Advance your laboratory career with the Department of General Services.

Join one of the nation’s most advanced state laboratories and make an impact that matters! The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking a detail-driven Laboratory Specialist to support critical testing that protects Virginia’s health, environment, and safety.

Title: Laboratory Specialist - Sample Support Services – CL368

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Specialist I

Hiring Range: $44,000 - $51,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Virginia Department of General Services is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Laboratory Specialist for the Sample Support Services Group for the Commonwealth’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), which is one of the largest and most diverse consolidated state laboratories in the nation. With an annual budget of over 30 million dollars and over 250 state employees, DCLS performs approximately 9 million tests annually. Results from these tests are used confidently by local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, food regulatory, environmental protection, and law enforcement officials serving to protect our citizens, food supply environment and commerce. DCLS is a member of public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program.

This position serves as a Laboratory Specialist for the Sample Support Services team.  The Laboratory Specialist role supports mail room functions by receiving, shipping, inspecting, sorting, delivering, and collecting all mail, packages, and freight for DCLS. Determines correct postage amount, delivery methods, and interprets postal regulations. Documents incoming packages and samples in receiving log. Manages dock activities.  Supports laboratory functions by receiving and delivering laboratory supplies as well as shipping clinical and environmental collection kits to clients.  Cross trains in the clinical and environmental accessioning group to support pandemic surges. Trains staff as needed.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) Sample Support Service’s Group (SSS) assembles and ships a variety of specimen/sample collection kits to hospitals, health departments, Department of Environmental Quality regional offices, Virginia Department of Health Office of  Drinking Water  submitters  across the Commonwealth. SSS also receives supplies that are distributed throughout the building to support clinical, environmental, newborn screening, and food testing throughout DCLS.

As a Laboratory Specialist on the Sample Support Services team, you will play a critical role in supporting DCLS operations and ensuring timely, accurate processing of incoming and outgoing shipments.  Key responsibilities include:

• Manage Incoming and Outgoing Packages Freight and Mail
  Receive, inspect, sort, and deliver mail and packages; prepare and ship specimen collection kits using UPS in compliance with regulations. Maintain detailed package delivery logs. 
• Ensure Accuracy and Quality of Shipments
  Conduct verification of outgoing packages, maintain Dangerous Goods documentation, and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Support Customer Service and Communication
  Respond to inquiries, resolve delivery issues, and maintain detailed communication logs while fostering positive relationships with clients and team members.
• Maintain Compliance and Quality Standards
  Follow established procedures, report and assist with corrective actions, and adhere to confidentiality, safety, and quality assurance protocols.
• Promote Safety and Team Collaboration
  Maintain a clean and secure work environment, complete mandatory safety training, and assist team members in meeting production goals during peak periods.

Minimum Requirements                       

• Knowledge of general laboratory terminology, procedures and basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious and toxic materials.
• Experience providing customer service by demonstrating problem resolution and investigation skills and techniques to internal and external clients.
• Proven experience maintaining accurate documentation and records.
• Experience using various computer applications (i.e. Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Experienced in following procedures, prioritizing tasks, and identifying errors.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
• Ability to routinely lift, push, pull, and transport up to 50 pounds; must be able to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach in order to manage incoming and outbound packages.

This position is in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with accessioning high volumes of clinical and/or environmental samples accurately.
• Experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience working in a mailroom or post office.
• Experience training staff in accordance with SOPs.
• Experience using hand pallet jack/electric jack/pallet stacker.

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910. 

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after February 25, 2026. Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.   

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties. 

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply. 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information 

Name: DGS Human Resources 

Phone: 804-786-3910 

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov