Public Health Ontario·Toronto, Ontario
The Laboratory Attendant will log, sort, and process medical specimens while maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory. They are also responsible for data entry, quality control, and resolving issues related to sample submissions.
To provide technical laboratory services to the environmental laboratory and to support laboratory operations for the testing of specimens submitted to PHO Laboratories.
Key Responsibilities- Logs, sorts, labels all specimens submitted for laboratory testing/examination.
Transports samples to testing laboratory as required.
Handles, prepares and processes medical samples (e.g. culture media and reagents) for identification of micro-organisms, reagents and solutions and testing up to the point of result interpretation (e.g. set up of cultures, staining, extraction, loading analyzers).
Handles, prepares, processes and enters data entry results of water samples.
Uses automated equipment or manual methods to prepare and aliquot human samples for testing.
Uses PHO Laboratory Information System to prepare worksheets or enter data, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of data.
Prepares, loads and unloads laboratory analyzers.
Performs inventory management functions including ordering, unpacking and storing of laboratory goods.
Files, stores, discards laboratory samples.
Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, cleans and disinfects laboratory work areas.
Maintains laboratory stock supplies.
Assists with set-up of quality control and maintenance of stock cultures.
Answers telephone and resolves problems related to samples (e.g., incomplete information, mismatched tests and information, leaking samples).
Performs other duties or projects as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills- Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory safety procedures to provide a range of laboratory services in support of operations.
Knowledge of computer systems, familiarity with laboratory information systems, MS office products such as Word and Excel.
Proficient computer skills necessary to work with automated, computer driven equipment.
Education and Experience- Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician from a recognized community college program or relevant training and experience.
Attributes and Competencies- Oral communication skills to exchange information and clarify test requests or discrepancies with other team members as well as with external clients (i.e., physicians).
Written communication skills to record information into logs/records.
09-4-2026 Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.
Internal candidates will be considered first. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose. PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.
Candidates must hold a Medical Laboratory Technician certification from a recognized community college program. Proficiency in computer systems, laboratory safety procedures, and medical terminology is required.
Market context
In Ontario, Laboratory Attendant 2 roles are typically tied to steady demand in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs that rely on accurate specimen handling and routine lab support. These positions are competitive because employers look for a recognized Medical Laboratory Technician certification, computer proficiency, and solid laboratory safety knowledge. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then confirm your certification matches the posting before applying.