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Specimen Collector Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Specimen Collector information

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How much do specimen collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen collector in Athens, GA is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by specimen collectors, and how can they be addressed?

Specimen Collectors often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of patients, ensuring proper identification and labeling of specimens, and maintaining strict adherence to protocols to avoid contamination. Effective communication skills are essential when interacting with patients who may be anxious or uncooperative. Staying organized, following established procedures, and participating in regular training can help Specimen Collectors address these challenges and ensure the accuracy and integrity of collected samples.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Specimen Collector, you need knowledge of proper specimen collection procedures, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, chain-of-custody protocols, and possibly certifications like DOT specimen collection is important. Excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism, and the ability to maintain patient confidentiality help build trust with clients. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate specimen handling, compliance with regulations, and reliable test results.

What is the difference between Specimen Collector vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen CollectorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, phlebotomy certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, mobile collection sitesLaboratories, hospitals, clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job FocusCollect and prepare specimens for testingAnalyze specimens, perform tests, report results

While both roles involve working with patient specimens, Specimen Collectors primarily focus on collecting and preparing samples, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed analysis and testing of specimens. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings, but their responsibilities and required qualifications differ significantly.

What does a specimen collector do?

Specimen collectors collect specimens, such as blood, urine or tissue samples, in medical laboratories. They perform basic data entry tasks, get samples ready for additional laboratory testing and processing, and transport the samples to different facilities. More advanced positions may include other field or laboratory work, such as drawing blood or preparing tissue samples for microscopic analysis. High-level written and verbal communication skills are essential in this position. Specimen collectors or processors who work for government agencies also need to ensure that their collection processes follow the agency’s regulations and guidelines on drug and sample testing.

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Collector jobs in Athens, GA?

For Specimen Collector jobs in Athens, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Specimen Collector jobs in Athens, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Specimen Collector jobs in Athens, GA are:

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Specimen Collector jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Specimen Collector job openings:

Infographic showing various Specimen Collector job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,276 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

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Posted 10 days ago


Athens-Clarke County Unified Government rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Title

The purpose of this job is to directly observe, collect and dispose of specimens at the laboratory/screening facility operating in conjunction with Athens Drug Lab.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the collection and preparation of laboratory samples or specimens, schedule and perform standard tests, screens and analyses, maintain laboratory supplies and equipment, track and maintain control of samples and specimens, observe safety rules and assist in the disposal of hazardous laboratory materials. Assists in providing administrative and clerical support to the Drug Lab and Probation Services.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High School Diploma or equivalent; with six months of customer service experience required. May be required to complete medical laboratory training through drug screening vendor within six months of hire. Some college coursework in chemistry, biology or related field preferred. Female applicants only. This vacancy requires conducting directly observed urine drug collections for female participants. Female sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) for this position due to the privacy-sensitive nature of these essential job duties, as permitted by applicable law.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Directly observes, collects, prepares and performs Laboratory analysis of specimens. Prepares sample analysis reports. Reviews, records and reports lab results. Evaluates testing procedures and develops and monitors quality assurance/control programs are in place. Performs and records preventative maintenance and instrument checks. Follows safety and infectious disease control policies and procedures. Maintains specimen chain of custody. Collects and disposes of specimens for diagnostic screening. May be required to testify in criminal or civil proceedings. Performs laboratory-related clerical duties including filing, record keeping, departmental files and records, entering data into computer database, and distributing lab results to appropriate requesting sites. Checks standard laboratory supplies inventory to assure adequate inventory levels and either places supply orders or notifies supervisor when orders need to be placed. Cleans laboratory working surfaces and disposes of bio-hazardous waste in accordance with the department's waste management plan. Performs administrative duties to include mail distribution, filing, copying, and faxing. Assists with preparation of various departmental reports. Assists with special projects as needed. Performs other related duties as required.

Supplemental Information

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, calculators, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of light work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of computer manuals, work orders, purchase orders vehicle lists and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare purchase orders, payroll and various reports using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; and multiply and divide.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, calculators, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.


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