AGRICULTURAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III

MAICS, Animal Health, Frederick Animal Health Laboratory, 1840 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702

This position will be assigned 24-hour on-call status periodically and can be involved in emergency duty at any time, night, or day. Some weekend and evening duty is required during a disease outbreak or other assigned Agency activity. It may involve occasional overnight travel in and out of state. This position is essential for the continuity of operations at FAHL and fulfilling the core functions and adjectives of MDA.

As Agriculture Laboratory Scientist III, this position serves primarily to support the Agency’s mission to prevent and control infectious diseases of livestock and poultry and to ensure consumer confidence by conducting the highest quality veterinary analytic and diagnostic tests available in the assigned regional laboratory of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). This employee has primary responsibility for technical and scientific testing in the molecular diagnostic laboratory, as well as performing secondary duties related to the serology, microbiology and parasitology laboratory sections. This position is considered an essential employee for continuity of operations purposes.

Performs Laboratory Diagnostic Testing Procedures According to the Laboratory's Operating Procedures and ISO 17025 Standards.

Supports and participates in the laboratory accreditation process, follows ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and Laboratory Quality Manual systems, including initiating Corrective & Preventive Action Reports and all required reporting and documentation in cooperation with the Quality Manager and Quality Assurance Officer.

Has a primary responsibility for all diagnostic testing & reagent inventory in the Molecular Biology laboratory, according to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), NVSL (National Veterinary Services Laboratory), and Frederick Animal Health Laboratory (FAHL) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Disease testing in the Molecular Biology laboratory will be dependent on training and passing proficiency testing.

Has secondary responsibility in serology, microbiology, and parasitology laboratories when the workload is high, the lead scientist is absent, or to maintain proficiency. Disease testing in these laboratories will be dependent on training and passing proficiency testing.  All diagnostic testing will be conducted using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and a biological safety cabinet (BSC) for samples containing unknown or known organisms that can cause infection in animals, poultry or humans. Follows all applicable safety, health, biosafety, biosecurity, and personal protective equipment SOPs for all laboratory activities.

Reviews and updates procedure manuals, technical manuals, SOPs, work instructions, and related journal materials for primary and secondary assigned laboratory sections. Responsible for reviewing, reporting, and verifying test results in the Laboratory's Information Management Systems (VADDS), Global Vet Link (GVL), or Veterinary Service Processes Streamlining (VSPS) within the time frame specified by the laboratory's Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs).  Completes all laboratory initial & annual training and annual proficiency testing. Proficiency testing verifies the accuracy and reliability of the testing completed in the laboratory and is an ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Completes and maintains training for packing and shipping of Division 6.2 materials, including those classified as Category A (UN 2814/2900), Category B (UN 3373), as well as Exempt Animal Specimens. Participates in the weekly packing and shipping rotation.  Identifies and evaluates new procedures and technologies in published literature, making recommendations to the Laboratory Supervisor.

Manages update when an existing SOP/Work Instruction is updated or a new procedure is brought into the molecular biology laboratory, ensures any new instruments or reagents are obtained & ready for use, verified or validated, and that other laboratory scientists are trained. Troubleshoots instrumentation within the molecular biology laboratory and maintain instruments in working order.  Pursues continuing education to keep abreast of professional, scientific, and practical aspects of  microbiology/regulatory issues to maintain and improve laboratory skills to enhance job performance.

Performs special tests and surveys and participates in special projects.  Perform inspections to determine the suitability of test samples and report unsuitable sample issues to the Technical Manager. When delays in testing or testing anomalies occur, they are reported to the Technical Manager, and the next steps will be evaluated.  Maintains a clean, organized workplace. Cleans and disinfects work area before leaving the room for breaks, lunch, and at the end of the day.

Accurately keeps records of worksheets and test results, as ISO/IEC 17025, federal, and state regulations mandate. Quality Staff and other authorities periodically audit these records. Tracks inventory of laboratory supplies in the Molecular Biology stock supply areas, including freezer reagent stock, as well as other main stock areas. Ensure stock numbers do not fall below critical levels and submit supply orders with sufficient time prior to inventory exhaustion.

Before taking scheduled leave, notify the Laboratory Supervisor or backup scientists at least one day in advance about any pending work that needs to be completed during your absence. For student interns, work-study students, and visiting scientists, the Laboratory Supervisor may ask to provide basic laboratory techniques, testing methods, and biosafety laboratory procedures as assigned.

As the Agricultural Laboratory Scientist III, Serves as the Laboratory Equipment Manager.

Maintains equipment inventory and related records in an organized manner according to ISO/IEC 17025, State, and laboratory SOP requirements. Reports to the Technical Manager regarding equipment.  Leads equipment purchases & disposals, assuring they are performed & recorded according to ISO/IEC 17025, State, and laboratory SOP requirements. For equipment purchases, assures technical specifications of the equipment meet relevant requirements, as well as available resources of the facility. Conducts prior coordination with Frederick County maintenance if alterations or modifications to the facility are required.

Organizes validations or verifications of new equipment prior to being put into use. Works with the Technical Manager to determine the plan of action, works with the lead scientist of the corresponding laboratory section to carry out the validation or verification.  Works with the Technical Manager and Purchasing Team to schedule calibrations and preventive maintenance, assuring they are performed at the required level and on schedule.

Leads equipment troubleshooting, taking equipment out-of-service when required. Works with the Lead Scientist to contact technical support or other experts to determine the best course of action. Consults with the Technical Manager to determine the final plan of action.  Starts Corrective and Preventive Action Reports related to equipment malfunctions or other events as required. 

Specific duties are undetermined until assignment.

Experience: Six years of experience, two years of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory and an additional four years of experience performing veterinary analytical, diagnostic, and epidemiological laboratory testing work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree in the biological or chemical sciences from an accredited college or university including one course in general microbiology and two years of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university for five years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in natural resources management and biological science classification or natural resources management and biological science specialty codes in the animal science field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Experience with performing real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) including supportive tasks such as PCR reagent management.

Experience with other diagnostic testing such as microbiology (bacterial culture), serology (i.e., ELISA: enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, AGID: agar gel immunodiffusion assay, etc.), or other diagnostic testing platforms.

Experience serving as a leader in laboratory processes such as Equipment Program Management.

Experience with the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025) accreditation or other similar laboratory accreditation.

NOT APPLICABLE

NOT APPLICABLE

1. Candidates for some positions may be given a medical examination to rule out color blindness.

2. Employees in this classification must be willing to undergo and maintain rabies immunization.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.  The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Please report on all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree, transcript, and major on your application, if applicable. 

For education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. If you possess a degree obtained outside of the United States, please submit a detailed, course-by-course evaluation report from one of the U.S. equivalences evaluating members identified at http://www.naces.org/members.html.  Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an official evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.  Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report on all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office - Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

It is important that all experiences be fully documented. Failure to ANSWER ALL SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY AND ACCURATELY may cause the candidate to be rejected.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY.

➢ The application is part of the examination process. Your answers will determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the selection process.

➢ Clearly describe your qualifications in detail. Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you fail to indicate.

➢ Do not leave any answer spaces blank; if a question does not apply, write "N/A".

➢ Although you may attach a resume to further describe your qualification, it does not substitute for completing the application form. An incomplete application form may result in disqualification. Do NOT write "see resume" in your work history or responses to supplemental questions.

➢ Failure to comply with these instructions may result in disqualification.

➢ Read the Job Announcement carefully for specific filing instructions, supplemental questions, and final filing dates. 

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5840 or mda.humanresources@maryland.gov.  TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.