3G32

                                                                        PAY RANGE: 16

 

SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

(Medical Laboratory)

(Water Sampling)

 

GENERAL DEFINITION

 

          This is technical work performing a variety of assignments in support of engineering, scientific and medical projects in the Health or Water Departments.  Employees perform such assignments as water quality investigations, collecting and evaluating water, wastewater and sludge samples, preparing preliminary mechanical, electrical or electronic designs and plans and making minor changes to designs and plans when necessitated by operational efficiency and field conditions for Water Sampling specialty.  Employees in the Medical Laboratory Specialty work in the Health Department and perform work in a Health Center collecting blood and body fluids from patients to conduct biochemical, microbiological or serological testing, or in the Public Health laboratory conducting diversified clinical testing including validating, evaluating and interpreting laboratory results or in the Medical Examiner’s Office testing and interpreting autopsy specimens or in the Air Management Services Division monitoring the city's ambient air and analyzing samples for pollutants of concern under city, state, and federal air regulations.

          The employees perform these assignments in support of engineering or technical staff in a water or wastewater plant, or in support of engineering, scientific, medical or technical staff engaged in laboratory testing and analysis for a Health or Water Department laboratory, or in research and development or a related function.  This class differs from similar classes by the diversity of the assignments. Work may involve shift work and disagreeable aspects. Work is performed under the supervision of an engineering, scientific, medical, administrative or technical superior.

 

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

 

1.    Positions must perform a variety of assignments in support of engineering, scientific and medical projects appropriate to the assigned department.

 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

 

WATER SAMPLING SPECIALTY

 

Water Quality Assignment

 

          Performs water quality surveys; gathers data and water and wastewater samples and performs standard field and laboratory, physical, chemical or biological tests to determine water quality contents; performs standardized tests a variety of environmental samples; prescribes, on the basis of established tests, the amounts of chemicals to be added to the treatment process; notifies plant operators of test results requiring changes in chemical treatment; performs strategic sampling of watersheds, treatment plants, water distribution systems, reservoirs and large industrial facilities; reads maps and diagrams in order to determine appropriate sample locations and problem sites; collects water samples involving the sanitizing of water mains and storage facilities and coordinates the activity with affected department units.

          Assists in the coordination of the laboratory's scheduled sample collection routes; reviews their field data, performs sampling and evaluates scheduling of routes; logs samples; prepares sample bottles, including specialized cleaning, adding special reagents, and labeling.

          Responds to customer complaints of water quality problems; reviews inspectors' drawings to identify the problem location; collects samples and reports findings; coordinates with field inspector or other personnel in the resolution of complaints; makes inspection of conditions; interacts with customer and collects appropriate water samples; performs simple tests and prepares written compilation of results.

          Performs standard tests on a wide variety of materials and products purchased by the City of Philadelphia in order to determine adherence to specification or to determine unknown content or properties. 

          Researches historical records and data in order to locate plans, or pertinent field conditions; compiles lists of plumbing permits; uses computer terminal, maps and plans in locating operational devices and sampling and problem sites; assists in the coordination of vehicle and field equipment maintenance.

          Enters data into Laboratory Information Management System or other programs; runs established reports.

 

Water or Wastewater Plant Assignment

 

          Prepares preliminary sketches, designs, plans and specifications; reviews designs prepared by design engineers and consultants to determine compatibility with field conditions; may make minor modifications to designs and plans; performs field inspections to determine if work complies with plans and specifications; reviews manufacturers' parts and equipment manuals, industry handbooks and other literature applicable to water engineering and support assignments.

          Monitors, studies, modifies and makes improvements to mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment and components; updates wiring schematics and drawings; provides technical support for electronic engineering projects in areas such as instrumentation, automation, computer and communica­tions systems by testing equipment and support systems and recommending minor modifications; researches and participates in training on new methods and technologies for improved mechanical, electrical and electronic programs and systems. 

          Coordinates special mechanical, electrical or electronic projects; provides technical support on a variety of projects; researches historical records in order to locate plans of problem sites pertinent to project assignment.

