Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 15, 1993

Scope

This series specification describes two levels of Laboratory Assistant work in�the Department of Corrections. All classifications in this series are responsible to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates and maintain the safety of persons and property; to prevent escapes of and injury by persons committed to the Department of Corrections to themselves or others or to property; to maintain security of working areas and work materials; to inspect premises and search inmates for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.

Definition of Series

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

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

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

Definition of Levels

Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility

This is the entry and first working level. Incumbents, under direct supervision, perform assigned, varied, standardized, and nontechnical laboratory procedures in collecting, processing or�preparing laboratory specimens, materials and supplies, and in operation of�specialized laboratory equipment.

Senior Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility

This is the journeyperson/leadperson level of the series. Incumbents, under�supervision, and following established procedures, collect and process biological specimens for analysis; perform biological, chemical or related procedures and operate specialized laboratory equipment; perform assigned analytical tests or procedures which require limited independent judgment; and�assist with training and direction of subordinates.

Minimum Qualifications

Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility

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 Job Training Partnership Act, or similar work experience programs conducted by State agencies.

Senior Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility

Either I

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

Knowledge and Abilities

Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility

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

Senior Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility

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.

Special Personal Characteristics

Both Levels:

Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; emotional stability; patience; alertness; keenness of observation; aptitude and liking for laboratory work; orderliness; tact; reliability; color vision adequate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Special Physical Characteristics

Both Levels:

Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates and/or the protection of personal and real property.

Class History