Agency Information: Kansas Department of Agriculture
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector including farmers, rancher, food establishments and agribusinesses. The agency has a balanced approach to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and Kansas economy while promoting and advocating for the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry, employer, and economic contributor. KDA helps to ensure a safe food supply, protects natural resources, promotes public health and safety, protects animal health, and provides consumer protection to the best of our ability.
Kansas Department of Agriculture: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502
About the Position:
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Who can apply: Anyone
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Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
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Full/Part-time: Full-Time
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Work Schedule: Days
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Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
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Veteran Preference Eligible: Yes
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Disability Preference Eligible: Yes
Compensation:
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Annual Salary Range: $43,000 to $45,000 Per Year
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Hourly Pay Range: $20.67 to $21.63 Per Hour
- Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
Employment Benefits:
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Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
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Sick & Vacation leave
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Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
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Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
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Fitness Centers in select locations
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Employee discounts with the STAR Program
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Retirement and deferred compensation programs
Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…
Position Summary & Responsibilities:
This position will remain posted until filled.
Location: KDA Laboratory located in Manhattan, Kansas
Work in a new, state-of-the art laboratory!
This position employs a microbiologist as part of a team to prepare and analyze food, feed and dairy samples for the presence or quantity of microbiological and chemical analytes following outlined standard operating procedures.
Analyze samples for qualitative and quantitative analyses using various instrumentation required for tests such as polymerase chain reaction, microscopy, rapid test kits, automated analyzers, plate counting and benchtop lab equipment. Ensure that testing is completed within established turn-around times.
Perform sample preparation, analysis, data interpretation, preparation of media, reagents and solutions, and instrument system checks. Document lab tasks performed according to quality system requirements. Evaluate quality control data to ensure that sample data are reliable prior to determining a final result. Must be able to orally defend and write a comprehensive and scientifically accurate report for each sample analyzed when requested.
Participate in development, validation, and improvement of lab methods under supervision. Such methods may be outside developed methods or in-house developed methods and could include accuracy, precision, limits of detection, measurement uncertainty, and matrix applicability. Draft, review, or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed.
Successful participation in required proficiency testing programs. Pass both internal and external laboratory performance audits as required and ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and the NCIMS 2400 forms.
Perform calibrations, maintenance and repairs on analytical instruments as needed. Inform on lab supply and reagent inventory needs. Clean and maintain the laboratory equipment and workspace. Adhere to lab safety practices and workplace expectations.
Able to complete certification requirements to perform dairy regulatory testing as prescribed by the FDA Laboratory Proficiency Evaluation Team; able to become FDA-certified Laboratory Evaluation Officer (reserve) to assess state dairy industry laboratories and testing personnel.
Contribute to special projects, participate in meetings and assigned training, and assist with seasonally high sample testing volumes as needed.
Qualifications:
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Professionally minded individuals with four years work experience, training, or education (or combination thereof) in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Biology, Agricultural or Life Sciences, or related.
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Knowledge of microbiology techniques and instruments such as BAX systems, 3M MDS, plate readers and autoclaves.
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Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory instruments.
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Experience and/or knowledge of method development, validation, or verification.
Requirements:
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Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicles and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Biological (e.g., pathogens), chemical (e.g., acids, bases, gases, etc.), and physical (e.g., heat, sharp objects, noise) hazards are present in the KDA laboratory work environment. Assigned work may also involve standing for long periods, kneeling, stooping, bending, extended viewing of computer screens or use of a microscope. PPE, engineering, and administrative controls are in place to reduce these risks and all employees are expected to make use of them according to their job duties.
Because emergency conditions in a BSL-2 lab could be abnormally serious, any applicant for this position must certify that entering and working in the lab will not cause abnormal health consequences or risks because of an immunocompromising illness or condition, any treatment the applicant is currently undergoing, or pregnancy. Any health and safety risks need to be communicated to the Laboratory Director and Human Resources Director immediately.
Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:
Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .
If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at [email protected]
Recruiter Contact Information:
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Name: Kelsey Senn
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: (785) 564-6712
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Fax: (785) 564-6777
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Mailing Address: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502
Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:
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On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed.
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DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
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Inside your Job Application, upload the these documents:
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Resume (or choose existing resume if you have one)
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Cover Letter including level of experience and/or education.
Job Application Process
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Sign in to your existing account or Register for a new account.
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Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page.
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Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
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Complete and Submit your application.
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Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
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Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
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Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page.
See the helpful links below to assist in completing your application:
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Instructions:
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Job Search
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Registration & User Account
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Application
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to [email protected], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
