Location: Harrisburg,PA, USA
THE POSITION
Are you fascinated by insects? Imagine turning that passion into an exciting career! The Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division is thrilled to offer you a remarkable opportunity to work in the field of entomology. Join a dedicated team in a lab environment that shares your enthusiasm for insects and contributes to vital research. Do not let this chance pass you by; embark on a fulfilling career that ignites your passion and expands your knowledge today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Laboratory Assistant with the Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division, you will support the identification of invasive insect survey samples for entomology programs. You will use a microscope and taxonomic keys to identify insects from various samples, pin and curate insect specimens for PDA insect reference collection, and enter data from samples into required databases. Assist entomology staff with survey equipment management. You will work closely assisting professional and technical staff in preparing and conducting tests and experiments and preparing and reviewing reports of related results. Work also consists of collecting, cataloging, storing, and maintaining specimens; cleaning and storing laboratory equipment and maintaining associated records; and performing routine manual work in the custodial care of plants, animals, and laboratory facilities. Work is assigned and reviewed in progress and upon completion by technical and professional staff.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
* Temporary, full-time employment without benefits. The temporary 9-month position typically runs from February 2025 until September 2025.
* Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
* You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
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 be available to work up to a 9-month position from approximately February 3, 2025 to September 19, 2025.
* You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
* Experience working in a laboratory.
* Experience performing or working with one of the following items:
* Microscope
* Taxonomic keys
* Identifying insects
* Pin or curate insect specimens
* Enter data from samples
* Set up and monitor insect survey traps
* Maintain laboratory log
* Determine difference between target and non-target organisms
* Determine difference between common biota in samples and rare biota
* Proper preparation of insect specimens
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 date. Late 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.
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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov.
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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little extras that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
* Eligibility rules apply.
01
Additional Requirement - This position is in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Are you willing and able to work in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
* Yes
* No
02
Additional Requirement - This is a temporary, full-time position without benefits. Are you willing to work a temporary, full-time schedule without benefits?
* Yes
* No
03
Additional Requirement - Are you available to work up to a 9-month position from approximately February 3, 2025 to September 19, 2025?
* Yes
* No
04
Peferred Qualification - Do you have experience working in a laboratory?
* Yes
* No
05
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
06
Preferred Qualification - Do you have experience performing or working with one or more of the following items (mark all the appy)?
* Microscope
* Taxonomic keys
* Identifying insects
* Curating or pinning insect specimens
* Entering data from samples
* Setting up and monitoring insect survey traps
* Maintaining laboratory log
* Determining difference between target and non-target organisms
* Determining the difference between common biota in samples and rare biota
* Proper preparation of insect specimens
* None
Required Question
Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website