DescriptionAGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's EconomyThe 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 .The Microbiology Laboratory is recruiting for a non-permanent Administrative Intern 3 for a 3-6 month appointment.WSDA's Food Safety and Consumer Services (FSCS) Laboratory (also known as the Microbiology Laboratory) provides analytical support and data to the State regulatory agencies, our Federal partners and and the agricultural community. The testing conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory Program supports WSDA's mission to protect public health, Washington's food supply, the agriculture industry, and the environment. Food and environmental samples are provided by WSDA's and programs and .In addition, the laboratory maintains an FDA-certified State Laboratory Evaluation Officer (LEO) who regulate outside milk laboratories in Washington for antibiotic and microbial testing. Our laboratory analyzes dairy products, ready-to-eat foods, produce, animal feed and environmental samples. When there is a food emergency (food-borne illness), WSDA's Food Safety & Consumer Services Laboratory responds and provides rapid and defensible data to support regulators and epidemiologists in their quest to resolve the emergency.The Administrative Intern 3 assists in a variety of basic laboratory functions, the laboratory Quality System, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). In this position you will receive training in departmental procedures and at the same time will be assigned productive tasks and assignments in a microbiology area. Position and Salary InformationWSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Administrative Intern 3 position within the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. This position is located in Tumwater, Washington and is a non-union represented position. This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which regularly involves long periods of standing and repetitive hand motions while performing a task.This position is expected to be filled for 3-6 months.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 hourly rate for this position is $ 18.51 - $ 21.82.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;
for more information. * 12 paid
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
Commute Trip Reduction Program.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at .DutiesSome of what you'll do:
Autoclave and sterilize laboratory materials.
Clean and sterilize glassware & utensils.
Mop floors, clean and disinfect incubators and refrigerators.
Prepare media, reagents, and solutions for testing samples in the lab.
Maintain accurate inventory of media supplies to prevent emergency shortages.
Under immediate supervision assist in a variety of sample collection, sample check-in, sample set-up, sample testing.
Isolate and make cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Perform tests on milk, food and other samples sent to the lab to detect harmful microorganisms.
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope to identify and classify microorganisms.
Provide laboratory services for the FDA LFFM cooperative agreement.
Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
Completion of at four semesters or six quarters (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university.
One year of clinical, chemical, public health or related laboratory experience.
Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) or similar database (basic skill) experience.
Microsoft Office or similar office software skills.
Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements:
This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which involves long period (multiple hours) of standing and repetitive hand motions while perform the task.
Must be able to regularly lift 25 lbs.
Supplemental InformationHow 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:· Current resume detailing experience and education· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.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.Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email .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.Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.Contact UsShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at .Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
