Laboratory Technician 2

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 form to 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.

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