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

Nature of Work:
The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing routine laboratory tasks to conduct a variety of tests and assist other employees in more difficult analytical procedures.

Examples of Work:

• Receive samples by mail or delivered by individuals for analyses and assign each sample an identification number for tracking.
• Ensure the integrity of samples received for analyses and record the disposition of the samples.
• Prepare samples for analyses, ensure that each sample is properly sub-sampled and ground, label the sub-sample with the sample number prior to submission to each laboratory section.
• Assist analysts in the Dairy, Seed, Meat, Microbiology, and Agricultural Materials Labs
• Clean and sterilize laboratory glassware and equipment.
• Perform required quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Maintain records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment; report deficiencies or malfunctions to Supervisor.
• Identify and record nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.
• Identify and record potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests.
• Correct nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
• Improve laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Assist with the emergency maintenance of sample preparation and laboratory equipment as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Laboratory/office environment. 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 up to 50 pounds. May require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, and hot surfaces capable of burns. Warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required for laboratory staff. Exposure to unpleasant odors may occur.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laboratory principles, techniques, equipment and terminology.
• Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology and bacteriology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and bio-security protocols.
• Skilled in performing delicate and complex laboratory procedures.
• Skilled in the operation and care of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work with glassware and other fragile laboratory apparatus.
• 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 verbal and written instructions and to keep adequate laboratory records.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Two years college credit including ten semester hours in the physical or biological sciences.
Experience: Six months of full-time paid employment in in a technical laboratory.
Substitutions: Graduation from an accredited college or university with 15 semester hours in one of the physical sciences, including a laboratory course in microbiology or chemistry may substitute for experience.

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.

 

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.