Laboratory Technician III (AUSTIN, TX)

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Laboratory Technician III 
Job Title: Laboratory Technician III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 19351 
Closing Date: 08/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Range: $3,248.00 - $4,042.58 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-15 
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: 18D,4T0X1,68A,68K,68S,68Z,HM,HN,HS 
 
 
 

Works under the limited supervision of a Lab Manager II with moderate latitude for the use of initiative & independent judgment. Fills and releases supply orders for specimen mailing containers and kits. Processes, fills, and/or releases orders for NBS supplies. Picks up, recycles, and prepares shipping containers, components, and specimen kits. Performs weekly inventory counts. Based on the work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Monitors quality of shipment containers for cold box external customers. Provides customer service. Performs other related work as assigned including COOP activation. 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.

Essential Job Functions:

Prepares mailing container components and specimen kits. Monitors quality of containers and kits produced. Ensures that an adequate supply of container/kit components are available at all times and that area is kept clear, organized and properly labeled. Receives, fills and releases orders for shipment, according to the Standard Operating Procedural Manual. Ensures that all orders are shipped within five working days of receipt. Ensures all daily document logs are completed. Performs office procedures including using the copier and fax, answering phone calls and transferring to appropriate personnel. Checks the accuracy of co-workers and issues corrections; reports any escalations of major problems to Team Lead and Group Manager. Ensures that end of day duties/reports are completed. Perform stock and inventory counts. Inputs weekly inventory request by established deadline. Includes moving up to 50 lb boxes. Maintains area in a neat and orderly manner. Enter daily orders into computer and prepare and ship out NBS forms. (40%)

Provides customer service. Analyses transaction data for testing kits and forecasts potential deployment schedule and provides insight to leadership. Provides other laboratory employees and the public with technical information concerning shipping containers and kits; resolves technical/logistical problems or refers customer to appropriate personnel. Determines circumstances surrounding customer complaints and notifies supervisor. Performs research and generates reports for any errors made during the shipment process and resolves errors as needed and report major issues to leadership for senior resolutions. Reviews experiment data produced by laboratory areas for container kit components and ensure no results are impacted by tainted supplies and/or improper procedure being followed. (35%)

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. Assists in training new employees in all aspects of used container processing, kit components, container/kit assembly and shipping, order receiving, and bio-hazard processing according to the standard procedural manual. (20%)

Performs other duties as assigned.  Develops and prepares methods for improvements to program policy and procedures; methods are collected and presented to program leadership for review. Deliver/pick up boxes via state vehicle. Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to: sorting, determining acceptability, and checking in microbiological and chemical samples and specimens according to the Standard Operating Procedural Manual, and 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 can require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Licensure, Certification or Registration:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

General knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles and terminology.
General knowledge of office practices, managerial principles and administrative procedures; including computer data entry and retrieval.
Knowledge of warehouse procedures, inventory and stock keeping
Knowledge of inventory systems.
Knowledge of package shipping systems.
Knowledge of package tracking systems.
Ability to read & follow written or verbal instructions when filling orders for requested supplies.
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers & customers.
Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
Ability to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting (up to 50 lbs. unassisted), bending, standing or walking on a consistent basis.
Ability to handle specimens & samples quickly, accurately & safely.  
Ability to enter data into computer quickly & accurately.
Ability to prioritize tasks & meet deadlines.
Ability to perform general storekeeping and warehouse duties to maintain accuarte records of inventory.
Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Initial Selection Criteria:

*REQUIRED*

1 year or more experience with inventory systems (electronic, manual, etc.)

1 year or more experience in customer service

Experience with packaging and shipping goods

Experience working in a team setting

*Preferred, but not required*

Experience with interpereting and following detailed job aides and standard operating procedures

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite programs (preferred Outlook and Excel)

Experience with using computers and software to complete assigned job duties/tasks

Experience in prioritizing job duties and projects to meet deadlines

Experience in accurately enter data into software programs and spreadsheets

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be willing to work holidays and weekends per leadership direction as needed. Must be willing to work hours other than 7:30AM to 4:30PM.

Transportation:Employee is responsible for transportation to and from work place. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver's License for the approppiate type of vehicle. Safe operation of eithe a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas Driver's License or equivalent license from another state.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisotry Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duites and tasks.

*When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this job description.*

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 [email protected].

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