Agricultural Program Technician I-Nematology Technician

About the role

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. Description of Work Do you have an interest in providing a unique service that helps NC farmers increase productivity and protect environmental quality? Do you have experience working with microorganisms or microscopes in a laboratory or agricultural setting? The Agronomic Services Division's Nematology Lab is excited to announce an opening for a Nematology Laboratory Technician. This position is part of a unique, highly specialized team that identifies microscopic plant-parasitic nematodes (round worms) found in the soil, root, and other plant parts. Nematodes can have a huge economic impact on crop yield and quality if not properly controlled. Our team provides site-specific recommendations for control that reduces the risk of crop loss and protects the environment from unnecessary application of nematicides. If you enjoy a high-volume, fast-paced work environment and have extensive knowledge and skills working with a microscope and identifying microorganisms, don't let this opportunity pass you by. Other functions of this position include organizing and receiving samples, assigning lab numbers, providing customer service, operation of custom-designed laboratory equipment, and performing molecular diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Normal working hours are 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, but occasional seasonal overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. We can accommodate flexible working hours. Candidate must pass a fitness for duty test paid for by the department prior to employment. Transcripts will be required at the time of interview. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range- $32,639-$50,000 Knowledge of good laboratory and safety practices. Ability to express technical information clearly, both orally and in writing, when reporting results and explaining procedures to others. Ability to sustain attention to detail for long periods of time. Ability to sit for long periods of time using a microscope. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits . Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience. Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position. * Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. * Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Associate degree in a biological science, horticulture, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of general laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. EEO Statement T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observanc