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Are you looking for an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience working in a scientific environment? The Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division is seeking a reliable candidate to assist with invasive insect surveys and sample analysis as a Laboratory Assistant. Apply today for this exciting opportunity and help protect Pennsylvania's natural resources!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will support the identifications of invasive insect survey samples for entomology programs. Duties include the use of microscopes and taxonomic keys to identify insects from samples, pin and curate insect specimens for the Department's insect reference collection and assisting program staff with survey equipment.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time, seasonal employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
- 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:
- No previous experience or training required.
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 available to work up to a 9-month position from approximately May 20, 2024, to December 16th, 2024.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
- Experience working in a laboratory.
- Experience performing or working with one of the following items:
- Microscope
- Taxonomic keys
- Identifying insects
- Pin or curate insect specimens
- Enter data from samples
- Set up and monitor insect survey traps
- Maintain laboratory log
- Determine difference between target and non-target organisms
- Determine difference between common biota in samples and rare biota
- Proper preparation of insect specimens
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.
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
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.
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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 www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
