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AGRICULTURAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST ADVANCED

Frederick Animal Health Laboratory

Recruitment #24-000081-0001

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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.

GRADE

0019

LOCATION OF POSITION

1840 Rosemont Ave., Frederick MD 21702

Main Purpose of Job

As Laboratory Scientist Advanced, Technical Manager, this position serves primarily to support animal agriculture and to assure consumer confidence by conducting veterinary diagnostic tests at the Frederick Animal Health Laboratory and performing various routine and highly specialized biological tests 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 diseases. This position has the lead responsibility for technical and scientific work in microbiology and serves as Technical Manager & Laboratory Safety Officer, including Lead Equipment Manager responsibilities. This position manages resources, operations, and programs, and represents the Agency.
This position is considered an essential employee for continuity of operations purposes.

POSITION DUTIES

Has primary responsibility for all bacteriological testing, including Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) testing. Attends training as required by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for CEM, either virtually or in person at the NVSL.

Performs laboratory diagnostic work necessary to isolate and identify aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from animal tissues, feces, milk, blood samples and environmental samples. Performs antibiotic sensitivities (susceptibilities) using techniques such as Kirby Bauer or MIC. 

Carries out specialized tests, according to established SOP such as gram staining, catalase/oxidase, KOH testing, and using microbiological selective media to aid in the identification of microorganisms. Consults with experts on difficult identifications. 

Develops, writes, and updates Standard Operating Procedures for microbiological tests performed. Continually works to assure methodology is current and suggests updates in procedures and/or technologies as needed. 

In charge of the laboratory Bioterrorism Preparedness Program as per the requirements of a Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Clinical Laboratory. 

Facilitates appropriate testing and reporting of suspect Bioterrorism/Select Agents as outlined in the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) "Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Protocols and Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Disease" and according to MDA disease reporting requirements. 

Backup responsibility to other Agricultural Laboratory Scientist in the section, such as serology, parasitology, fluorescent antibody, plate agglutination, or other testing for which cross training and certification are documented, in the absence of the primary laboratory scientist(s) or during exceptionally heavy caseload or emergency response. 

Interprets and validates test results and reports findings appropriately and accurately, as evaluated by review of records and observations by Laboratory Director or Laboratory Supervisor. Informs Laboratory Director or Laboratory Supervisor of samples that are difficult to isolate or identify.

As Technical Manager, works with the Laboratory Supervisor to determine daily assignments based on workload and other needs of the laboratory. The Technical Manager assumes this responsibility in the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor and communicates up the chain of command to facilitate these 
decisions.

Exercises leadership duties by leading and/or training: employees who they lead, visiting laboratory scientists, veterinary students, student interns, work study students and any available technicians or assistants in laboratory procedures, and basic laboratory and biosafety procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Seven years of experience, three 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 three 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 six years of 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.

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.

  1. Experience with diagnostic testing such as microbiology.
  2. Experience with diagnostic testing such as real-time PCR.
  3. Experience serving as a leader in laboratory processes such as Technical Management, Safety, and/or Equipment Program Management.
  4. Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation or other similar laboratory accreditation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

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 all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

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.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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