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If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! – Specimen Receiving & Processing Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician 1)

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) is seeking a Specimen Receiving & Processing Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician 1) to join our dedicated team. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory supports state and local infectious disease control efforts, works to prevent medical conditions detectable at birth, and assures the quality of testing in clinical and environmental laboratories.

In this role, you will contribute directly to Oregon’s public health mission by supporting essential pre‑analytical processes, including specimen receiving, data entry, racking, and kit assembly and distribution. The Operations Medical Laboratory Technician ensures that specimens are logged, processed, and prepared efficiently and accurately, enabling timely testing for populations at risk of infection and in response to outbreaks. Responsibilities include receiving and processing test samples, preparing and shipping test collection kits, handling infectious and diagnostic shipments, entering and reviewing data, processing mail, and ensuring accuracy in reports and laboratory records.

For a full review of the position description, please click here.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.

• One year of "technical trainee" experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory OR
• Completion of a certified clinical laboratory training program OR
• A Certificate or Associate’s degree in an Applied Science from an accredited Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technician training program.

Note: Relevant knowledge and experience may include knowledge of medical laboratory terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, and basic principles of chemistry, biology, physiology, mathematics, reagent stability, and general lab safety. Understanding of factors affecting test results and aseptic techniques. Skill in proper specimen care, handling, labeling, transportation, and storage; interpreting standard lab procedures; preparing accurate records, effective communication, and safely packaging and shipping infectious agents.

Desired Attributes: The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you possess any of these attributes, please highlight them in your application and resume.

• Experience supporting laboratory functions, such as receiving and data entry of test samples, assembly and shipping specimen collection kits, shipping of diagnostic and infectious samples, receiving and processing mail and packages, and other operational lab support duties. This is not a test processing bench position.
• Experience preparing specimens for shipping in compliance with IATA and DOT regulations.
• Experience reviewing reports and other paperwork for errors and correcting data to ensure record accuracy.
• Experience conveying or correcting information in verbal and written formats.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment.
• Familiarity with CLIA regulations, CAP accreditation standards, and OSHA safety standards.

Preference Statement: Preference will be given to candidates possessing more years of experience and meeting more of the desired attributes.

Application Guidance

Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided below:

Submission Requirements:

• Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.
• Cover Letter (Optional) – A cover letter is not required, but if included, it will be reviewed and considered during the review and selection process.
• Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
• Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.

How to Apply:

• External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements.
• Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements.

After You Apply:

• Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline.
• Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.

Reminders:

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation.
• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from.

If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

• This announcement is for 1, full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Specimen Receiving & Processing Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician 1) position based in Hillsboro, Oregon.
• This is an in-office position. “Review Section 4: Working Conditions” in the position description (linked above) for more information.
  • This position is required to work onsite and must be able to commute to the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. Standard work hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a rotating Saturday shift assigned for specimen receiving and data entry.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position.
• We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Contact Information
Recruiter: Elizabeth Chine
Email: Elizabeth.Chine@oha.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly): 971-718-1114

Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.