AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington s EconomyThe Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.

We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Microbiology Laboratory is recruiting for a non-permanent Administrative Intern 3 for a 3-6 month appointment.WSDA s Food Safety and Consumer Services (FSCS) Laboratory (also known as the Microbiology Laboratory) provides analytical support and data to the State regulatory agencies, our Federal partners U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the agricultural community. The testing conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory Program supports WSDA s mission to protect public health, Washington s food supply, the agriculture industry, and the environment. Food and environmental samples are provided by WSDA s Food Safety and Animal Feed programs and FDA s Food Emergency Response Network (FERN).

In addition, the laboratory maintains an FDA-certified State Laboratory Evaluation Officer (LEO) who regulate outside milk laboratories in Washington for antibiotic and microbial testing. Our laboratory analyzes dairy products, ready-to-eat foods, produce, animal feed and environmental samples. When there is a food emergency (food-borne illness), WSDA s Food Safety & Consumer Services Laboratory responds and provides rapid and defensible data to support regulators and epidemiologists in their quest to resolve the emergency.

The Administrative Intern 3 assists in a variety of basic laboratory functions, the laboratory Quality System, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). In this position you will receive training in departmental procedures and at the same time will be assigned productive tasks and assignments in a microbiology area. Position and Salary InformationWSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Administrative Intern 3 position within the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division.

This position is located in Tumwater, Washington and is a non-union represented position. This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which regularly involves long periods of standing and repetitive hand motions while performing a task.This position is expected to be filled for 3-6 months.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The hourly rate for this position is $ 18.51 - $ 21.82.Employee BenefitsA healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.

WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.

All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.Commute Trip Reduction Program.For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

DutiesSome of what you ll do:Autoclave and sterilize laboratory materials.Clean and sterilize glassware & utensils.Mop floors, clean and disinfect incubators and refrigerators.

Prepare media, reagents, and solutions for testing samples in the lab.Maintain accurate inventory of media supplies to prevent emergency shortages.Under immediate supervision assist in a variety of sample collection, sample check-in, sample set-up, sample testing.

Isolate and make cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.Perform tests on milk, food and other samples sent to the lab to detect harmful microorganisms.Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope to identify and classify microorganisms.

Provide laboratory services for the FDA LFFM cooperative agreement.Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Completion of at four semesters or six quarters (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university.One year of clinical, chemical, public health or related laboratory experience.Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) or similar database (basic skill) experience.

Microsoft Office or similar office software skills.Valid driver s license. Special Requirements:This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which involves long period (multiple hours) of standing and repetitive hand motions while perform the task.Must be able to regularly lift 25 lbs