Laboratory Technologist - Harrisburg, United States - State of Pennsylvania

Description

THE POSITION

Are you looking for an opportunity to further your career and gain valuable experience working in a scientific environment? The Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Labs Division is seeking a reliable candidate to assist with testing clinical specimens for the presence of animal disease as a Laboratory Technologist.

Apply today for this exciting opportunity and help protect the health and safety of your fellow Pennsylvanians


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The responsibilities of this position include receiving, processing, and distributing clinical specimens for disease testing, as well as conducting testing for animal diseases for diagnostic, regulatory, and export reasons.

Additionally, client data and test results will be recorded in the information management system.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Associate degree in Veterinary Laboratory Technology (VLT) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory; or
• Two (2) years of college which includes six (6) credits in biology, three (3) credits in chemistry, and three (3) credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology or biostatistics and one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which included one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory, and six (6) college credits in biology, three (3) college credits in chemistry, and three (3) college credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology or biostatistics.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• 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 and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-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.


EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved.

* you may be disqualified.

You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S.

holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good.

As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess a conferred associate's degree in Veterinary Laboratory Technology (VLT), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), or Veterinary Medical Technology (VMT)? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of full-time technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development laboratory, a clinical pathology laboratory, or a diagnostic laboratory do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• No

ne

03

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below.

The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision.

If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

04

Have you completed at least six college credits in biology? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

05

If "Yes", please list the qualifying coursework in the space below. If you do not possess at least six credits in biology, type N/A in the box below.

06

Have you completed at least three college credits in chemistry? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

07

If "Yes", please list the qualifying coursework in the space below. If you do not possess at least three credits in chemistry, type N/A in the box below.

08

Have you completed at least three college credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology, or biostatistics? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

09

If "Yes", please list the qualifying coursework in the space below.

If you do not possess at least three college credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology, or biostatistics, type N/A in the box below.

10

How much college coursework have you completed?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• 60 credits or more
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• No

ne

11

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored.

They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position.

Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification.

You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions.

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty.

If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.

The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.

In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

• Yes

12

WORK BEHAVIOR - Receives Samples

Receives incoming samples and reviews laboratory paperwork to confirm information is complete and corresponds with labeling on the sample. Verifies proper collection, transport and appropriate specimen source per laboratory test. Performs data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System, specimen labeling and delivery of samples to testing labs.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience receiving incoming samples and reviewing laboratory paperwork to confirm information is complete and corresponds with labeling on the sample. I verify proper collection, transport and appropriate specimen source per laboratory test. I perform data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System, label specimens and deliver samples to testing labs. This experience was related to receiving VETERINARY samples.
• B. I have experience receiving incoming samples and reviewing laboratory paperwork to confirm information is complete and corresponds with labeling on the sample. I verify proper collection, transport and appropriate specimen source per laboratory test. I perform data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System, label specimens and deliver samples to testing labs. This experience was related to receiving OTHER THAN VETERINARY samples.
• C. I have completed coursework or training related to this work behavior such as veterinary laboratory technology courses.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The type(s) of samples you received

14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below.

If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR - Prepares Samples

Prepares or collects tissues, blood and swab samples from animal disease tissues. Weighs, dilutes, splits, trims and otherwise prepares specimens for test procedures.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience preparing or collecting tissues, blood and swab samples from animal disease tissues. I weigh, dilute, split, trim and otherwise prepare specimens for test procedures. These samples were ANIMAL specimens.
• B. I have experience preparing or collecting specimens. I weigh, dilute, split, trim and otherwise prepare specimens for test procedures. These samples were NOT animal specimens
• C. I have completed coursework or training related to this work behavior such as hematology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology or chemistry etc.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The type(s) of samples you prepared

17

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below.

If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

18

WORK BEHAVIOR - Performs Laboratory Tests

Conducts standardized microbiological, chemical and biological tests to identify and measure the composition of biological samples including 1) microscopy, 2) ELISA for antigen or antibody and 3) histological slide preparation and staining.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A.

I have experience conducting standardized microbiological, chemical and biological tests to identify and measure the composition of biological samples including ALL 3 OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) microscopy, 2) ELISA for antigen or antibody AND 3) histological slide preparation and staining.

• B.

I have experience conducting standardized microbiological, chemical and biological tests to identify and measure the composition of biological samples including 2 OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) microscopy, 2) ELISA for antigen or antibody OR 3) histological slide preparation and staining.

• C.

I have experience conducting standardized microbiological, chemical and biological tests to identify and measure the composition of biological samples including 1 OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) microscopy, 2) ELISA for antigen or antibody OR 3) histological slide preparation and staining.

• D. I have completed coursework or training related to this work behavior such as hematology, microbiology or chemistry etc.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

19

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The type(s) of laboratory tests you performed

20

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below.

If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

21

WORK BEHAVIOR - Quality Checks

Performs and records quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents and procedures to ensure reliability of media performance and test results.

Performs periodic quality control checks including: 1) the use of biological indicators where appropriate, 2) preventive maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as autoclave, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and water baths, 3) sterility checks and 4) performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms or other reference materials.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A.

I have experience performing and recording quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents and procedures to ensure reliability of media performance and test results.

I perform periodic quality control checks including ALL 4 OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) the use of biological indicators where appropriate, 2) preventative maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as autoclave, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and water baths, 3) sterility checks AND 4) performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms or other reference materials.

• B.

I have experience performing and recording quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents and procedures to ensure reliability of media performance and test results.

I perform periodic quality control checks including 2 OR 3 OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) the use of biological indicators where appropriate, 2) preventative maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as autoclave, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and water baths, 3) sterility checks OR 4) performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms or other reference materials.

• C.

I have experience performing and recording quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents and procedures to ensure reliability of media performance and test results.

I perform periodic quality control checks including 1 OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) the use of biological indicators where appropriate, 2) preventative maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as autoclave, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and water baths, 3) sterility checks OR 4) performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms or other reference materials.

• D. I have completed coursework or training related to this work behavior such as quality control etc.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

22

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The type(s) of quality control functions you performed

23

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below.

If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

24

WORK BEHAVIOR - Packages and Ships Specimens

Determines proper shipping category, packages samples, completes necessary paperwork to accompany the sample and labels the shipping container while adhering to shipping requirements.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A.

I have experience determining the proper shipping category, packaging samples, completing necessary paperwork to accompany the sample and labeling the shipping container while adhering to shipping requirements.

• B.

I have experience packaging samples to be shipped, completing the necessary paperwork to accompany the sample and labeling the shipping container while adhering to shipping requirements. I DO NOT have experience determining the proper shipping category.

• C.

I have completed coursework or training related to this work behavior such as laboratory safety, blood borne pathogen training or transportation of infectious substances etc.

• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

25

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The type(s) of samples in which you determined the proper shipping category for
• The type(s) of samples you packaged

26

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below.

If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

27

WORK BEHAVIOR - Client Services

Responds to client inquiries via phone or in person regarding lab fees, laboratory services, status of lab results for specimens submitted and related policy and procedures.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A.

I have experience responding to client inquiries via phone or in person regarding lab fees, laboratory services, status of lab results for specimens submitted and related policy and procedures.

• B.

I have experience responding to client inquiries via phone or in person. This client service was NOT in a laboratory environment.

• C.

I have completed coursework or training related to this work behavior such as customer service relations, communications or speech etc.

• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

28

In the text box below, please provide details concerning your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed above.

Make sure your response addresses the two items listed below which relate to your claim.

If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The setting in which you provided client services

29

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below.

If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website