Intermittent Laboratory Technician 2 (CPL)

Who We Are Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is one of Ohio’s top industries employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 73,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and seventh in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do. What We Do Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 25 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy! The Consumer Protection Laboratory (CPL) is the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s primary testing facility dedicated to safeguarding the state’s food supply and agricultural products. CPL conducts microbiological and chemical testing on meat, dairy, produce, and processed foods to detect harmful pathogens, environmental contaminants, and pesticide residues. Additionally, the laboratory provides toxicological analysis, regulatory drug testing for livestock and racehorses, and investigative support for consumer safety complaints. As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans. What You'll Do No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. This position is responsible for: Performs assigned laboratory activities following appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and/or as instructed by the supervisor Receives, logs in, stores, disposes samples and maintains chain of custody utilizing various computer documentation software Possesses knowledge in basic chemistry and math to calculate the amount of chemicals (solids or liquids) and volumes of solvents to prepare reagents and standard solutions Prepares laboratory reagents and standard solutions Performs (and assists higher level analysts) sample homogenization, extraction and preparation of samples to be tested Receives official laboratory samples from state employees, couriers and other clients Maintains proper chain of custody of samples including assignment of accession numbers, maintaining paperwork, verifying temperatures and other sample conditions, notifying relevant laboratory sections and data entry Works with clients to pre-accession samples and seek clarification on irregular sample entries Receives supplies from couriers and vendors (e.g. opens boxes, crosschecks packing lists against purchase orders, completes all documentation requirements, designates supplies to various laboratory sections) Answers telephone / email inquiries and/or redirects them to other parts of the laboratory Sets up courier shipments on behalf of the laboratory Maintains visitor logs and visitor access passes Acts as liaison between laboratory personnel and vendors responsible for providing laboratory attire, for laboratory gases, and for vending machines Cleans and assists higher level analysts in cleaning glassware and other utensils required in the laboratory Performs and assists higher level analysts in performing preventive maintenance of basic equipment (e.g., cleaning freezers, refrigerators, checking balances) Performs and assists higher level analysts in performing inventory of laboratory supplies/reagents/consumables and ordering/receiving of such supplies/reagents/consumables Notifies supervisor or designee about the need for supplies/reagents/consumables Assists with data entry into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and assists in filing of documents and laboratory data worksheets and maintains necessary records Cleans and maintains lab equipment, instruments and laboratory area (e.g., operates automatic dishwasher, cleans sinks, benches and other laboratory areas); assists with writing and reviewing pertinent SOPs as needed Participates in quality related activities; attends section group meetings Uses QPulse (quality management software) Performs other duties as assigned Additional Information This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position. We Support Diversity and Inclusion ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access. If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter. This position is Unclassified 124.11 (A)(##), Ohio Revised Code Unusual Working Conditions: Exposed to animal fluids/tissues For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact: RYAN GUNTER RYAN.GUNTER@AGRI.OHIO.GOV The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.