Laboratory Technician 2 Microbiology

About the Role

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state through the agency’s 19 divisions and programs. The Molecular Diagnostics & Sequencing section performs PCR-based assays and DNA sequencing to detect, identify, and characterize infectious agents in animal specimens. No agricultural background is required—you’ll learn from top experts dedicated to a cleaner, safer, and better Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Prepares samples and specimens for testing and independently conducts basic/routine laboratory test procedures (e.g., reagent preparation, laboratory media and reagent preparation as instructed in Media Preparation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), sample preparation and enrichment, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and/or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) screening of samples for bacterial pathogens following Consumer Protection Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (CPL SOPs)).
• Ensures all testing procedures are outlined step-by-step, test systems are visually evaluated, and all possible results are predefined for interpretation.
• Supports the General Microbiology and Dairy laboratory in analyzing samples from ODA’s internal and external clients.
• Assists microbiologists in the laboratory quality control program, including initiation of quality control testing on all laboratory-prepared media.
• Assists in the preventative maintenance program as scheduled (e.g., cleaning incubators, refrigerators, freezers, monthly balance checks) and maintains proper documentation.
• Maintains proper documentation practices for critical laboratory equipment.
• Assists in the inventory of laboratory supplies and ordering/receiving of such supplies.
• Notifies the supervisor when supplies need to be ordered.
• Assists with data entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and filing of documents and laboratory data worksheets.
• Cleans and maintains lab equipment, instruments, and laboratory areas (e.g., operates automatic dishwashers, hand-washes laboratory glassware, cleans sinks, benches, and other areas).
• Testifies at hearings concerning test procedures and results.
• Confers with appropriate staff regarding positive test results.
• Maintains records of examinations, tests, quality control procedures, and preventative maintenance.
• Participates in laboratory certification and check sample programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Decontaminates infectious waste in accordance with departmental SOPs and properly disposes of all autoclaved waste.
• Assists in cleaning all glassware and media utensils required in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Formal education in arithmetic that included fractions, decimals, and percentages, as well as reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Three courses in high school science (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology) that included laboratory testing and use/maintenance of laboratory equipment, or 12 months of experience in a science laboratory preparing specimens and samples for testing, preparing reagents, and/or conducting basic/routine laboratory tests, or 12 months of experience as a Laboratory Technician 1 (86111).

Benefits

• Medical Coverage: Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
• Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance: Premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
• Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance:
  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave.
  • 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Childbirth/adoption leave.
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS): Employees contribute 10% of their salary, with the employer contributing 14%. Visit the OPERS website for more information.
• Deferred Compensation: The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.
• Maternity Benefits: Expanded maternity healthcare benefits for employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Services include:
  • Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.
  • Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).
  • Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.
  • Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.
  • Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
  • Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression) with no copay for drugs directly related to maternity care.

Pay

$22.59 - $26.54 per hour, based on qualifications (equivalent to $46,987 - $55,203 annually).

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Work Location

Bromfield Building, Reynoldsburg, Ohio (Licking County).