Introduction

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.
The State Chemist Section regulates the sale and distribution of products to enhance and promote agricultural production, protect consumers, animals and the environment from unsafe products, and provide the regulated industry with a competitive marketplace.
GRADE
0017
LOCATION OF POSITION
MDA Headquarters: Annapolis, MD
Main Purpose of Job
The position will be responsible for the analysis of animal feeds, including pet foods, for microbiological contaminants, adulteration with animal proteins from species not listed on the label, adulteration with bovine tissue in bovine feed, bacterial toxins, mold toxins, and certain plant toxins. The microbiological pathogens include but are not limited to Salmonella sp, Listeria sp, pathogenic Eschericia coli sp. The position will utilize both cultural and instrumental techniques to detect, isolate, and confirm pathogens and toxins using standard methods such as FDA-BAM, USDA-MLG, and AOACI official methods.
POSITION DUTIES
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Microbiological Analysis: Prepare samples (animal feed, wet and dry pet food, frozen pet food, raw milk) for microbial analysis (Salmonella sp. Listeria sp, and E.coli O157:H7). Isolates and identifies bacteria in animal feed samples. Extracts DNA and identifies bacteria using the 3M Molecular Detection System. Confirms positive results using FDA BAM (Bacteriological Analytical Manual) or USDA MLG (Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook). Confirm microbial species by analyzing using real time PCR. Prepare specific growth medium and enrichment broth. Sterilize glassware and instruments using an autoclave. Maintain sterility of laboratory.
Animal Speciation: Determine the presence of regulated and non-labeled animal proteins in animal feed, and pet food. Determines the proteins using real time PCR. Determines the presence or absence of bovine protein in bovine animal feed to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalitis in bovine animals by real time PCR.
Data and Result Reporting: Records pertinent analytical data on the data worksheet while performing the analysis. Prepares accurate spreadsheets, and reports of the analysis performed, including reviewing data, using appropriate statistics, to determine if the quality assurance requirements are met, and whether the analysis is to be repeated and the entire data package defensible before submitting the package to the Supervisor. Reports data on appropriate forms after the Quality Assurance Officer approves the data package.
Safety: Performs duties in a safe manner, monitors the work area for safety hazards, reports hazards to the Supervisor and the safety officer, and corrects immediate hazards. Routinely reviews compiled Safety Data Sheets to ensure that they are current and up-to-date for the chemicals that are used. Attends all safety meetings and courses, and makes recommendations to maintain a safe work environment. Ensures that the laboratory hoods are working before use. Ensures that the safety equipment in the lab, eye diluters, showers, fire extinguishers, etc., is accessible, and knows how to properly use them.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Five years of experience, one year 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:
- 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 one course in pathogenic, clinical or medical microbiology and one year of experience performing laboratory analysis work in a biological, chemical, food, commercial, animal health, medical or public health laboratory for the required experience.
- Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
- 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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 additional years of experience in microbiological work involving food or animal feed
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employees will work in a laboratory with consistent noise from a machine. At times the employee will work with samples that have an odor. Work also involves exposure to hazardous conditions which may result in injury. This sort of work will involve using and handling biohazardous pathogens and possible toxic samples that include; Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and E.coli 0157:H7. Work may require moving instruments, boxes of growth medium, enrichment broth and materials. Candidates for some positions may be given a medical examination to rule out color blindness. Employees in this classification must be willing to undergo and maintain rabies immunization.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure 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 may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you detail all experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application. 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). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.)
If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at
Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division
Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Courtney Blackistone at courtney.blackistone1@maryland.gov.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.