LABORATORY ASSISTANT (Guthrie Agricultural Center, Guthrie, WV)

WV Department of Agriculture•Charleston, WV

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant performs routine laboratory tasks to conduct a variety of tests and assists other employees with more difficult analytical procedures. The position is in the Laboratory Services Division at the Guthrie Agricultural Center in Charleston, West Virginia, and reports to the Assistant Director, Laboratory Services Division. It has no supervisory responsibility and is classified as non-exempt. The Laboratory Assistant receives and tracks samples, checks sample integrity and disposition, and prepares and labels subsamples for laboratory analysis. The role supports analysts in the Dairy, Seed, Meat, Microbiology, and Agricultural Materials Labs; handles samples and performs analyses according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods; and carries out quality control and quality assurance activities. The assistant also cleans and sterilizes glassware and equipment, maintains and calibrates equipment, records and addresses nonconformities, and helps with emergency equipment maintenance as needed. Work takes place in a laboratory and office environment. The position may involve pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, hot surfaces, warm and humid conditions, and unpleasant odors. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods, frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, handle objects, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Two years of college credit, including ten semester hours in the physical or biological sciences.
Six months of full-time paid employment in a technical laboratory, unless substituted by the specified education qualification.
Valid driver's license.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
Knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, equipment, and terminology.
Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology, and bacteriology.
Knowledge of laboratory safety and bio-security protocols.
Skill in performing delicate and complex laboratory procedures and operating and caring for laboratory equipment.
Ability to work with glassware and other fragile laboratory apparatus.
Ability to learn methods and procedures for a variety of routine laboratory tasks.
Ability to perform calculations involving basic mathematics.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and maintain adequate laboratory records.
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, and handle objects; and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Receive samples delivered by mail or individuals, assign tracking identification numbers, verify sample integrity, and record sample disposition.
Prepare samples for analysis by ensuring they are properly subsampled and ground, then label subsamples with the sample number before submission to laboratory sections.
Assist analysts in the Dairy, Seed, Meat, Microbiology, and Agricultural Materials Labs.
Clean and sterilize laboratory glassware and equipment.
Perform required quality control and quality assurance procedures and maintain records of quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
Handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
Maintain and calibrate equipment and report deficiencies or malfunctions to the supervisor.
Identify and record nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests, correct nonconformities and potential nonconformities, and continuously improve laboratory and quality activities.
Assist with emergency maintenance of sample preparation and laboratory equipment as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain a positive image of the Commissioner and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.