Laboratory Technician 2

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

Some of what you'll do:

• Sample Preparation, Handling, and Storage
  • Receive PDP samples and inspect for damage, notifying supervisor and sampling managers of any rejected samples.
  • Verify sample information before logging 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 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 for the purchase of fruits, vegetables, or other commodities to be used as matrix blank during extractions; notify supervisor if 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 store glassware, as well as other laboratory equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Participate in the general upkeep and cleanliness of the laboratory, including surfaces (e.g., routine thawing to prevent ice buildup) and storage areas.
  • Collect and dispose of satellite waste, including hazardous waste disposal pick-ups.
  • Monitor waste profiles to ensure the laboratory is not generating too much waste and assist in coordinating waste disposal pick-ups.
  • Conduct monthly inventory of solvents and assist 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 verification checks of balances and cold storage units, annual verification of thermometers, etc.).

Qualifications

• Associate degree with courses in chemistry or biology, OR equivalent education/experience.
• Laboratory safety and compliance knowledge.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Experience performing laboratory or technical tasks.

Pay

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.

Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules and teleworking.
• State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave.
• 12 paid holidays and vacation and leave accruals.
• All required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the agency.