboratory courses such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology. (Two years of experience performing technical laboratory work may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Supervising Laboratory Assistant I

Either I

 

In California state service either:

 

1. One year of experience performing the duties of a Senior Laboratory Assistant; or

 

2. Two years of experience performing the duties of a Laboratory Assistant, Range B.

Or II

 

Experience: One year of experience performing technical laboratory work; and

 

Education: Equivalent to the completion of two years of college, including at least twelve semester hours in college laboratory courses, such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Supervising Laboratory Assistant II

Either I

 

In California state service, either:

 

1. One year of experience performing the duties of a Supervising Laboratory Assistant I; or

 

2. Two years of experience performing the duties of a Senior Laboratory Assistant.

Or II

 

Experience: One year of experience with responsibility for the supervision of the work of a group of nontechnical laboratory personnel; and

 

Education: Equivalent to the completion of two years of college, including at least twelve semester hours in college laboratory courses, such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology. (Additional qualifying experience in nontechnical supervision or in performing technical laboratory work may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Laboratory Assistant

Ability to: Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; clean and care for laboratory equipment; learn elementary laboratory methods and procedures; follow directions; work efficiently and effectively in a group.

Senior Laboratory Assistant

Knowledge of: Laboratory methods and procedures; fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and elementary mathematics; uses and care of laboratory equipment.

 

Ability to: All of the above, and learn and apply specialized techniques accurately and rapidly; and keep accurate records.

Supervising Laboratory Assistant I

Knowledge of: Names and uses of common types of laboratory equipment, elementary laboratory methods and procedures; principles of effective supervision; preparation of laboratory specimens and application of simple laboratory techniques.

 

Ability to: Follow oral and written directions; prepare simple reports and keep records.

Supervising Laboratory Assistant II

Knowledge of: Names and uses of the common types of laboratory equipment; elementary laboratory methods, techniques and procedures; ordering, storage, and utilization of consumable laboratory supplies and equipment; general and special laboratory safety procedures; principles of effective supervision; the preparation of laboratory specimens.

 

Ability to: Apply a wide range of nontechnical laboratory techniques; plan, organize and direct the work of a large nontechnical laboratory staff, and get them to work together effectively; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; follow oral and written directions; prepare clear and comprehensive reports and statements; keep clear and concise records.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Aptitude and liking for laboratory work; orderliness; tact; reliability; either normal color vision, or partial color blindness only. (Applicants with partial color blindness must demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily distinguish colors most frequently found in laboratory work.) Color vision adequate to successfully perform the job as measured by the Ishihara Pseudo-Chromatic Plate Test or for persons failing the Ishihara, the Farnsworth D-15 Arrangement Test.

Alternate Range Criteria

These criteria will be used to allocate incumbents to Alternate Range A or Range B.

 

Range A. This range shall apply to incumbents who do not meet the criteria for payment in Range B.

 

Range B. This range shall apply to persons who have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of six months of Range A experience, or who have completed one year of experience in laboratory work. (Completion of one year of college work including at least four semester hours in college laboratory courses, such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology may be substituted for the required experience.)

 

When the requirements for the particular criteria are met and upon recommendation of the appointing power, the employee shall move to the rate in the higher salary range one step above the rate last received and shall receive a new salary adjustment anniversary date.

Class History

Laboratory Assistant Series History - Dates Established, Revised, and Title Changed
Class Date Established Date Revised Title Changed
Laboratory Assistant 05/01/1976 03/19/1981 --
Senior Laboratory Assistant 09/01/1960 05/01/1976 05/01/1976
Supervising Laboratory Assistant I 02/16/1951 05/09/1963 05/09/1963
Supervising Laboratory Assistant II 05/09/1963 -- --
  Updated: 6/3/2012
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