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

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

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 Microbiology Department in Albany. The Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee receives and prepares samples for microbiological 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 investigations 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.

Salary:
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.

Benefits:
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)!

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 science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.

Advanced Placement:
Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 2, NS 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 science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences and one year of experience using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety, food security, agricultural…