Laboratory Technician 2-Virology

Who We Are:

ODA helps Ohioans in many ways including: supporting agriculture, protecting consumers, safeguarding plants and animals, and conserving natural resources. As a cabinet-level agency, we answer to the Governor, and we get a lot of stuff done! Ohio’s food and agriculture industry is huge, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. This success starts on the farm, but these aren’t your great grandpa’s farms! They may have started way back when, but many of Ohio’s more than 70,000 farms are modern, state-of-the-art operations that use technology to maximize production to feed our growing population.

ODA is located in Reynoldsburg on a beautiful, 158-acre campus. Parking is free and so are the amazing connections you will make with professionals who are known as the best in their field.

What We Do:

At ODA, we do a lot that helps a lot of people. That’s a pretty big deal! We make sure the meat and food you eat and the milk you drink is safe. We protect farmland and conserve our soil and water resources. We keep Ohio’s plants, crops, and livestock free of pests and disease. We house the state’s top food safety lab and serve as a hub for a statewide lab safety system. We make sure you get what you pay for through ensuring accurate weights and measures standards. We oversee Ohio’s fairs and make sure the amusement rides you love are safe. As a member of ODA’s family, you’ll be working with a team of the highest caliber, doing work that makes a difference to all Ohioans.

What You’ll Do:

You don’t have to know a lot about agriculture, you’ll learn that on the job! You just have to have a willingness to learn and a desire to devote your skills to a greater purpose.This position is responsible for:

• Works under general supervision and processes clinical samples
• Receives a variety of clinical samples (i.e. blood, tissue, semen, abortion samples, etc.)
• Confirms sample identification, matching paperwork to sample
• Organizes and assigns identification numbers to samples
• Organizes test tube racks and trays
• Uses computers to maintain laboratory records
• Requires computer system knowledge specifically data entry using a variety of computer software such as Microsoft office, and Adobe as well as general knowledge of animal species and diseases
• Participates in day to day operations of the Virology section within the Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL)
• Supports testing & assists in setting up assays
• Prepares specimens for storage
• Ships specimens to other laboratories for additional testing
• Assists laboratory personnel and independently conducts elementary laboratory test procedures (i.e., reagents are ready-to-mix) using simple equipment
• All testing procedures are outlined in stepwise manner & test systems are visually evaluated, with all possible results being previously defined as to how they will look & require no interpretation
• This role also participates in cross-training with other lab sections in various tasks
• Assists with daily upkeep of assigned laboratory equipment such as computers, refrigerators, centrifuges, pipettors, and incubators
• Completes all pertinent training involving SOPs, Safety, and the Quality System
• Follows laboratory’s biosafety and Quality Management System
• Cleans and disinfects work area
• Maintains work area supplies and equipment
• Performs general housekeeping of laboratory sinks, benches & other laboratory areas
• Stores laboratory records
• Disposes of biological material following appropriate procedures
• Orders supplies & maintains inventory
• Performs other duties as assigned

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 DEI principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are: respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.

• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.

• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis).

Knowledge of fractions, decimals & percentages; science & related laboratory techniques/procedures. Skill in use, maintenance & sanitation of laboratory equipment & supplies. Ability to carry out instructions in written, oral or picture form; complete routine forms & reports; sort items into established categories; work alone on most tasks.

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions:

• Exposed to animal fluids/tissues.
• The selected candidate for this position will be required to submit to vaccinations or show proof of vaccination upon selection.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Ryan Gunter

ryan.gunter@agri.ohio.gov