Job Description

Posting number: N-2026-54342

Department: Department of Agriculture

Division: AG Plnt Pro Div

Job classification: Laboratory Assistant

Posting type: NCS External

Categories: Agriculture, Laboratory, Sciences

Begin a rewarding path as a Laboratory Assistant with the Department of Agriculture! This role allows you to explore plant science through fieldwork, lab procedures, and data collection. You will develop practical skills that support the detection and study of plant diseases. It is an engaging way to build experience while helping strengthen plant health across Pennsylvania!

Examples of duties

This role supports plant disease surveys through fieldwork, greenhouse tasks, and laboratory testing. The work helps ensure accurate monitoring of plant health using various techniques As a Laboratory Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Survey Support: Assist with statewide plant disease surveys and collect plant, water, and soil samples
• Field Navigation: Locate survey sites using maps or GPS tools and record field data in the survey app
• Lab Testing: Assist with laboratory tests after training, including sample processing and examinations
• Lab Maintenance: Complete tasks such as preparing solutions, washing glassware, and organizing supplies while keeping workspaces clean and disinfected
• Greenhouse Work: Water, fertilize and transplant plants for diagnostic assays

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Temporary, full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be willing and able to work in Dauphin County, PA.
• You must be willing to work a temporary, full-time schedule without benefits.
• You must have experience with Biology, Plant Science, or Molecular Biology in laboratory, greenhouse, or field work.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing dateLate applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.