Competitive salary: $46,987 - $55,203 Annual Salary
Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.
ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.
You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.
What We Do:
Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!
As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.
What You’ll Do:
No ag background, no problem! You'll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. The Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) is Ohio's state animal health laboratory, staffed by technicians, scientists, and veterinarians who perform diagnostic testing to protect animal health across Ohio. Within ADDL, Central Receiving manages all incoming mail and clinical samples, verifying documentation, accessioning them into LIMS, and routing them to the correct testing sections.
This position is responsible for:
Receives accessions and processes clinical samples
Uses computer & laboratory information management system (LIMS) for accessioning of daily submissions to the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL)
Participates in day to day operations of the Central Receiving lab section
Receives a variety of clinical samples (i.e., blood, serum, urine, tissue, swabs, oral fluids, fecal, abortion samples, rabies suspect samples etc.) from clinicians, the necropsy floor, pathologists, authorized field agents & other laboratories & sources
Opens mail and verifies that submission forms contain required information
Confirms sample identification, matching paperwork to sample
Inputs submission information into the LIMS
Scans submission forms and attaches them to each LIMS case
Prints case labels and applies them to samples and submission forms
Answers telephone calls and responds to e-mail correspondence from clients
Organizes and assigns identification numbers to samples
Organizes test tube racks and trays
Participate in on-call rotation with other lab staff
Provides excellent customer service to external and internal customers
Trains staff in sample receipt and accessioning procedures
Assist with daily upkeep of assigned laboratory section & associated equipment such as computer, scanner, barcode readers, and refrigerators
Participates in the laboratory’s biosafety and Quality Management System
Cleans and disinfects work area
Maintains work area supplies and equipment
Performs general housekeeping tasks of laboratory sinks, benches & other laboratory areas
Orders supplies
Files archived submission records and participates on laboratory digitization efforts
Assists laboratory personnel and independently conducts elementary laboratory test procedures (i.e., reagents are ready-to-mix, all testing procedures are outlined in stepwise manner & test systems are visually evaluated, with all possible results being previously defined as to how they will look & require no interpretation) using simple equipment
Prepares specimens for storage and ships specimens to other laboratories for additional testing
Attends & participates in staff meetings, conferences and activities
Responds to internal & external correspondence
Performs other duties as assigned
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.
We Support Diversity and Inclusion:
ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.
What’s in it for you:
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
Medical Coverage
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
Deferred Compensation
Maternity Benefits
· Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
· Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:
o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.
o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).
o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.
o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.
o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
· Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.
· Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.
Why Work for the State of OhioAt the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Formal education in arithmetic that included fractions, decimals & percentages & reading, writing & speaking English; 3 courses in high school science (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology) which included laboratory testing & use & maintenance of laboratory equipment or 12 months experience in science laboratory preparing specimens & samples for testing, preparing reagents &/or conducting basic/routine laboratory tests.
-Or 12 months experience as Laboratory Technician 1, 86111.
-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.
Unusual Working Conditions:
Exposed to animal fluids/tissues
The selected candidate for this position will be required to submit to vaccinations or show proof of vaccination upon selection.
For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:
Ryan Gunter
Ryan.Gunter@agri.ohio.gov
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.
ADA StatementOhio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free WorkplaceThe State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
