Job#AHFS-50330744-8.19.26-TW
This position is located in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Agricultural Chemistry Program located in the Agriculture Chemistry Building on the LSU campus, East Baton Rouge Parish.

Ready to make a meaningful impact on Louisiana’s workforce and organizational culture? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as an Agricultural Laboratory Scientist! This position performs duties for the Office of Animal Health and Food Safety within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry and entails responsible and professional agricultural analysis work in a variety of technically specialized and professional regulatory programs including, but not limited to, feed, fertilizer, liming, meat, and therapeutic marijuana.

Grow your career with opportunities in leadership, professional development, and specialized advancement opportunities.

Why Join Us?
• Contribute to a mission-driven organization that serves communities across Louisiana
• Enjoy competitive pay and excellent benefits
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and at home. The EAP is also free for all members of your household.

Three years of general laboratory or laboratory research and analysis experience; OR

Six years of full-time work experience in any field; OR

A bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

SUBSTITUTION FOR SEED LABORATORY ONLY:
The possession of a certification in seed germination/purity by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) or Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) will substitute for the required college training.
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties:

• Ensure consumer products meet applicable quality standards by independently performing highly complex and challenging analyses on all feed, pet food, miscellaneous samples submitted to the Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory related to inspections or investigations initiated by routine inspections, complaints, referrals or as a follow up to a previous sample collection.
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate results and compile data and other facts related to the analysis performed into comprehensive technical reports by using established regulatory criteria, policies, and procedures. 
• Use various laboratory devices that assist in performing the analyses and documenting the results and keep current with available technology by participating in training provided or by independent study. 
• Maintain supplies and prepare media and solutions for microbiology laboratories. 
• Receive samples and maintain chain of custody for meat inspection microbiology samples. 
• Perform PCR analysis using on meat inspection samples for the detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) and any new pathogens that may be added. 
• Perform isolations and identification of potential positives using Biomerieux Vitek2. Follow all SOPs and GA requirements. 
• Maintain all required records of laboratory work. 
• Independently and accurately respond to inquiries from LDAF personnel and the public.
• Confer with LDAF personnel regarding concerns related to products sampled.

Other duties as may be assigned.

Functional Requirements:

• Required to move and install compressed and liquid gas cylinders.
• Prolonged sitting at workstations.
• Prolonged standing at workstations.
• Light to moderate lifting, 20 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.

Environmental Factors:

• Daily use of hazardous chemicals.
• Required to wear appropriate chemical safety equipment (personnel protective equipment).
• Occasionally required to wear face mask.

Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: 

• Full-time- this position may be filled by probation or by promotion of a classified employee of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry serving with permanent status. 
• Applicants who are not permanent employees of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will be required to serve a probationary period up to 24 months. 

Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Agricultural Laboratory Scientist 1, 2, or 3, depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).

How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Tiffany Waddell - HR Analyst
Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
[email protected]