Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Plant Industry Lab Technician in Pennsylvania
Plant Industry Lab Technician
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Plant Industry Lab Technician
Salary
$44,890.00 - $67,678.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2024-14576-56420
Department
Department of Agriculture
Division
AG Plnt Pro Div
Opening Date
12/19/2024
Closing Date
1/2/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
56420
Position Number
50681406
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
G1
Pay Group
ST05
Bureau / Division Code
00043951
Bureau / Division
Plant Protection Division
Worksite Address
2301 N Cameron Street
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17110
Contact Name
Zachary Bender
Contact Email
RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Are you experienced in plant pathology, microbiology, and molecular biology? If you are looking to advance your career while contributing to the protection of Pennsylvania's plant resources and ensuring consumer safety, we have an exciting opportunity for you. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is on the lookout for a Plant Industry Lab Technician to carry out essential laboratory tasks aimed at detecting and identifying harmful plant pests that threaten our agricultural sector. Your expertise will help in monitoring and managing plant health, which is vital for both the economy and the environment. This position not only offers a chance to enhance your skills but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on the community. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will carry out a range of standardized tasks for the Plant Pathology Program under the Division of Plant Protection. Your responsibilities will encompass conducting field and greenhouse studies, as well as surveys focused on plant pests, alongside laboratory work aimed at detecting and identifying various plant pests, including fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. You will engage in plant disease surveys, employ Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, and manage the receipt and documentation of plant, soil, and water samples within the laboratory setting.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=50681406) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
An Associate Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field plus one year of laboratory experience in the field of plant industry.or
Three years of laboratory experience in the field of plant industry and training which includes 15 college credits in biological sciences related to plant industry.or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 15 college credits in biological sciences related to plant industry.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go towww.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspxand click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you completed at least 15 semester college credits of coursework in biological sciences related to plant industry (such as agronomy, biology, botany, entomology, forestry, general agriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, microbiology, plant pathology, plant science, or zoology)?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
Yes
No
02
What level of college coursework have you completed in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
90 credits or more
Conferred Associate's Degree
60 but less than 90 credits
30 but less than 60 credits
Less than 30 credits
None
03
How many years of full-time laboratory experience in the field of plant industry and training do you possess?
3 years or more
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time paraprofessional level experience (or higher level) do you possess in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field?
2 years or more
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
INSTRUCTIONS: You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page. (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3)
Yes
08
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - RECEIVES, LOGS, AND ORGANIZES SAMPLES
Receives, logs, and organizes samples such as plants, seeds, and soil to promote easy access and ensure accurate record keeping. Stores samples in appropriate conditions (i.e., dark, dry, refrigerated, frozen) to ensure samples remain viable for testing. Follows proper procedures for the disposal of expired samples when appropriate.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience receiving, logging, and organizing test samples to promote easy access and accurate record keeping. I was responsible for ensuring samples remained viable by storing them in proper containers and conditions.
B. I have experience receiving, logging, and organizing test samples to promote accurate record keeping. SOMEONE ELSE was responsible for ensuring samples remained viable by storing them in proper containers and conditions.
C. I have experience receiving, logging, or organizing items OTHER THAN test samples to promote easy access or accurate record keeping.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
09
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience receiving, logging, or organizing items.
The actual duties you performed related to storing test samples in appropriate containers or conditions to maintain viability.
The type(s) of item(s) you received, logged, or organized.
Your level of responsibility.
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA ENTRY
Enters seed sample information into PA Plants laboratory management system.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience entering electronic data into a laboratory management system or database such as PA Plants, USA Plants, or LIMs.
B. I have experience entering electronic data into any type of database, spreadsheet, or computer program.
C. I have successfully completed college-level education related to data entry or data management.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of data you entered.
The type(s) of laboratory management system, database, spreadsheet, or computer program you entered the data into.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PERFORMS LABORATORY TESTS
Performs standardized laboratory procedures, including biological, morphological, serological, and molecular tests, to detect and identify plant pathogens. Testing methods involve microorganism isolation and cultures, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), nucleic acid extraction, and nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience performing laboratory testing using ALL 3 OF THE FOLLOWING methods: 1) microorganism isolation and cultures, 2) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), AND 3) nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
B. I have experience performing laboratory testing using TWO of the following methods: 1) microorganism isolation and cultures, 2) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), OR 3) nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
C. I have experience performing laboratory testing using ONE of the following methods: 1) microorganism isolation and cultures, 2) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), OR 3) nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
D. I have successfully completed college level laboratory coursework related to plant pathology, microbiology, or molecular biology.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of laboratory tests you performed.
Your level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - MONITORS INVENTORY
Tracks physical inventory of a chemical or biological laboratory to ensure an adequate supply of media, chemicals, and general laboratory supplies. Monitors inventory usage and the number of items requisitioned to estimate the reorder point of stock items and the amount needed for reorder.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience tracking the physical inventory of a chemical or biological laboratory to ensure an adequate supply of media, chemicals, or general laboratory supplies. I identified the reorder point of stock items and the amount needed for reorder.
B. I have experience tracking ANY physical inventory OTHER THAN that of a chemical or biological laboratory to ensure an adequate supply. I identified the reorder point of stock items and the amount needed for reorder.
C. I have successfully completed college level coursework related to inventory management, mathematics, or statistics.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience tracking physical inventory to ensure an adequate supply.
The type(s) of inventory you monitored.
Your experience identifying the reorder point of stock items and the amount needed for reorder.
Your level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov