Public Health Scientist Associate

Job Summary :

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Public Health Scientist Associate for the State Agricultural Laboratory; the position is located in Chandler, Arizona.

Under general supervision, the successful candidate will be responsible for technical laboratory testing and analysis on produce, meat, dairy, feed, fertilizer, pesticides, seed and other food product samples that have been submitted to the State Agricultural Laboratory.

Job Duties :

Major duties to include but not limited to :

• Perform quality assurance reviews of both chemical and biological analytical results.
• analyze scientific data to produce final test results.
• Participate in the quality assurance, preventive maintenance and loss control program.
• Sample and reagent preparation for daily laboratory examinations.
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Discard finished analyzed samples and general laboratory cleaning and maintenance.
• May require supervision of other laboratory staff members.
• Maintain confidentiality and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

Knowledge of :

Skills in :

Ability to :

Selective Preference(s) :

Experience in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology or other Physical Science in a laboratory setting.

Pre-Employment Requirements :

Bachelor’s Degree in Science – Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology or other Physical Science

Certification or the ability to be certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the analysis of dairy products

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply :

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits :

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include :

Sick leave

Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster / adopted child (pilot program).

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our

Retirement :

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is %. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.