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Administrative Intern Microbiology Laboratory (2 Positions)

Salary
$2,474.00 – $3,044.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Internship
Department
Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number
2018-07473
Closing
8/9/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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The Washington State Department of Agriculture services the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.

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.

This recruitment will be used to establish a pool of candidates for consideration for non-permanent positions as they become available.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

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.

Supplemental Information
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile.

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Are you 18 years of age or older?

  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

  • Yes
  • No
03
Are you available to work during food recalls, or emergency, which may involve extended work hours or weekend work?

  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you able to work under the requirements of ISO 17025 Quality Management System in Bio-Safety Level 2 lab?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact