Duties

Summary

The U.S. Probation Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for the position of Laboratory Technician in the Alexandria Division. The Laboratory Technician is responsible for the operation, integrity, and efficiency of the Probation Office's on-site substance abuse testing program. The incumbent reports to a Supervisory Probation Officer.
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Responsibilities

Key Requirements

The incumbent must be able to organize and prepare urine specimens for testing; use, calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, respond to inquiries regarding test status; perform and manage inventory; enter information into a database; operate the laboratory information management system; maintain chain of custody integrity; communicate effectively; and ensure the accuracy and integrity of the urinalysis program. The incumbent is expected to maintain strict confidentiality.

Major Duties

Maintain the urinalysis program, including supplies, testing equipment, testing schedules, and laboratory organization. Perform immunoassay testing using a Beckman Coulter Chemistry Analyzer. Maintain appropriate records and preserve chain of custody. Perform these duties while observing necessary safety precautions and by using appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, lab coats/smocks, etc. Certify the validity of urine test results. Collect and distribute test results to appropriate staff members. Provide chemical and toxicological answers and resources to probation officers. Provide court testimony, as needed. Appropriately document prescription medication, phase reporting, and maintain current Code-A- Phone messages.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
25 - CL-25, Step 61.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be citizens of the United States and have no criminal record.

Candidates selected for interviews will be subject to proficiency testing.

Final candidates will undergo a background investigation with law enforcement agencies, as well as a check of financial and credit records.

Employees are subject to reinvestigation every 5 years.

Employees of the U.S. Probation Office are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available to applicants for review upon request.

Mandatory Direct Deposit participation for payment of salary.

Employees of the U.S. Probation Office are covered by the Court Personnel System and are Excepted Service appointments.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Laboratory Technician, the applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, a high school graduate (or equivalent), have two years of general experience, and computer literate. Must have a valid driver's license for operating a government vehicle and must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time. A team attitude, attention to detail and a willingness to adapt to a changing work environment are essential to maintain the Court's quality standards. The individual selected must understand and abide by the rules, policies, and regulations of the Court, and adhere to necessary safety precautions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology and/or Forensic Sciences.
• Two years of Laboratory Experience.
• Experience with court testimony.
• Experience with chemistry analyzers.

Education

Please read the "Qualifications" section.

Additional information

Benefits

A minimum of 10 paid holidays per year; paid annual leave in the amount of 13 days per year for the first 3 years of service, 20 days per year after 3 years of service, and 26 days per year after 15 years of service; paid sick leave in the amount of 13 days per year; and, optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, Federal Employees' Health Benefits, Group Life Insurance, Flexible Benefits, Commuter Benefits, and Long Term Care Programs.

Other Information

The U.S. Probation Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement, either of which may occur without prior written notice.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will also be evaluated based on how closely they meet the requirements and qualifications for the job.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

AO78 Application for employment (may be found at: https://www.vaep.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities ), letter of interest and resumé.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.