Title: Laboratory Assistant - Peanut #01354
State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec I
Hiring Range: $33,828 - $46,149
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture
Location: SUFFOLK-PEANUT OFFICE
Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Peanut Services Program’s Aflatoxin Laboratory is seeking applicants for the position of Laboratory Assistant. This position will assist the lead technician in the daily operation of the lab and be responsible for the preparation of samples and lot identity. Additional duties include certifying aflatoxin presence and levels in peanuts and other types of nuts; assisting with the maintenance of the Quality Management System Manual; preparing and staging samples for analysis; recording required information completely and accurately; assisting with grinding of peanut samples; assuring that equipment is properly cleaned, maintained and ready for operation; interpreting sample results; issuing official certificates; and preparing Positive Lot Identification Tags in compliance with USDA guidelines. The selected candidate must be able to work flexible hours with occasional overtime and holidays.
Minimum Qualifications
Working knowledge of basic laboratory operations, equipment and instrumentation used to analyze a variety of samples preferably as related to peanuts or other agricultural commodities and varying levels of aflatoxin. Knowledge of fundamental administrative duties, quality assurance, and safety practices related to laboratory operations. Computer proficiency to include the use of MS Office applications, email and internet. Ability to collect and analyze data; to work with limited supervision; resolve issues; and to establish, develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with industry and agency personnel. Effective customer service and oral/written communication skills to include interacting professionally with everyone. Demonstrated ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret rules, regulations and procedures; and to prepare written documents. Selected individual must qualify for USDA Accreditation to issue certificates within eight months of hire date. Physical demands include working around dust, laboratory equipment and machinery, driving, lifting up to approximately 50 pounds, and standing for long periods of time. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for safety. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Additional Considerations
A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of the various types of peanut aflatoxin testing such as Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), or the Vicam method.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804-786-1566
Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.