Advance your laboratory career with the Department of General Services.

Weekend Lab Specialist Needed – Bring your laboratory experience, problem-solving skills, and customer service expertise to DCLS. This role offers steady scheduling, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact on public health.

Title: Laboratory Specialist (Weekend) -Data/IT Support – CL623

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 Weekend Laboratory Specialist for the Data IT Support 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 several public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program.

This position serves as a permanent Weekend Laboratory Specialist for the Data IT Support team.  The Laboratory Specialist role performs functions related to pre-analytical duties of sample accessioning, alphanumeric data entry and post-analytical processing of computer-generated test result reports for all groups at DCLS. This position will perform duties independently with minimal oversight from Senior Scientists and from the Group Manager.

The Weekend Lab Specialist is required to work a permanent Tuesday - Saturday shift. Hours of work for this position are typically 8 hours per day/5 days per week with a set schedule of Tuesday through Saturday. The initial training period will be Monday through Friday.  In addition, some holiday work and on-call coverage is required. 

Established Weekend Laboratory Specialists are required to achieve and maintain competence in multiple time-sensitive procedures that are critical to weekend operations. These competencies must be achieved within six (6) months of the effective hire date. Once the required competencies have been met and the employee transitions to the weekend shift, their salary will be adjusted to reflect the competencies they have attained and must sustain to support weekend operations.

As a member of the Data IT Support analytical team, these Lab Specialists support customer service efforts by:

• Provide focused support for newborn screening and environmental testing.
• Serve as a weekend customer service point of contact, providing reliable support to staff and clients.
• Track timeliness of data entry team workload as assigned; and maintain department inventory.
• Provide administrative and technical support to scientists, or higher-level personnel.
• Supports the DCLS Quality Management System to ensure the accuracy and integrity of DCLS laboratory demographic data and mailings.
• Work a dedicated Tuesday – Saturday schedule, serving as weekend team leader, distributing work and ensuring turnaround times are met.

We’ve got great benefits!

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. 

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Experience with accurate documentation and strong alphanumeric data entry skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications i.e. Outlook and Teams.
• Knowledge and ability to independently troubleshoot technology resources i.e. label printer.
• Demonstrated ability to independently provide customer service verbally and in writing.
• Experience as a team leader, prioritizing the work of others.
• Skills with troubleshooting and problem-solving client inquiries.   
• Experience with basic office equipment including computers, multi-line telephones, printers, and fax machines.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures and identify errors.
• Ability to work as part of a team in an open office environment with various noise levels.
• Ability to work set schedule for Tuesday through Saturday with some holiday work and on-call coverage.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a clinical and/or environmental laboratory.
• Experience with accessioning high volumes of laboratory samples accurately. 
• Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Experience training others in accordance with written procedures. 
• Experience handling confidential records.

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.

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 December 9, 2025. 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