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 MDA Animal Health Program prevents and controls infectious and contagious diseases in Maryland livestock and poultry with particular emphasis on those diseases that threaten public health, endanger food supplies or threaten the economic security of the animal industries.
Join our Team and make a difference in preventing contagious and infectious disease in Maryland livestock.
Full-Time contractual position with eligibility for subsidized health benefits and limited paid leave.
GRADE
ASTD8
LOCATION OF POSITION
Frederick Animal Health Laboratory 1840 Rosemont Ave. Frederick, MD 21702
Main Purpose of Job
As the Office Secretary I, this position serves primarily to support the Agency mission
to prevent and control infectious disease of livestock and poultry, and to assure consumer
confidence by performing administrative, secretarial and clerical functions in the assigned
regional laboratory of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
This position manages resources,
operations, programs and represents the Agency.
Normal working hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm Employee may be required to work outside usual day time hours and be available for on call assignments. The work can involve periodic emergency duty any time, night or day. Employee is designated as essential personnel under Maryland State Foreign Animal and Emergency Disease Response Plan. Some weekend and evening duty may be required. This is a Continuity of Operations essential employee.
POSITION DUTIES
Greets and Interacts with clients and veterinarians, handles telephone and email inquiries, reports to clients, veterinarians, and state and federal animal health officials.
Receives biological specimens for testing and payments for laboratory services. Interviews clients who submit samples and confirms billing information at time of submission. Resolve any incomplete submission forms or discrepancies. Makes bank deposits into laboratory bank account following MDA Fiscal Services procedures.
Enters data in to the Laboratory Information Management System Database (VADDS) to obtain accession numbers and process receipt of samples. Labels biological specimen received with barcode labels generated from VADDS and distributes specimens to appropriate laboratory sections.
Prepares forms, package to route and ships biological specimen for testing at reference laboratories strictly following federal and agency guidelines by ensuring packaging meets all MDA, state, USDA, federal, DOT & 1ATA regulations.
Provides preliminary, interim, final and amended test results upon inquiry; verbally, in person, by fax, email or USPS to clients and state animal health officials. Contacts reference laboratories for updates on diagnostic test.
Request and ensures amended reports are generated when changes are made to final reports. Reviews the laboratory scientist worksheet to ensure results are entered into each VADDS case prior to releasing the report. Ensures cases are kept up to date and are closed out in a timely fashion. Request results for open/outstanding cases from subcontracted labs.
Acquires price quotes and maintain inventory for front office supplies, tuberculin, forms, federal supplies & reagents, and USPS postage stamps. Ensures in-date supplies are used efficiently and properly disposes of out-of-date/expired supplies.
Properly stores materials, supplies, and biological specimens. Distributes supplies to agents of the state, veterinarians, poultry testing agents, MDA field veterinarians and federal veterinary medical officers upon request. Maintains accurate records of supplies distributed.
Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks work area, front office, receiving area, shipping area, and lobby. M
aintains front office equipment in proper working order & notifies supervisor immediately regarding any equipment issues.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year performing secretarial or clerical work involving typing duties.
Notes:
1. Additional secretarial or clerical experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
2. Thirty credit hours with a major in secretarial science or office technology from an accredited college may be substituted at the rate of thirty credits for one year of experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Administration classifications or Administrative, Clerical or Office Services Specialty codes in the Administrative Support field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
Experience with high volume data entry tasks using Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience performing administrative support duties in a veterinary practice or laboratory setting.
Experience handling intake of biological specimens or laboratory samples.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
NOT APPLICABLE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated ability to accurately type on a keyboard of a personal computer at a minimum of forty words per minute may be required, depending on the specific requirements of the position.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants who meet the minimum (and preferred) 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. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an 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.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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: Kathleen Newhouse 410-841-5837 or kathleen.newhouse2@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.
