Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens.

The Laboratory Technician for the Alexandria Division, Eastern District of Virginia, is responsible for the operation, integrity and efficiency of the Probation Office's on-site substance abuse testing program. The incumbent also performs chemical analysis for other divisions and reports to a Supervisory Probation Officer.

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.

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.

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or a lawful permanent resident that is eligible to work in the United States and is either currently seeking U.S. citizenship or intends to become a U.S. citizen when eligible. To review citizenship requirements for employment in the Judiciary, please visit: https://www.uscourts.gov/.
• A criminal background investigation (requiring the applicant to be fingerprinted) will be conducted on the person selected for hire.
• Employees of the federal judiciary must adhere to all Judicial Conference regulations, follow the policies in the Guide to Judiciary Policy, and are bound by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
• Performance will be monitored closely during the first year in this position.
• Employees are considered "At-Will" employees.
• Employees are required to use direct deposit for payroll.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applications will be also evaluated and ranked based on how well they meet the minimum qualifications. Best qualified candidates will be considered for pre-employment testing and interviews.