Entry Level Cannabis Lab Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.    The Opportunity The Agricultural Environmental Services Division within the Department of Agriculture protects the public interest, health, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing cost efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides and fertilizers, supporting scientific analysis that addresses concerns to public health and the environment from agricultural activities, and protecting public health through scientific and regulatory support of the cannabis and dairy industries.

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) have formed an interagency program to maintain rules and statewide guidance for cannabis laboratory quality standards conducting analysis of recreational and medicinal cannabis with THC levels greater than 0.3 percent. WSDA has been designated as the lead agency by the Washington State Legislature in statute (RCW 15.150). The program must coordinate among all participating agencies on agency policies, actions, and regulatory activities that relate to cannabis testing laboratory quality standards

The program also advises WSDA on implementation and maintenance of cannabis testing laboratory quality standards topics including, but not limited to, analytical methods; validation protocols; quality assurance and quality control practices; project planning and sampling guides; and other topics as necessary to fulfill the purposes of the program and the legislation. Members of the CLASP team act as auditors, review laboratory data, and work with laboratories to accredit those laboratories and educate them on accreditation and corrective actions. Team members are responsible for maintaining communication with the WSLCB to ensure that both parties understand who is able to participate in I-502 laboratory testing.

The Cannabis Lab Analysis Standards Program (CLASP) Chemist Lead is the subject matter lead for the chemical (pesticide, heavy metals and microbials) laboratory analysis for cannabis and assists in the development of cannabis laboratory analysis standards in conjunction with the CLASP interagency team members. As a designated lead expert, this position is responsible for creating an accreditation program that audits cannabis laboratories statewide. Key objectives include auditing data to verify that laboratories are in compliance with agency regulatory standards.

This position applies their technical expertise on issues related to labs proficiency, identifying appropriate corrective actions on microbiological deficiencies, and collaborates with team members to formulate deliverables associated with an accreditation or corrective action. This position reports directly to the Cannabis Program Manager. Position and Salary Information WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Chemist 4 position within the Agricultural Environmental Services Division.

This position is home-based within Washington State. This position is not represented by a union. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The typical starting salary for this position is: Range 68, Step A $86,688 - Step L $113,736 annually. Duties What to Expect Some of the various responsibilities within this role include: Audit and accredit cannabis laboratories statewide Utilize a state vehicle to travel to audit cannabis laboratories to evaluate procedures, practices, equipment, personnel, and methods. Train laboratory specialists and staff on relevant laboratory processes and procedures relevant in accordance with WAC 16-309.

Identify and document quality standard deficiencies established in WAC 16-309. Formulate regulatory audit reports that identify deficiencies and enforces corrective actions from the labs. Assess corrective actions provided by laboratories.

Qualifications Who should apply. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry AND six (6) years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory including at least one (1) year of experience as a lead in a specialized field of chemistry or supervising professional chemists. OR One (1) year of experience as a Chemist 3.

OR Equivalent education/experience may substitute AND Valid drivers license Preferred Qualifications: A Master's degree in in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or related field; and three years demonstrated experience in one of the above areas; Laboratory experience conducting chemical analysis Understanding of analytical methods and method development Supplemental Information Employee Benefits A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking. WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.

12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. How to apply You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions

In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position: A resume detailing experience and education A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required

Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system. WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion.

We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement. We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months. Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.

For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.