Laboratory Technician

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

Location: Kansas Department of Agriculture Laboratory - Manhattan, Kansas

This position will remain posted until filled.

• Assist with laboratory testing activities across multiple laboratory sections and provide support with quality assurance procedures. 
• Perform routine laboratory tasks in accordance with training, including:
  • Receiving, grinding, weighing and disposing of regulatory samples
  • Preparing media, working solutions, reagents, or other testing materials
  • Monitoring and verifying temperatures of laboratory equipment and assets
  • Performing daily balance checks
  • Record keeping and review of laboratory documentation
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe laboratory environment through regular housekeeping duties, including laundry, cleaning labware, equipment, and work surfaces, sweeping and mopping. 
• Safely move and handle heavy or oversized items using forklifts, crane systems and other lifting equipment. No prior certification is required to apply for this position. 
• Provide support with basic administrative tasks such as receiving laboratory deliveries, answering phone calls and assisting visitors as needed. 
• Communicate professionally and courteously with KDA staff, courier services, external customers and visitors. 
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures and meet work standards and performance expectations. 
• All work is performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with training provided.

Qualifications:

• Professionally minded individuals with at least one year of direct experience in a laboratory setting. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training or certification. 
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations. 
• Ability to communicate with scientific professional staff. 
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions. 
• Ability to maintain simple laboratory records. 
• Ability to complete provided certification training for the use of lifting equipment and safely operate lifting equipment when moving heavy items within the laboratory. 
• This position will be exposed to hazards present in every laboratory section. These hazards include biological (pathogens), chemical (acids, bases, gases), and physical (heat, sharp objects, noise) depending on which laboratory section this position enters. Many tasks assigned to this position will also require physical demands such as lifting heavy objects, handling dusty or dirty items and standing for extended periods of time.
• 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.