GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The LABORATORY AIDE performs routine cleaning, sterilizing, and other light housekeeping tasks in a teaching, research, or medical laboratory.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Cleaning/Sterilizing. Typical tasks: collects dirty glassware from laboratory; washes glassware by machine or soaks, scrubs, and rinses glassware by hand; sterilizes glassware in autoclave prior to washing when glassware has been used for hazardous materials; dries glassware in hot air oven and sterilizes clean glassware when appropriate; cleans pipettes by rinsing, steaming, or soaking in acid solution, rinsing again, and then sterilizing; returns clean glassware to proper locations; sterilizes laboratory instruments by putting in autoclave for correct amount of time; sterilizes prepared media in autoclave.
2. Materials Disposal. Typical tasks: collects containers holding contaminated specimens, samples, or pathogenic wastes; puts containers in autoclave to sterilize, then places containers in proper receptacle for disposal.
3. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: stocks laboratory benches with towels, lens papers, and other supplies; scrubs and disinfects work tables and equipment; arranges work area equipment and materials in a neat and orderly fashion; unpacks specimens and supplies; logs incoming specimens or samples in log book; packs specimens or samples for shipment; feeds, waters, and cares for laboratory animals; cleans animal cages; assists in holding or restraining animals during testing and experimental procedures as needed; demonstrates performance of assigned duties to students and coworkers.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class do not normally have contact with others outside of the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class work under the close supervision of an administrative superior who assigns work verbally. Work is reviewed through daily observation to assure equipment, glassware, and laboratory work area are clean and orderly.

Laboratory procedures and safety manuals are used as guidelines in cleaning and sterilizing instruments and glassware and in the handling of chemicals and contaminated materials.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are primarily found in hospitals and health institutions. They require the willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location and purpose.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS