Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS) - Chemistry Department

About the role

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee to work in the Chemistry Department in Albany. The position is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week position based in the Food Laboratory at 1220 Washington Ave Building 6, Albany, NY 12206.

Duties Description

• Receives and prepares samples for chemical testing and analysis, following proper laboratory protocols related to handling, labeling, and storage;
• Performs laboratory testing methods;
• Calibrates instrumentation to establish and demonstrate appropriate conditions for a particular analysis;
• Operates complex laboratory equipment, instrumentation and electronic data processing and computer equipment;
• Analyzes test results and prepares summaries and reports of analyses to document findings, observations, and results;
• Contributes towards method development, process improvement, and/or investigations into new techniques, methods, and instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.
• Advanced Placement: A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences and one year of experience using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety, food security, agricultural interests, and consumer interests.
• Qualification Substitution: A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Previous microbiology lab-related experience or a degree in microbiology is preferred.

Benefits

This is a PEF-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package including cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.

Pay

The starting salary for the Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 is $53,764/year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951) without further examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.

Schedule

The position will be based in our Food Laboratory located at 1220 Washington Ave Building 6, Albany, NY 12206. The Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee works 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday.

Benefits

This is a PEF-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.

Qualification Substitution

• A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience.
• A doctorate in a related field can substitute for two years of experience.

Alternate Minimum Qualifications

• 70.1 Transfer Qualifications to Food Laboratory Specialist 1, G-18: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. Such titles include but are not limited to: Administrative Specialist 1, G-18, and Human Resources Specialist 1, G-18.
• 70.4 Transfer Qualifications to Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1, NS: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 11 title or higher. AND A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.

Special Requirements for 70.1 Transfer

• Applicants must have a bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.

Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4

• Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they were previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination.
• Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their separation.
• Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission.

55-b/c Qualifications

• Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they meet these qualifications: A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.

Information about the Workers with Disabilities 55-b and the Veterans with Disabilities employment program 55-c

For more information, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.