We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

•         The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

•         The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Under direct supervision, assists in the performance of standard tests and analysis on raw, natural, and processed food and dairy substances using prescribed chemical and physical laboratory procedures to determine composition, purity, and compliance with legal standards.

• • Performs chemical and microbiological analysis on food samples. 
  • Performs field testing for environmental swabs.
  • Always demonstrates proper analytical techniques and follows all test methods as written. 
  • Records qualitative and quantitative observations legibly and accurately. 
  • Calibrates and routinely operates analytical equipment using established guidelines and techniques.
  • Follows waste disposal and storage guidelines. 
  • Cleans work area according to laboratory guidelines. 
  • courteously works with fellow lab employees. 
  • Conveys scientific and technical information to fellow lab employees and management in a concise manner.
  • Participates in proficiency tests and on-site evaluations by auditors.
  • Monitors and records laboratory systems such as refrigerators, ovens, and incubators for compliance with requirements.  
  • Monitors the work to ensure the accuracy of sampling and testing complies with laboratory standards. 
  • May be exposed to hazardous and unknown substances. 

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants, who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• • Bachelor’s degree or greater in the sciences (for example, microbiology or chemistry)
  •   Experience working in a lab setting.
  •  Excellent reading comprehension, receptivity to training, and ability to follow specific instructions.
  •  Good interpersonal skills (teamwork, cooperation)
  •  Safety-conscious and attentive to lab hygiene (i.e., cleanliness)
  • Good organizational skills and time management
  •  Ability to use a variety of pipettes.
  • Ability to perform analysis.
  •  Knowledge of chemicals and procedures in the area of assignment

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY: Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

·         Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *