AGRICULTURAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST III

16

1840 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702

This position serves primarily to support animal agriculture and to assure consumer confidence by conducting veterinary diagnostic and analytic tests in the Frederick Animal Health Laboratory, and performing various routine and highly specialized biological test on body fluids and tissues of a variety of species of animals in support of the veterinary pathologist and practicing veterinarians in their diagnosis of animal disease. This position has the lead responsibility for technical and scientific work in microbiology, and serves as Laboratory Safety Officer and Cross Training Manager. This position manages resources, operations and programs, and represents the Agency. This position is considered as essential employee for continuity of operations purposes.

In the role of Agriculture Laboratory Scientist III microbiologist, exercises leadership duties by: leading and/or training visiting laboratory scientists, veterinary students, student interns, work study students and any available technicians or assistants in microbiological procedures, and basic laboratory and biosafety procedures.

Carries out regulatory and diagnostic functions by testing samples from horses, mammalian livestock and poultry for diseases including (not limiting to) Avian Influenza. Equine Herpes Virus, Newcastle Disease Virus, Equine Infectious Anemia Virus, Bovine Leukosis, Brucellosis, Bluetongue, Johne's Disease. Ovine Progrssive Pneumonia and Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis, Contagious Equine Metritis and conducts Agency operations.

Develops, writes, and updates Standard Operating Procedures for microbiological tests performed.

Performs budget and/or resource management.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in the biological or chemical sciences from an accredited college or university including one course in general microbiology and one course in pathogenic, clinical or medical microbiology.

Experience: Two years of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory.

Notes:

1. Experience performing veterinary analytical, diagnostic, and epidemiological laboratory testing work may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. A Master’s degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

3. A Doctorate degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university may be substituted 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 and education.

One year of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory performing PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) duties.

One year of experience in an ISO (International Standard Organization) accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

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.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

 STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred, however paper applications will be accepted from candidates who may not have internet access.  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)  

If you are submitting additional information, such as 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).  Mailing Address: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401.

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Hazel Day at 410-841-5840 or hazel.day@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.