LABORATORY/CLERICAL TECHNICIAN (Moorefield Agriculture Complex, Moorefield, WV)

West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Position Description

Job Title: Laboratory/Clerical Technician
Division: Animal Health
Headquarters: Moorefield, WV
Reports To: Quality Manager/Laboratory Supervisor
Supervisory
Responsibility: None
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Nature of Work:

Under direct supervision, performs work at the entry level by conducting a limited number of basic laboratory tasks and examinations and providing routine assistance to technical or professional personnel in accordance with well-defined and established regulations and procedures. Responsible for sample data entry and resulting-out using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Performs related work as required. This position will also be responsible for limited administrative duties as assigned.

Examples of Work:

• Receives samples, logs into LIMS and uniquely identifies, labels, and prepares samples for testing, reads and records test results, distributes and mails laboratory reports.
• Cleans and sterilizes laboratory glassware and equipment.
• Registers and prepares samples for analysis.
• Sterilizes and discards infectious and disposable waste materials according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
• Prepares media and reagents.
• Maintains adequate supplies used within the work area.
• Maintains required records.
• Performs routine laboratory procedures.
• Develops and maintains quality assurance measures to assure that analytical methods are under control.
• Performs standard serological related tests and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques.
• Performs related work and other duties as required.
• Attends meetings including overnight travel.
• Assists with NAHLN messaging.
• Maintain P-Card account to order supplies for Moorefield Animal Health.
• Maintains filing system for P-Card purchases and purchase orders.
• Assists with day-to-day operations for MAHDL such as answering phones, receiving packages for the Moorefield Complex.
• Coordinate mailing of supplies to Veterinarians and Field Technicians.
• Work with various Federal programs such as the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), and the NPIP.
• Assists with all National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)data including new participants, mailings, 9-3 forms for Back Yard Flock (BYF) and Commercial.
• Assists Assistant Division Director, Laboratory and Field Staff as required with reports, supplies and records necessary to their duties.
• Assists with quarterly reports for Federal Cooperative Agreements.

Working Conditions:

• Normal laboratory/office environment; standing, sitting, walking, lifting, operating a computer and other lab and office equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask
• Ability to learn basic laboratory terminology, techniques and practices.
• Ability to learn the federal requirements regarding proper disposal of laboratory waste materials.
• Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to prepare boxes and letters for mailing.
• Knowledge of data entry
• Knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access)
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment
• Skill in the performance of routine microbiological testing and interpretation
• Skill with techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods
• Ability to speak in front of an audience
• Must be self-motivated
• Ability to work independently

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years of college including at least 1 course in Computer Science. Physical Science courses will be given preference

Experience: One-year employment in a laboratory environment preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver's License
• 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