This recruitment is open until filled. 

The first review of applications is scheduled as early as the week of May 12th, 2025. In order to be considered for the first round of review, please submit your application on or before May 11th, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

The WSDA Food Safety & Consumer Services (formerly known as Microbiology) Laboratories Program provides laboratory testing for regulatory agencies and agriculture communities to protect public health. The program tests Food, Feed, Dairy, cannabis products, and environmental samples for surveillance and regulatory purposes. Program operational funding includes the general funds-state, local funds, and federal cooperative agreements.

The Administrative Intern 3 position is located in Olympia, Washington and is a non-union represented position. This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which regularly involves long periods of standing and repetitive hand motions while performing a task.

This position is expected to be filled for 3-6 months. 

 Some of what you’ll do: 

Assist in sample collection and testing in all laboratories technical sections

• Assist in a variety of sample collection, sample check-in, sample set-up, samples testing, data entry, data analysis, QA/QC support, or research tasks; may be assigned to a specific laboratory section continuously or may rotate between sections to gain different kinds of experience.
• Isolate and make cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
• Perform tests on milk, food and the other samples sent to our lab to detect harmful microorganisms and to obtain information about sources of contamination.
• Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in specimens.
• Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.

• Autoclave and sterilize laboratory materials.
• Clean and sterilize glassware& utensils.
• Prepare media, reagents, and solutions for testing samples in the lab.
• Maintain accurate inventory of media supplies to prevent emergency shortages.

• Assist the laboratory management in data mining, report proof-reading and preparation, laboratory facilities improvement project, and other admin duties.
• Assist the quality assurance officer, supervisor and manager in the preparation and review of laboratory procedures and work instructions.
• Assist the following projects in the lab quality system area: evaluate, verify/validate new food/feed/federal testing methods, extend sample matrices for established food/feed/federal testing methods, and provide training as needed.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

Required Qualifications: 

• Completion of at least one quarter or one semester graduate work after receiving a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university.

• Equivalent education/experience.

• Completion of at four semesters or six quarters(or equivalent) at an accredited college or university. 
• 6 months or more of clinical, chemical, public health or related laboratory experience. 
• Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) or similar database (basic skill) experience.
• Microsoft Office or similar office software skills. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

• This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which involves long period (multiple hours) of standing and repetitive hand motions while perform the task.
• Must be able to regularly lift 30 lbs.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

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

• Current resume detailing experience and education.

• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.  Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.  If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

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.

Equity at WSDA  

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.  Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, 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 Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. 

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.