Medical Technologist (On-Call)

Under general supervision, performs detailed laboratory work for the County Public Health Clinic and other outside service providers and sources as needed.

1. Performs detailed laboratory work for the County Public Health Clinic and outreach clinics, including waived, moderate, and high complexity laboratory testing as appropriate. Areas of laboratory responsibilities and testing include phlebotomy, microscopy, microbiology, mycology, serology, immunology, chemistry, toxicology, and hematology.
2. Specific laboratory duties include performing microscopy, staining and examining slides, and testing for various STDs such as HIV, syphilis, nonspecific vaginitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas and yeast.
3. Screens blood for the lead; diabetes, cholesterol, and various other acute and chronic disease indicators. Performs drug screens on urinalysis following specific chain of custody guidelines.
4. Ensures specimens are collected and stored properly, testing occurs in the proper sequence and quality control standards are adhered to; provides suggestions on remedial measures as necessary and providing applicable follows up.
5. Maintains and performs quality control; running control tests and calibrations daily, monthly, and as needed.
6. Prepares media and reagents necessary for all laboratory work; operates and maintains various laboratory equipment, including an autoclave, microscope, hematology analyzer, chemistry instruments, and urinalysis machine; washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware.
7. Prepares special reports and records; data entry of laboratory results into electronic medical records software program.
8. May be involved and/or contribute to Health Department initiatives.
9. Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of clinical, biological, and environmental laboratory work.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques related to urinalysis, serology, immunology, chemistry, hematology, mycology, microbiology, and toxicology.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of various types of laboratory equipment, including an autoclave, microscope, and urinalysis machine.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of the causes, diagnosis, spread, and treatment of communicable diseases and STDs.
• Ability to prepare reagents and media necessary to the examination of various slides, culture plates, and wet mounts.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, analyze, record, and interpret data accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Ability to prepare special reports and records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, representatives from other agencies, and other County employees.
• Ability to provide information to individuals and the public regarding testing, communicable diseases, and risk reduction.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and use interpreter or language line appropriately.

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in biological science, microbiology, chemistry, or a related field, and
• Six to twelve months of related work experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Technologist/Laboratory Specialist (MT/MLS) is preferred.

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
• In case of a public health or community emergency, must be willing and able to respond to after-normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency request on nights, weekends and holidays.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.