Laboratory Technician 2

Salary : $51,600.00 - $69,348.00 Annually
Location : Yakima County - Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2026-07265
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Plant Protection - Chemical and Hop Lab
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.
The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
The Opportunity:

The Plant Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insect, weed, and pathogen pests, supporting pollinator and soil health, and testing for proper weights and measures and pesticide use.
The Chemical and Hop Laboratory supports several agency programs by analyzing samples taken in investigations of alleged pesticide misuse and analyzing feed and fertilizer samples. Monitors for pesticide residues in food and dairy products. Carries out physical grading and chemical analysis of the hop crop to ensure orderly international and domestic marketing.

The Laboratory Technician 2 independently performs repetitive and miscellaneous tasks in preparation for the analysis of agricultural, food and hop samples for pesticides, chemical residues, nutrients, and elements. This position is also required to help demonstrate and train new hires on sample receipt, processing, extractions, and general lab tasks.

Important Notes:
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Laboratory Technician 2 position within the Chemical and Hop Laboratory Division. The Laboratory Technician 2 position is located in Yakima, WA. This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: Range 47 Step A $51,600 - Step L $67,704 annually.

Duties

Some of what you'll do:

Sample Preparation, Handling, and Storage

• Receive PDP samples and inspects for damage, notifying supervisor and sampling managers of any rejected samples.
• Verify sample information before logging sample into LabWorks LIMS, notifying supervisor and sampling of any mismatch.
• Prepare samples for analysis per PDP-Labop standard operating procedure, including composing (grinding, mixing, splitting, blending) labeling, weighing, and storing.
• Assist with the development and improvement of workflows for efficiency and/or ergonomic gains per ISO 17025, including suggested changes to documentation and training of other staff.
• Manage samples kept in long-term cold storage, notifying supervisor of space limitations or issues.
• Discard samples at the direction of PDP technical program manager (or designee).

Sample Extraction

• Coordinate with chemists on determining extraction date for sample set, to ensure that samples are pulled from long term storage and thawed for extraction.
• Prepare the bench for the extraction, including paperwork, verification of reagents, and coordinating with chemists for any extra samples and/or quality controls needed for sample set.
• Verify the lab's need of the purchase of fruits, vegetables, or other commodities to be used as matrix blank during extractions. Notifying supervisor if the purchase is necessary.
• Assist with extraction of samples per standard operating procedures using various laboratory processes and equipment.
• Assist with the development and improvement of workflows for efficiency and/or ergonomic gains per ISO 17025, including suggested changes to documentation and training for staff.

General Duties

• Clean and stores glassware, as well as other laboratory equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Participate in the general upkeep and cleanliness of the laboratory, including but not limited to surfaces (e.g. routine thawing to prevent ice buildup), and storage areas.
• Collect and disposes of satellite waste, including hazardous waste disposal pick-ups. Monitor waste profiles to ensure that the laboratory is not generating too much waste and assists in coordinating waste disposal pick-ups.
• Conduct monthly inventory of solvents and assists in monthly inventory of food lab section consumables.
• Receive and store solvents, ensuring they are in acceptable condition (e.g. expiration date, correct grade, etc.).
• Prepare and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment needed to conduct work; this includes monitoring equipment per ISO 17025 requirements (e.g. daily verifications checks of balances and cold storage units, annual verification of thermometers, etc.).

Qualifications


Professionals with:

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree with courses in chemistry or biology.

OR

• Equivalent Education/Experience.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Graduation with an associate degree (at minimum) or equivalent.
• Laboratory safety and compliance.
• Understand and follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Experience performing laboratory or technical tasks.

Supplemental Information
Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

How to apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:
• A resume detailing experience and education

• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

• Three professional references
By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 formto determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
Equity at WSDA
The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at


Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.


Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
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