Food Laboratory Specialist , SG-or Trainee; NY HELPS; Chemistry Department

Position:Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 or Trainee (NY HELPS) - Chemistry Department

Location: Albany, NY

Job :654

# of Openings:1

Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Posting Dates:
August 27, 2026 –
September 6, 2026

Harvest Your Potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join a team committed to cultivating a thriving food and agriculture industry that benefits everyone – from producers to consumers. At the Department, you'll find a dynamic environment where innovation, sustainability, and community engagement are paramount. Explore diverse opportunities, from environmental science to economic development, and discover your path to public service.

Cultivate your professional and personal growth while making a tangible impact on a healthier, stronger New York. Plant the seeds for a rewarding career today!

Position Information:

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee to work in the Chemistry Department in Albany. The Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee receives and prepares samples for chemical testing and analysis, following proper laboratory protocols related to handling, labeling, and storage; performs laboratory testing methods; calibrates instrumentation to establish and demonstrate appropriate conditions for a particular analysis;

operates complex laboratory equipment, instrumentation and electronic data processing and computer equipment; analyzes test results and prepares summaries and reports of analyses to document findings, observations, and results; performs duties in compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements; and contributes towards method development, process improvement, and/or As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in theinvestigations into new techniques, methods, and instrumentation.

The Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. The position will be based in our Food Laboratory located at 1220 Washington Ave Building 6, Albany, NY 12206.

The starting salary for the Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 is $53,764/year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951) without further examination.

Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.

The candidate appointed at the Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation.

Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-18 job rate salary of $85,138/year!

This is a PEF-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance.

Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website .

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.

NY HELPS

Minimum Qualifications:

Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1, NY HELPS

Qualifications:

A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food…