Laboratory Technician

Are you a skilled professional with experience in technical laboratory work seeking a new challenge? The Plant Protection Division of the Department of Agriculture is on the lookout for a Laboratory Technician to play a crucial role in identifying samples from invasive insect surveys for various entomology programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to delve into the field of entomology while contributing to the safeguarding of Pennsylvania's vital agricultural resources. If you have a passion for entomology and are eager to gain hands-on experience in a meaningful role, we encourage you to apply today and become part of a team dedicated to protecting our state's agricultural integrity.

As a Laboratory Technician within the Department of Agriculture, your role will encompass a variety of essential tasks aimed at supporting the Entomology laboratory in the Division of Plant Protection. You will be responsible for executing standardized laboratory tests, which are crucial for the detection and identification of insect pests. Additionally, your duties will include conducting both greenhouse and field work, where you will engage in the curation of collected specimens. A significant aspect of your position will involve participating in fieldwork related to Pennsylvania's insect surveys, focusing on economically significant pests, whether they are native or exotic. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, you will select appropriate survey sites, carry out comprehensive surveys, and gather vital field data to enhance our understanding of pest populations and their impacts.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a Laboratory Assistant (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of technical laboratory experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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.

• 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.