The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

ABOUT THE POSITION: The mission of the Chemical and Hop Laboratory is to analyze and certify agricultural products for our clients, providing quality results, assuring consumer protection, providing evidentiary information, and grading hops for orderly marketing. This program’s commitment to be outstanding in quality process management and improvement is achieved through technical proficiency, expertise, and timely service.

The Lab Technician 3 independently performs and leads a wide variety of repetitive and miscellaneous complex laboratory procedures and interprets findings for the USDA Pesticide Data Program, Food Safety, and Hop Chemistry sections of the laboratory. Under minimal supervision, the incumbent will also perform work of other sections, as well as assist in the training and instruction of staff. This position will support and assist maintaining ISO17025 accreditation by working closely with the Supervisor and Quality Assurance Chemist.

This position will require overtime work during hop season (Aug-Oct), typically Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm, subject to change.

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

• Coordinates with chemists on determining extraction date for sample set, prepares the bench for extraction including: paperwork, verification of reagents and equipment, and any extra samples and/or quality controls needed for the sample set.
• Verifies the labs need of the purchase of fruits, vegetables, or other commodities to be used as matrix blank during extractions.
• Leads extraction of samples per standard operating procedures using various laboratory processes and equipment.
• Assists with the development and improvement of workflows for efficiency and/or ergonomic gains per ISO17025.
• Prepares, extracts, and analyzes hops samples for brewing value and other requested analyses.
• Prepares and maintains supplies, reagents, and analytical equipment needed to conduct hop analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in Chemistry AND 1 year of professional experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry AND 1 year of professional experience OR a minimum of five (5) years of experience at a level of equivalent to a Laboratory Technician 1 or higher, conducting bench work.

Desired:

• At least 5 years of experience in a chemical, public health or biological laboratory.
• At least 1 year of experience in hop extraction/analysis.

How to Apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

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.

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 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.

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.

Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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.