Laboratory Assistant (Temporary)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
$17.38 Hourly
dental insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
2301 North Cameron Street (Show on map)
Jul 18, 2025
THE POSITION Are you eager to enhance your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in a scientific setting? The Plant Protection Division of the Department of Agriculture is currently looking for a Laboratory Assistant to support the surveillance and diagnosis of plant diseases. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Pennsylvania's natural resources and essential agricultural sector. Take the next step in your career by applying today! DESCRIPTION OF WORK In this position, you will support various activities related to plant disease surveillance and diagnosis within the Plant Pathology Lab of the Plant Protection Division. Your responsibilities will include participating in surveys to detect plant disease-causing organisms, collecting and transporting samples of plants, water, and soil, assisting with laboratory testing and maintenance, and managing data compilation and organization. Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: Temporary, full-time employment Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Special Requirement: This position requires possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver's license or equivalent. Additional Requirements: You must be willing and able to work in Dauphin County, PA. You must be willing to work a temporary, full-time schedule without benefits. You must be able to perform essential job functions. Preferred Qualifications (not required): Experience in Biology, Plant Science, or Molecular Biology in laboratory, greenhouse, or field work. Experience in Extracting nuclear acids, ELISA, PCR, Culturing, Microscopy, Collecting Field Samples, Working with plants, Using GIS, Processing samples for testing, Washing laboratory glassware, Maintain laboratory log/databases, or Making media. How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Veterans: Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):* 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.