Laboratory​/Clerical Technician; Moorefield Agriculture Complex, Moorefield, WV

West Virginia Department of Agriculture

Laboratory/Clerical Technician

Animal Health

Moorefield, WV

Quality Manager/Laboratory Supervisor

Non-exempt

Under direct supervision, performs work at the entry level by conducting a limited number of basic laboratory tasks and examinations and providing routine assistance to technical or professional personnel in accordance with well-defined and established regulations and procedures. Responsible for sample data entry and resulting‑out using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Performs related work as required. This position will also be responsible for limited administrative duties as assigned.

• Receives samples, logs into LIMS and uniquely identifies, labels, and prepares samples for testing, reads and records test results, distributes and mails laboratory reports.
• Cleans and sterilizes laboratory glassware and equipment.
• Registers and prepares samples for analysis.
• Sterilizes and discards infectious and disposable waste materials according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
• Prepares media and reagents.
• Maintains adequate supplies used within the work area.
• Maintains required records.
• Performs routine laboratory procedures.
• Develops and maintains quality assurance measures to assure that analytical methods are under control.
• Performs standard serological related tests and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques.
• Performs related work and other duties as required.
• Attends meetings including overnight travel.
• Assists with NAHLN messaging.
• Maintain P-Card account to order supplies for Moorefield Animal Health.
• Maintains filing system for P-Card purchases and purchase orders.
• Assists with day‑to‑day operations for MAHDL such as answering phones, receiving packages for the Moorefield Complex.
• Coordinate mailing of supplies to Veterinarians and Field Technicians.
• Work with various Federal programs such as the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), and the NPIP.
• Assists with all National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) data including new participants, mailings, 9‑3 forms for Back Yard Flock (BYF) and Commercial.
• Assists Assistant Division Director, Laboratory and Field Staff as required with reports, supplies and records necessary to their duties.
• Assists with quarterly reports for Federal Cooperative Agreements.

• Normal laboratory/office environment; standing, sitting, walking, lifting, operating a computer and other lab and office equipment.

• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to learn basic laboratory terminology, techniques and practices.
• Ability to learn the federal requirements regarding proper disposal of laboratory waste materials.
• Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to prepare boxes and letters for mailing.
• Knowledge of data entry.
• Knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access).
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Skill in the performance of routine microbiological testing and interpretation.
• Skill with techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Ability to speak in front of an audience.
• Must be self‑motivated.
• Ability to work independently.

Education: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years of college including at least 1 course in Computer Science. Physical Science courses will be given preference.

Experience: One‑year employment in a laboratory environment preferred.

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre‑employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre‑employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.