What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant position at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?
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:
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
Special Requirements:
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.
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
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
Special Requirements:
- This position requires possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
- 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.
- Lab experience in the following:
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- 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.
- 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.
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
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.