 

MEDICAL LABORATORY SPECIALTY

 

Air Management Services Assignment

 

          Performs chemical and physical analyses of air samples in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); follows sampling techniques and chain of custody practices in compliance with federal and state regulations; makes chemical calculations; prepares check standard solutions to test source air samples; maintains testing equipment and instruments; troubleshoots minor malfunctions in equipment; performs quality assurance practices for equipment; cleans equipment and assigned area; verifies data for completion and accuracy; enters data into information management software for laboratory; prepares simple custom reports and retrieves analytical data using appropriate computer software. 

 

Health Center Assignment

 

Selects collection site and extracts venous blood from patients; discusses extraction with patient to reduce fear and distress, particularly with pediatric cases; maintains appointment records and prepares reports and logs of laboratory activity; maintains adequate supply levels in laboratory; tracks status of tests sent to laboratories; arranges transport of samples; explains clinical procedures to patients in order to gain informed consent documents.

Collects body fluids from patients; logs in and labels specimens; prepares specimens for examination following standard procedures such as centrifuging samples; prepares laboratory materials; performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, including dipstick urine tests, urinalysis, urine pregnancy tests and blood glucose levels; observes and records test results; cleans and sterilizes surfaces and instruments and disposes of contaminated supplies and laboratory wastes according to standards; performs inventory; transports, dates and stores supplies; monitors and maintains refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

Enters patient demographic, medical history, vital statistics, test orders and test results data into information systems.

 

Public Health Laboratory Assignment

 

Performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) moderately complex clinical testing in the Public Health Laboratory in the areas of Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology, Clinical Microscopy and Molecular Biology in accordance with national laboratory accreditation standards; may perform high complexity testing under close supervision; validates, evaluates and interprets laboratory results and prepares reports based on test analyses; uses biomedical instrumentation and technology to examine and analyze body fluids, tissues and cells, as well as identifies infective microorganisms; analyzes the chemical, macroscopic and microscopic constituents of body fluids.

Operates and maintains a large variety of laboratory equipment; maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting; calibrates laboratory equipment utilizing a variety of controls and prepared samples; monitors quality control measures and protocols in accordance with national accreditation standards and regulations.

Enters data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into information systems.

 

Forensic Toxicology Assignment

 

          Retrieves autopsy specimens from the morgue on a daily basis;  logs in and labels samples;  organizes specimens for short and long term storage; organizes, stores and disposes of specimens according to biohazard safety practices; performs simple wet chemistry testing following standardized procedures; prepares a wide variety of chemical solutions, reagents and buffers for laboratory testing use; performs extractions of drugs and other substances from blood samples; conducts immunoassay testing, including preparing samples, calibrating and operating computer driven instrumentation for immunoassay testing.

Operates a gas chromatograph and reviews results collected; troubleshoots and maintains gas chromatograph; prepares samples for DNA paternity testing; prepares fluoridated blood specimen and brain jars for City morgue; may prepare samples for further analysis following standardized procedures; maintains appropriate records and documents all procedures to assure proper chain of custody for specimens and samples; arranges the transfer of samples to outside laboratories for additional tests.

Maintains Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) while working with hazardous or toxic solutions or specimens; follows all applicable written laboratory procedures and may participate in the creation and validation of new procedures.

 

ALL SPECIALTIES

 

          Operates and maintains a variety of laboratory equipment; performs simple maintenance, adjustments and inspection of equipment; calibrates laboratory equipment utilizing a variety of controls and prepared samples; maintains laboratory environment in a sanitary condition.

          Performs statistical analysis of data, using mean, standard deviations and various other formulae; compiles and enters data; performs calculations; prepares written reports on projects, tests results, and basic interpretation for engineers, scientists, medical and technical staff; prepares a variety of charts, graphs and tables for the presentation of collected data; distributes reports to city, state and federal agencies.

          Performs various quality control functions in the laboratory as required.

          Maintains a written log of field observations and writes reports of relevant findings, including the results of samples.

Participates in training new technicians by demonstrating techniques.

