Agricultural Laboratory Scientist Supervisor

Overview

Job #AHFS-51536-2.10.26-TW

This position is located within the Office of Animal Health and Food Safety - Meat Inspection in East Baton Rouge Parish. This is a department wide vacancy open to LDAF employees only.

Ready to make a meaningful impact on Louisiana’s workforce and organizational culture? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as an Agricultural Laboratory Scientist Supervisor. The position serves as the principal coordinator of all laboratory sampling and testing procedures for the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program.

Grow your career with opportunities in leadership, professional development, and specialized advancement opportunities.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to a mission-driven organization that serves communities across Louisiana
• Enjoy competitive pay and excellent benefits
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and  EAP is also free for all members of your household.

Six years of general laboratory or laboratory research and analysis experience; OR

Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus three years of general laboratory or laboratory research and analysis experience; OR

A bachelor’s degree plus three years of general laboratory or laboratory research and analysis experience; OR

A master’s degree in an agricultural, biological, chemical, environmental, or physical science plus two years of general laboratory or laboratory research and analysis experience; OR

A doctorate in an agricultural, biological, environmental, chemical, or physical science plus one year of general laboratory or laboratory research and analysis experience.

Experience Substitution: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Necessary Special Requirement for Seed Laboratory Only: Certification in seed germination/purity by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) or Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST).

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Supervises the microbiological section of the laboratory and Agricultural Laboratory Scientists.
• Maintains federal accreditation of the laboratory through the Accredited Laboratory Program, documenting all activities including quality assurance, product identification, chain of custody, and results.
• Maintains compliance of the microbiology and food chemistry laboratories with LISDA/FSIS; creates/updates SOPs; participates in FSIS audits.
• Performs proficiency testing for Food Chemistry and Food Microbiology; implements corrective actions for abnormal results.
• Plots results and trends, continually analyzes data; coordinates sample collection and analyses with field and office personnel.
• Conducts analyses for presence of foodborne pathogens and chemical composition; maintains technical records of test results.
• Develops new laboratory protocols, validates methods, and updates SOPs; maintains all laboratory records.
• Trains Agricultural Laboratory Scientists; ensures adherence to SOPs; provides technical supervision of testing procedures.
• Reviews work, troubleshoots issues, ensures QA/QC standards and proficiency/training requirements are met.
• Trains personnel on safety precautions, PPE usage, and handling of bacteria and chemicals.
• Provides technical information to USDA, FDA, and LDH as needed.
• Coordinates activities related to violations of Meat Inspection Program standards and detection of foodborne pathogens.
• Prepares and submits information to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service; supports state audit processes.
• Participates in seminars, conferences, and training to stay current with procedures and regulations.
• Maintains program effectiveness and advocates for policy/procedure changes as related to the laboratory.

Other duties as may be assigned.

• Moderate light lifting, 15 pounds with occasional lifting up to 40 pounds
• Walking and standing (8 hours); occasional bending or kneeling
• Lifting items such as briefcase, computer, scanner, luggage or other items for field operations
• Sitting for extended periods at a workstation or in a vehicle for travel
• May drive a vehicle in performing duties
• Climbing stairs and ladders; reaching above shoulders; carrying specialized equipment
• Steady hands for delicate work and sure grip for fragile items
• Occasional moderately strenuous activities in emergencies

• Working indoors and occasionally outdoors
• Occasionally slippery or uneven walking surfaces
• Working around routine laboratory hazards
• Occasionally…