LABORATORY ASSOCIATE I (UPWARD MOBILITY) - CANNABIS TESTING

About the role

The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) Division of Cannabis Regulation is seeking a Laboratory Associate to support the growth and regulation of the cannabis industry. This position plays a crucial role in the secure collection and transportation of samples, preparation of cannabis products for analysis, and maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory.

Responsibilities

• Travels to cultivation centers, infusers, and other cannabis facilities to collect and transport samples securely to the Bureau of Cannabis Testing (BCT) laboratory for analysis.
• Prepares plant, concentrate, infused products and other items for sub-microgram analysis of cannabis products.
• Receives, logs, and tracks samples collected by BCT staff, delivered by inspectors, or other third parties using the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Cleans, prepares, and performs preventative maintenance of equipment and glassware for use by chemists in the analysis of cannabis products.
• Disposes of samples, standards, and solutions used for chemical and microbial analysis of cannabis products and documents the disposal in LIMS or similar logs.
• Maintains laboratory cleanliness and equipment, manages hazardous waste disposal, monitors inventory, and performs safety checks, all as outlined in the essential functions of the role.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Requirements

Requires education and experience equivalent to an associate's degree with courses in the laboratory sciences. Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program shall have the stated requirements of this classification waived by successful completion of specific proficiency tests and training programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Elementary knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics and related sciences.
• Experience using laboratory equipment safely in performing routine and standard laboratory tests.
• Experience handling test items in a manner that ensures proper chain-of-custody and inventory management.
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience using an electronic inventory management system and conducting audits of inventory items.
• Experience using Excel to perform calculations and descriptive statistics on scientific data.

Qualifications

• Completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Absolutely required to have an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel in the performance of duties.

Conditions of Employment

• Must complete a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Must have the ability to travel in the performance of duties.
• Must have an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 10-25 paid vacation days based on years of service
• Three paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
• Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually

Pay

Anticipated Starting Salary: $4407 per month

Schedule

8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday

Benefits

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits, follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, applicants must apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.