What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Start a meaningful path as a Laboratory Assistant with the Department of Agriculture! This role allows you to explore plant science through hands-on work in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. You will develop practical skills that support plant disease surveillance and improve agricultural health. It is a rewarding way to gain experience while helping strengthen plant protection across the state!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role supports plant disease surveillance through sample collection, field navigation, greenhouse tasks, and laboratory procedures. The work ensures accurate monitoring of plant health and helps maintain strong communication with growers and program staff. As a Laboratory Assistant, you will perform the following duties:
- Disease Survey Support: Participate in plant disease surveys and collect plant, water, and soil samples
- Data Collection: Enter survey data into GIS tools to map sample locations, and environmental conditions for spatial data collection
- Lab Procedures and Maintenance: Assist with laboratory tests after training while following safe and accurate protocols; prepare solutions, wash glassware, and organize supplies in the laboratory
- Greenhouse Tasks: Watering of greenhouse plants on a regular basis, and maintaining clean work areas
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Temporary, full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Special Requirements:
- This position requires possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
- You must be willing and able to work in Dauphin County, PA.
- You must be willing to work a temporary, full-time schedule without benefits.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
-
Lab experience in the following:
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
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