Job Title: Microbiological Laboratory Assistant – Intern/TEMPORARY
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

NOTE: Temporary Employees are not eligible for benefits and cannot exceed one thousand (1,000) hours worked in a calendar year.

Nature of Work:
An employee in this position is responsible for performing routine laboratory tasks that support a variety of microbiological tests and assisting Microbiologists performing more difficult analytical procedures.

Examples of Work:

• Receives samples for analyses, assigning each a sample number for identification. Samples are received by mail or delivered by individuals.
• Ensures the integrity of samples received for analyses and records the disposition of the samples.
• Prepares samples for analyses, ensuring that each sample is properly labeled, sub-sampled and prepared before submitting it to the Laboratory for analysis.
• Assists analysts in the Microbiology and Dairy Labs.
• Cleans laboratory glassware and equipment, as appropriate.
• Performs required quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Performs other related work as required by Supervision.
• Maintains records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Handles samples and performs analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment.
• Reports deficiencies or malfunction to Supervision.
• Identifies and records nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.
• Identifies and records potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests.
• Corrects nonconformities and potential nonconformities as directed.
• Improves laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended period of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting 25 – 50 pounds. Employment may require working with bacteria, pathogens, unpleasant odors, hot liquids, steam, and hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents. Personal protective equipment is provided to laboratory staff with training on use.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, equipment and terminology.
• Working knowledge of the principles of biological sciences.
• Skilled in general microbiological laboratory procedures.
• Skilled in the operation and care of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work with glassware and laboratory instruments.
• Ability to learn the methods and procedures of a variety of routine laboratory tasks.
• Ability to perform calculations involving the application of basic mathematics.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to keep adequate laboratory records.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and bio-security protocols.
• Knowledge of general office equipment use such as photocopiers, computers, telephone equipment, and fax machines.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college biological program or a recent graduate of an accredited four-year college or university.
Experience: Previous experience in a technical laboratory preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.