          Performs related work as required.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

 

·       basic principles and practices of engineering or engineering technology as required by assignment

·       the basic principles of chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, parasitology, hematology, microscopy and serology as required by assignment

·       the principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment for the Water Sampling specialty

·       the principles, practices, techniques and instruments related to drafting and plans revision for the Water Sampling specialty

·       The preparation of preliminary design and specification writing for the Water Sampling specialty

·       mathematics and its application to basic chemistry, biology and engineering calculations

·       the nomenclature, technical symbols, equipment and materials used in chemistry, biology and/or basic engineering

·       the principles and techniques for setting up and operating analytical and monitoring instrumenta­tion

·       the principles, practices and methods used in basic chemistry, biology and/or hydraulics

·       the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

·       the techniques used in conducting basic chemical testing

·       computer software and hardware required by the assignment

·       the hazards and safety precautions of laboratory work

 

SKILL IN:

 

·       the use and care of instruments, tools, materials and equipment used in basic chemistry, biology and/or engineering

·       venous and capillary blood extraction for the Health Center assignment

 

ABILITY TO:

 

·       learn the applicable City, State and Federal regulations and department procedures and policies

·       learn the fundamental causes and effects of water quality degradation and improvement for the Water Sampling specialty

·       learn the principles of stream and estuary flow and natural runoff for the Water Sampling specialty

·       prepare, read and interpret technical plans, layouts, charts, diagrams, schematics, maps, estimates, specifications and reports if required by assignment

·       operate chemical and biological laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation

·       install and operate water sampling and flow measurement equipment for the Water Sampling specialty

·       perform a wide variety of medical laboratory tests in accordance with prescribed procedures and instructions for the Medical Laboratory specialty

·       make accurate observations of test results and to prepare accurate reports and records

·       prepare and interpret reports showing test results and analyses

·       learn how to run basic computer programs

·       interact effectively with co-workers and clients

 

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/22).

 

WATER SAMPLING SPECIALTY

 

Option 1

 

EDUCATION:

 

Completion of a two-year program at a technical institute or an accredited college or university with major course work in water, engineering, construction, architectural or medical technology, engineering, biology, chemistry, or environmental studies.

 

OR

 

Option 2

 

EDUCATION:

 

Completion of a one-year course (30 credits) in the areas named above at a technical institute or an accredited college or university which has included satisfactory completion of a minimum of six credit hours in one of the areas listed above.

 

AND

EXPERIENCE:

 

One year performing chemical or bacteriological tests, operating and maintaining water chemical laboratory instrumentation, or full performance level drafting work, preparing detailed maps, drawings, plans and designs.

 

OR

 

Option 3

 

EDUCATION:

 

Education equivalent to completion of twelfth school grade and satisfactory completion of a formal internship program designed by the City of Philadelphia.

 

AND

EXPERIENCE:

 

Two years of engineering and sciences technician work at the trainee level.

 

OR

 

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included completion of one year of post high school training at an accredited technical institute or college as specified above or an internship program specified above as an educational minimum.

 

MEDICAL LABORATORY SPECIALTY

 

EDUCATION:  

 

Completion of an Associate’s Degree program from an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific or medical field. * 

 

AND

 

CERTIFICATION (FOR POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT ONLY):

 

          Certification from an industry recognized accrediting body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry or American Medical Technologists (AMT) or equivalent accrediting body as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is required at the time of application only for positions in the Public Health Laboratory Assignment.

 

* Qualifying scientific or medical fields include: Medical Laboratory Technician Studies, Biology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Environmental Science or a closely related field.

 

NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such positions will be made from of the highest ranking eligible candidates in accordance with the certification rule on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.

 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

          Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

 

          Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Common­wealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Science Technician if required by work assignment.

          Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry, American Medical Technologist (AMT), or equivalent recognized accrediting body during tenure as a Science Technician in the Medical Laboratory Specialty is required for positions in the Public Health Laboratory assignment.

                                                                                                

Class Established: 3G32 - 4/74

3G12 - 5/67

3G30 – 11/66

          Spec. Revision (3G32): 5/87, 11/07

Spec. Revision and Consolidation with 3G12 and 3G30:  CSC - 2/08, Ad. Board 3/08

Spec. Revision: CSC - 9/11, Ad. Board - 10/11

Spec. Revision: CSC – 8/14

 Ad. Board – 9/14

Spec. Revision: CSC – 9/15

Ad. Board – 10/15

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 8/16

Ad. Board – 10/16

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 6/18

Ad. Board – 7/18

Spec. Revision:

CSC -1/20

Ad. Board – 3/20

Spec. Revision and change in pay rate:

CSC –9/22

Ad. Board – 10/22

 

SA