Job Details

Working Title: Sample Receiving Technician
Job Class: Laboratory Technician
Agency: Health Department

Job ID: 89211
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all bidders of MDH and all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be accepted through 10/06/2025.
Date Posted: 10/01/2025
Closing Date: 10/14/2025
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit: Public Health Lab / Sample Receiving
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $23.26 - $30.13 / hourly
Bargaining Unit: American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council No. 5)
Work Area: Public Health Lab /Sample Receiving
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This posting is being used to fill two positions.

This position exists to provide administrative support (sample acceptance, data entry, sample distribution, sample collection, kit assembly, and sample disposal) within the Public Health Laboratory Environmental Section.

Working as a Sample Receiving Technician you will:

Greet and direct clients, couriers, facilities, and laboratory staff with sample submissions.
Perform sample triage procedures for all sample submissions to accurately capture date, time, and temperature, and determine priority order for sample entry.
Perform sample entry procedures for all sample submissions to capture and enter information for sample documentation and tracking.
Perform sample delivery for all sample containers submitted for analysis to ensure proper thermal preservation and analytical holding times are maintained.
Perform sample disposal procedures for all sample containers that have been identified as being ready for disposal.
Perform sample container and preservative labeling, preservative dispensing and kit preparation for sample collection containers.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed belowand indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

One (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory setting in an area of biological, chemical or physical science.
Experience handling hazardous chemicals in relation to a laboratory environment.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

Knowledge of basic laboratory principles, practices, and techniques of the chemical laboratory sufficient to perform and/or assist with supporting the process of chemical analysis or related scientific activities.
Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety procedures.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple tasks to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and tasks are prioritized.
Ability to communicate in a variety of formats to gather and relay information with tact and diplomacy.
Analytical skills sufficient to understand and follow various laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and related documents accurately and consistently.

A bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical or biological science may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; an associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's degree in chemical, physical or biological science from an accredited institution OR a current student pursuing an associate degree in chemical, physical or biological science from an accredited intuition with completion of one year of coursework.
Experience using computer programs to input and organize data.
Customer service skills sufficient to interact effectively to partners, vendors, and coworkers.
Experience in assembly, packing and shipping.
Knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Physical Requirements

Occasional transportation of up to 50 pounds.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at laura.j.jones@state.mn.us or 651-201-4842.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

State of Minnesota - Health Department jobs

Sample Receiving Technician - Laboratory Technician

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