Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 or Trainee (NY HELPS) - Microbiology Department

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets•Albany, WA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee to work in the Microbiology Department in Albany. This position involves receiving and preparing samples for microbiological testing and analysis, following proper laboratory protocols for handling, labeling, and storage. The role includes performing laboratory testing methods, calibrating instrumentation, operating complex laboratory equipment, analyzing test results, and preparing summaries and reports. Duties also encompass compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements, as well as contributing to method development, process improvement, and investigations into new techniques and instrumentation. This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday, located in Albany, NY.

Requirements

A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.
One year of experience using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety, food security, agricultural interests, and consumer interests (for Trainee 2 level).
Two years of experience using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety, food security, agricultural interests, and consumer interests (for Food Laboratory Specialist 1 level).
One year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 11 title or higher (for 70.4 Transfer Qualifications).
Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) Select Title examination (for 70.4 Transfer Qualifications).
One year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law (for 70.1 Transfer Qualifications).
Previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination (Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4).
Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their separation. Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission (Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4).

Nice To Haves

Previous microbiology lab-related experience
A degree in microbiology

Responsibilities

Receives and prepares samples for microbiological testing and analysis, following proper laboratory protocols related to handling, labeling, and storage.
Performs laboratory testing methods.
Calibrates instrumentation to establish and demonstrate appropriate conditions for a particular analysis.
Operates complex laboratory equipment, instrumentation and electronic data processing and computer equipment.
Analyzes test results and prepares summaries and reports of analyses to document findings, observations, and results.
Performs duties in compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
Contributes towards method development, process improvement, and/or investigations into new techniques, methods, and instrumentation.

Benefits

Cost-effective health insurance options
Fully covered dental care
Fully covered vision care
Participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan
5 personal days (first year)
13 vacation days (first year)
13 sick days (first year)
13 paid holidays (first year)
Deferred Compensation Plan
Flex Spending Account
NY's 529 College Savings Program
Potential qualification for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)