Job Details for Laboratory Technician
| Court Name/Organization | New York Southern Probation Office |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. Probation Office and Pretrial Services Office for the Southern District of New York is accepting applications for a Shared Services Laboratory Technician in our New York City Office. The Lab Tech is responsible for assisting with the operation, integrity, and efficiency of both office’s on-site substance abuse testing program. The incumbent will collect urinalysis samples from defendants and individuals under supervision. Maintains a log of defendants and supervisees and the chain of custody of any testing materials. The incumbent will maintain paper and computerized records of test results while working closely with U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers providing said results. The incumbent may be called upon to appear in court to testify against supervisees who fail to comply with their supervision. |
| Location | New York, NY |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 11/20/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 24 - CL 25 |
| Salary | $52,158 - $93,620 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | http://probation.nysd.uscourts.gov/human-resources |
| Announcement Number | 2025-08 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
- Conduct observed urine specimen collection from individuals (of the same gender) under supervision and perform chemical analysis for detection of controlled substances
- Follow all established and relevant security, safety, and storage protocols
- Assist with the maintenance and calibration of the district’s urinalysis equipment and perform regular maintenance procedures on software
- Distribute test results to appropriate staff daily
- Assist with the random drug testing program
- Perform initial confirmation procedures and send positive specimens to national contract laboratory for confirmation as required
- Coordinate transfer of specimens through the Chain of Custody procedure and provide confirmation results to appropriate staff
- Maintain accurate records regarding test results and Chain of Custody procedures
- Prepare statistical reports on urinalysis program including demographics on client population
- Conduct training with drug aftercare vendors and officer staff on proper Chain of Custody procedures and drug use identification
- Assist officers with questions regarding drug use, including but not limited to: cross-reactivity, abnormal results, new use versus residual elimination, and drug elimination time.
- Keep current on technological developments in the drug testing process
- Assist with laboratory and testing supplies procurement
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include high school diploma or equivalent and one year of specialized experience. Applicants must be able to multitask, prioritize, pay exceptional attention to detail, and have organizational skills to ensure that the workflow runs smoothly. Excellent customer service skills are required along with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- College graduate
- Previous laboratory experience
- Highly conscientious
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to pay close attention to details and work well with others
- Ability to work within precise time frames and deadlines
Specialized Experience
Progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software and equipment for word processing, data entry or report generation.
Employee Benefits
- Paid annual and sick leave
- Paid Holidays
- Employer subsidized Health Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Supplemental Vision/Dental Insurance
- Retirement Benefits Plan (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Transit Subsidy Program (pursuant to eligibility requirements)
- Pre-tax benefit programs
Miscellaneous
- Conduct observed urine specimen collection from individuals (of the same gender) under supervision and perform chemical analysis for detection of controlled substances
- Follow all established and relevant security, safety, and storage protocols
- Assist with the maintenance and calibration of the district’s urinalysis equipment and perform regular maintenance procedures on software
- Distribute test results to appropriate staff daily
- Assist with the random drug testing program
- Perform initial confirmation procedures and send positive specimens to national contract laboratory for confirmation as required
- Coordinate transfer of specimens through the Chain of Custody procedure and provide confirmation results to appropriate staff
- Maintain accurate records regarding test results and Chain of Custody procedures
- Prepare statistical reports on urinalysis program including demographics on client population
- Conduct training with drug aftercare vendors and officer staff on proper Chain of Custody procedures and drug use identification
- Assist officers with questions regarding drug use, including but not limited to: cross-reactivity, abnormal results, new use versus residual elimination, and drug elimination time.
- Keep current on technological developments in the drug testing process
- Assist with laboratory and testing supplies procurement
- Perform other duties as assigned
Application Info
To be considered for this position, please submit one PDF document that includes: a resume, cover letter, and an Application for Federal Employment (AO78). Your cover letter must indicate the position for which you are applying, including the vacancy number, describe your interest in the position, and should be no more than two pages.
Only applications submitted via email will be accepted. Please include the vacancy number and position title in the subject field of the email containing the application. Applications submitted as zip files, cloud files and/or links will not be accepted. Applications that do not conform to the above procedures will not be considered. Only candidates selected for testing will be contacted. Please submit your application to: Careers@nysd.uscourts.gov
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.