Pulmonary Technician

The Pulmonary Technician's responsibilities include blood gas, whole blood electrolyte, serum ionized calcium and co-oximetry analysis, documentation and result communication and laboratory equipment maintenance including troubleshooting, quality control and calibration. Requires Respiratory Care Practitioner license and demonstrated ability and skills to perform blood gas laboratory duties.

Apply By Date: 9/6/2025 at 11:59 pm - Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time

Minimum Qualifications

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• California Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
• Registerd with the National Board of Respiratory Care and maintains RRT registration
• Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC) accredited Respiratory Therapy program
• One (1) year experience in a Blood Gas Lab
• Qualified to perform blood gas, whole blood and electrolyte analysis
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Ability to operate computers, calculators and utilize nomograms.
• Mechanical ability to diagnose and repair simple problems with whole blood analyzers.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills; documents and reports clearly and concisely; conveys instructions, directions, and information appropriately.
• Works at establishing a good rapport and professional working relationship with all departmental personnel. Readily assists coworker. Maintains appropriate interdepartmental communications.
• Demonstrates an ability to express self in all areas of communication (verbal, written, non-verbal); utilizes effective listening and questioning techniques.
• Aids and provides direction to visitors, patients, physicians, and families in a concise, sensitive and informative and professional manner, keeping a positive and courteous tone.
• Identifies self and unit when answering/using the phone; delivers messages, and/or refers phone calls to the appropriate person; forwards all information, as required. Handles telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for patient confidentiality.
• Ability to move compressed gas cylinders and equipment.
• Able to operate a computer/monitor for extended periods of time

Preferred Qualifications

• College level mathematics, human physiology and chemistry preferred.
• Experience working in a Pulmonary Services Lab.
• Experience working or volunteering in UC Davis Blood Gas Lab.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• 100% - Analysis of Blood Samples

Department Overview

The Blood Gas Lab (BGL) is a subdepartment under the Pulmonary Services Lab. The BGL is a 24/7, 365-day-per-year STAT lab located at the Main Hospital at UC Davis Health, which processes over 45,000 patient samples quarterly. The BGL is a rapid-paced, non-direct patient care department with a dynamic, team-oriented work environment. The BGL hires Respiratory Care Practitioners who are licensed in the State of California to facilitate professional communication with bedside caregivers and providers. BGL staff also attend to rapid point-of-care analysis for urgent/emergent bedside procedures and events, focusing on specific categories, with a current emphasis on the pediatric and neonatal populations.

Department Specific Job Scope

1. Performs blood gas, whole blood electrolyte, serum ionized calcium, and co-oximetry analysis without direct supervision of the laboratory director and reports results prior to physician interpretation.
2. Reports all laboratory data to the requesting unit /physician, directly communicates critical value results to the patient's nurse or physician.
3. Performs quality control on blood gas / whole blood electrolyte analyzers and co-oximeter.
4. Calculates results of blood gas analysis by computer or manually.
5. Performs preventive maintenance and able to troubleshoot and perform simple mechanical repairs on blood gas / whole blood analyzers. Maintain department records for equipment repaired.
6. Enters test data in the Blood Gas Lab computer system and the LIS.
7. Ability to troubleshoot minor computer problems.
8. Verifies test results for accuracy prior to accepting data into Lab and LIS database.
9. Responsible for handling mislabeled/unlabeled specimens according to departmental policy.
10. Accurately records and reports end of shift total samples performed.
11. Checks for incomplete LIS documentation at end of shift.
12. Reconciles audit trail with sample slips throughout shift.
13. Transports specimens from nursing units and clinics to the Blood Gas Lab.
14. Participates in departmental CQI and QC programs.
15. Assists in maintaining list of laboratory supplies to be ordered. Order supplies when assigned by Supervisor.
16. Maintains cleanliness of lab.
17. Trains new staff in equipment operation, troubleshooting equipment problems and interpretation of data produced in the Lab.
18. May volunteer to support the department with additional duties such as ABG blood draws or assisting with pulmonary rehabilitation patient monitoring within licensed scope of practice and after appropriate training and documented competency administered by Pulmonary Services Lab staff.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $49.21 - $63.69
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 249
• UC Job Title: PULMONARY TCHN 1
• UC Job Code: 009173
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 90%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 1830-0700, 3 days per week
• Location: Main Hospital (HSP001)
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not a H-1b Visa Opportunity

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Must have current telephone or message telephone available to supervisor. Works weekends, holidays and variable work hours according to departmental need.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks