PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 29226
Agency: Department of Health - SD Public Health Laboratory
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary:$21.97 - $25.78; depending on experience
Pay Grade: GH-G
Closing Date: 12/02/2024
About Us:
The South Dakota Department of Health's programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live, work and play; provide education to help people make good health decisions; prepare for, respond to, and prevent public health threats; and support efforts to enhance quality and accessibility of healthcare. Our services touch the lives of every person in South Dakota.
We recognize that employees are our most valuable resource, and we are committed to promoting a culture of excellence in the Department of Health. We trust our employees to be innovative, challenge existing processes, and make the best decisions. We are interested in employing a culturally diverse and skilled workforce that exhibits the values of leadership, accountability, communication, integrity, and teamwork. Public health is a diverse and growing field that offers many career options for people from a variety of educational backgrounds. Imagine yourself as part of a winning team that is making the lives of South Dakotans healthier and safer.
The South Dakota Department of Health values flexibility in the workplace. Part of that flexibility includes the ability to work from home. Working from home is a meaningful way to meet individual needs, wants, and desires when it comes to balancing the entire team’s home and work lives. That balance is something we value while allowing most positions the opportunity to work remotely up to 3 days a week. Working from home is a privilege and is subject to review depending upon the position.
Please visit our website at http://doh.sd.gov/for further information about the Department of Health.
Job Summary:
The South Dakota Public Health Laboratory is located in Pierre, South Dakota and provides medical microbiology, environmental chemistry and forensic chemistry testing services. The SDPHL is currently seeking a Laboratory Program Assistants to join our team. This Laboratory Program Assistant performs a wide variety of duties that directly support all laboratory programs. Duties may include unpackaging clinical, environmental, and forensic samples, inventory management, data entry and data management, as well as supporting mailroom activities, waste management and media preparation.
Education or experience in natural or physical sciences is not required for this position. On-the-job training will be provided. This position is full-time and works Monday-Friday from 7am-4pm. The incumbent will work in a laboratory environment that includes noise and heat from equipment similar to a commercial kitchen. The incumbent will work directly with chemicals and will handle infectious waste. The incumbent must be able to stand much of the workday and must be able to lift packages up to 50 pounds. Successful candidates will be innovative, resourceful, and assist laboratory scientists and the Public Health Laboratory Director.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of computer-based software such as Microsoft Office. The incumbent should have the ability to train in and become a user of an electronic test ordering system and inventory management system. Individuals with experience working in a commercial kitchen or restaurant industry are encouraged to apply. Individuals with experience packaging and shipping through USPS, UPS, Fed Ex or another courier are also encouraged to apply. Self-motivation and the ability to work as a team player is very important to be successful in this position.
Responsibilities:

• support the diverse needs of the laboratory;
• support positive morale and culture at the laboratory;
• development and maintain familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of programs;
• willingness to learn about laboratory information technology systems;
• adhere to federal and state confidentiality policies;
• manage multiple projects and meet agreed-upon deadlines;
• work collaboratively in a team environment;
• maintain flexibility and adapt quickly to shifting priorities;
• effectively communicate both verbally and in writing;
• solve problems using common sense, reasoning, and resourcefulness;
• observe all aspects of chemical, biological and occupational safety;
• operate commercial dishwashers, ovens, and autoclaves (steam sterilizers);
• operate scales and balances
• make complex microbiological media and dispense media into appropriate vessels (tubes, plates, and bottles)
• package and ship infectious substances and laboratory supplies;
• work cooperatively with laboratory staff to meet daily goals.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=L5
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"