Laboratory Assistant

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
$17.00 Hourly
dental insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
2301 North Cameron Street (Show on map)
Feb 16, 2025
THE POSITION Are you looking for an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience working in a scientific environment? The Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division is seeking a candidate for the position of Laboratory Assistant to assist with surveillance and diagnosis of plant disease. Help protect Pennsylvania's natural resources and vital agriculture and take the next step in your career, apply today! DESCRIPTION OF WORK In this role, you will assist with laboratory, greenhouse, field, and office work related to plant disease surveillance and diagnosis conducted by the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, Plant Protection Division. Duties include participating in surveys for the presence of plant disease-causing organisms; collecting and transporting plant, water, and soil samples; assisting with laboratory testing and general laboratory maintenance; and compiling and maintaining data. Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: Temporary full-time employment Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Special Requirement: This position requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License. Additional Requirements: Willing and able to work in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Willing and able to work a temporary, full-time schedule without benefits. You must be able to perform essential job functions. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in a molecular or microbiology laboratory. Experience performing or working with one of the following items: Extracting nuclear acids ELISA PCR Culturing Microscopy Collecting Field Samples Working with plants Using GIS Processing samples for testing Washing laboratory glassware Maintain laboratory log/databases Making media How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Veterans: Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):* 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.