Nature of Work:

An employee in this position performs administrative and professional work for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division Laboratories by analyzing agricultural products including, but not limited to commercial animal feed, pet food, forage, fertilizer, liming material, pesticide products, residues, environmental samples, seed, cannabis, meat, dairy, and food. The employee will also perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratory.

Examples of Work:

• Develops and maintains quality assurance measures to assure accurate analytical methods.
• Develops and utilizes methods consistent with the laboratories’ equipment.
• Performs chemical analyses in accordance with scientific principles and techniques determined by a supervisor.
• Determines the type and extent of testing required to ascertain the quality of samples submitted for analyses, guided by the principles and techniques of analytical chemistry and by the methods devised by professional and testing organizations in developing the necessary laboratory procedures.
• 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 questionable identifications or finds on work to a supervisor.
• Reports deficiencies or malfunctions to the Assistant Director.
• Identifies and records nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.
• Identifies and records potential nonconformities on Preventative Action Requests.
• Corrects nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
• Improves laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Analyzes and interprets test results in order to assist in the administration of laws, regulations, or specifications relating to the chemical composition of the products analyzed.
• Performs related work as required, such as assisting other division analysts as needed.
• Prepares official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Makes final decisions which pertain to the microbiological content of individual samples.
• Attends meetings, including overnight travel.
• Writes SOPs and test methods.
• Signs reports when designated with signing authority.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, and handle objects and capable of lifting 50 pounds. Employment may require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns; and warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied to laboratory staff. Some jobs require employees to be exposed to unpleasant odors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Knowledge of composition and significant properties of materials and substances used or tested by the State.
• Knowledge of computerized LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is useful.
• Knowledge in the procedures involving the use, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Skill in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Skill in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Ability to understand and to follow oral and written instructions, formulas, and charts.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a major in chemistry or related physical science.

Experience:

Three years of experience in carrying out technical work in a chemical laboratory.

Substitutions:

Graduate study in a related laboratory science may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. Six years of experience in carrying out technical work in a chemical laboratory may be substituted for the required education.

Licenses/ Certifications:

None