Science Technician (Health Laboratory)
Exam Title
Science Technician (Health Laboratory)
Exam Number
3G32-20240930-OC-01
Salary
$50,189-$55,148 per year. New employees will be appointed at the first step in the pay range for this class.
Certification Rule
Rule of List
Competition
Open-Competitive
Department
Announcement Date
09/30/2024
Close Date
10/13/2024
General Definition
The Air Management division of the Department of Public Health is hiring candidates with an associate’s degree in biology, chemistry or environmental science to join their team. Your work can make an impact on the health of our community and the air we breathe. Apply by October 13, 2024.
Please be sure to include a copy of your transcript with your application.
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- Qualify for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program – This program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loan after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full time for the City of Philadelphia. Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
ABOUT THE POSITION
This is technical work performing a variety of assignments in support of engineering, scientific and medical projects in the Health or Water Departments. Employees perform such assignments as water quality investigations, collecting and evaluating water, wastewater and sludge samples, preparing preliminary mechanical, electrical or electronic designs and plans and making minor changes to designs and plans when necessitated by operational efficiency and field conditions for the Water Sampling specialty. Employees in the Medical Laboratory Specialty work in the Health Department and perform work in a Health Center collecting blood and body fluids from patients to conduct biochemical, microbiological or serological testing, or in the Public Health laboratory conducting diversified clinical testing including validating, evaluating and interpreting laboratory results or in the Medical Examiner’s Office testing and interpreting autopsy specimens or in the Air Management Services Division monitoring the city’s ambient air and analyzing samples for pollutants of concern under city, state, and federal air regulations.
The employees perform these assignments in support of engineering or technical staff in a water or wastewater plant, or in support of engineering, scientific, medical or technical staff engaged in laboratory testing and analysis for a Health or Water Department laboratory, or in research and development or a related function. This class differs from similar classes by the diversity of the assignments. Work may involve shift work and disagreeable aspects. Work is performed under the supervision of an engineering, scientific, medical, administrative or technical superior.
Union Code
M. AFSCME D.C.33
FLSA Code
Non-Exempt
Application Procedures
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION
Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.
1. You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.
2. The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:
Natasha Jones, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Technical Specialist – Hiring Services
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Suite 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.686.2372
natasha.n.jones@phila.gov
3. For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Training, Education & Experience
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within three months of the application deadline (by 1/13/25) will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
HEALTH LABORATORY SPECIALTY
1. EDUCATION:
Completion of an Associate’s Degree program from an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific or medical field.
Qualifying scientific or medical fields include: Medical Laboratory Technician Studies, Biology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Environmental Science or a closely related field.
AND
CERTIFICATION (FOR POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT ONLY):
Certification from an industry recognized accrediting body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry or American Medical Technologists (AMT) or equivalent accrediting body as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is required at the time of application only for positions in the Public Health Laboratory Assignment.
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 – Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such positions will be made from of the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.
Physical & Medical Requirements
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Required Licenses & Certifications
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Common¬wealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Science Technician if required by work assignment.
Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry, American Medical Technologist (AMT), or equivalent recognized accrediting body during tenure as a Science Technician in the Health Specialty is required for positions in the Public Health Laboratory assignment.
Other Requirements
TRANSCRIPT, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations, or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration, or certification.
If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you have to submit another document
Option 1 – Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration, or certification – One time only!
You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.
Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification – Separate document required for each application
If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:
Equivalency Statement(s)
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included completion of one year of post high school training at an accredited technical institute or college as specified above or an internship program specified above as an educational minimum.
Application Details
Notes to Applicants
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer:
Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We care about your well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Philadelphia Department of Labor at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on October 13, 2024.
Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:
1) Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
2) Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application
All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.
If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.
Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
Facebook @PhilaOHR
Twitter @PhilaOHR
Youtube @PhilaOHR
ELIGIBLE LIST
OPEN-COMPETITIVE: Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List
RESIDENCY WAIVER: The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment.. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS:
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding November 18, 2025, you are eligible to claim residency preference.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.
The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE – Ten points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
LEGACY PREFERENCE – The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in open competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass open competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE – Up to 5 additional points will be added to the examination score of any candidate who has passed the open competitive examination and who has:
Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA.
Such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one year term of service.
B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
Such candidates will have:
• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.
The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education Preference Points
For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.
Only those competitors who have a passing grade in an all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.
1. Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.
2. Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.
3. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
4. Candidates must submit adequate documentation including high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.
The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
Projected Exam Date
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION:
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials
An Eligible List will be established the week of November 18, 2024. Please note that this date may change.
Test Review
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.