Professional Career Opportunities - Job Title Details

Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1, G-13

Occupation Group

Natural and Physical Sciences

Salary Information

Starting Salary

$46,529

Career Ladder Information

Salary Information for Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1
Title Grade Hiring Rate/yr Job Rate/yr
Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 13 $49,363 $63,169
Laboratory Specialist Trainee 2 14 $52,198 $66,634
Laboratory Specialist 1 18 $65,001 $82,656

All salary grades for trainees titles are non-statutory (NS) equated to the salary grade identified. These grade equations apply to the starting salaries in their respective salary schedule for the traineeship levels.

Job Description

Laboratory Specialists perform a wide range of laboratory sampling, testing, data collection, and analysis activities to advance scientific research and development in specialized fields. Employees use a variety of laboratory techniques and equipment; coordinate laboratory testing and research activities; and/or direct specialized laboratory programs.

Trainees will receive a combination of structured training, on-the-job training, and/or practical job performance to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to function at the full performance level

Agencies with this Title

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet the requirements below to qualify for this title.

a bachelor's or higher degree in bacteriology, biochemistry, biological science, biology, chemical science, chemistry, environmental biology, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, genetics, medical technology, microbiology, molecular biology, or natural science.

Advanced Placement

If chosen, you may, at the agency's discretion, be appointed to a higher level. You must inform the agency of any additional qualifications at your interview.

View Additional Qualifications

For Trainee 2 you must also have one year post-degree professional level experience performing laboratory testing or research in specific fields, such as assisting in the scientific examination of specimens or samples using a variety of laboratory techniques and providing technical support to advance research; operating and maintaining complex laboratory instruments and utilizing specialized computer equipment and software; recording, testing, and researching findings and preparing written documents, reports, and presentation materials; and producing and standardizing chemicals, diagnostic reagents, biologic products, media, or tissue culture used for analysis.

For the Full Performance Level you must also have two years of post-degree professional level experience performing laboratory testing or research in specific fields, such as assisting in the scientific examination of specimens or samples using a variety of laboratory techniques and providing technical support to advance research; operating and maintaining complex laboratory instruments and utilizing specialized computer equipment and software; recording, testing, and researching findings and preparing written documents, reports, and presentation materials; and producing and standardizing chemicals, diagnostic reagents, biologic products, media, or tissue culture used for analysis.

How to Apply

The November 2022 PCO Examination is closed, applications are no longer being accepted