The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has been serving the state’s agriculture community and the public for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, WSDA supports the viability and vitality of agriculture while protecting consumers, public health and the environment. We employ anywhere from 750-1,200 employees in fields like brand inspection, food safety, international marketing, environmental science, and information technology. While we do have offices statewide, these positions are located in Olympia, WA.

We are always searching for the brightest and best to join our team and are committed to fostering employee growth and development. We want to give you the chance to grow at Agriculture! In addition to the amazing career potential, we also offer a generous benefit package which includes 11 paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, retirement and insurance, health, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, training classes, and much more.

The Food Safety & Consumer Services (FS-CS) Laboratory is seeking TWO college bound, current college students, or recent high school/college graduates, who are committed to learning microbiological techniques in a governmental regulatory laboratory. These positions are designed to provide candidates with training in departmental procedures, as well as assigning them to productive and educational tasks within the microbiology lab.

Some of what you will be doing:
As an Administrative Intern, you will be supporting the mission of the FS-CS Laboratory by serving as an assistant in a variety of basic laboratory functions, as well as adhering to ISO 17025 Quality Management System guidelines. Interns will be involved in sample check-in, sample set-up, routine sampling and testing, data entry, and research tasks. They may also assist in basic laboratory support including cleaning and disinfecting laboratory work space and incubators, removing trash, and maintaining an up-to-date laboratory inventory.

What we are looking for:
Our successful candidates will possess working knowledge of common microbiological testing procedures and laboratory techniques. They will also show a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and have a desire to learn. In addition to those skills, our ideal candidate will be well-organized, familiar with computers, and communicate effectively.  We anticipate these non-permanent appointments to last up to six months, working up to 40 hours per week with potential weekend work required.

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work under the requirements of ISO 17025 Quality Management System in Bio-Safety Level 2 lab.
• Familiarity with basic computer operation and experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Be available to work during food recalls, or emergency, which may involve extended work hours or weekend work.

In addition to the above, our ideal applicant may also possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a major in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field, OR completion of at least four semesters or six quarters (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university.
• Experience with basic microbiological methods, including aseptic technique.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Supplemental Information:
These positions could be filled at either the Administrative Intern 2 or Administrative Intern 3 level, depending on experience and/or qualifications.

Administrative Intern 2 – $14.22 – $16.70 per hour

Administrative Intern 3 – $14.86 – $17.49 per hour

These positions require the ability to stand for extended periods while working at the laboratory bench as well as the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs, with or without an accommodation.

Candidates must also include a letter of interest as well as a resume.

Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.

To take advantage of Veteran’s preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Lisa Biscay, Recruiter, at (360) 902-2020 or Lbiscay@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2020 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388.