ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST I (Veterinary Laboratory Operations Coordinator)

Introduction

\r\n\r\nThe Maryland\r\nDepartment of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive\r\nBranch.� Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the\r\nagriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves\r\nas a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include\r\nmarketing and lab services,�plant and pest\r\nmanagement and resource conservation.� As the number one industry in\r\nMaryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to\r\nexpand and grow.\r\nMDA's Vision\r\nAchieving excellence in programs\r\nand�services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the\r\nenvironment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and\r\nenhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.\r\nMDA's Mission\r\nProviding�leadership and support to\r\nagriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and\r\neducational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the\r\nenvironment, and promote agriculture.​\r\nThe Animal Health Program prevents and controls infectious\r\nand contagious diseases in Maryland livestock and poultry with particular\r\nemphasis on those diseases that threaten public health, endanger food supplies\r\nor threaten the economic security of the animal industries.\r\n�Join our Team and make a difference in preventing contagious and\r\ninfectious disease in Maryland livestock.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

10\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

MAICS, Animal Health, Salisbury Animal Health\r\nLab, 27722 Nanticoke Road, Salisbury, MD\r\n21801\r\nEmployee\r\nmay be required to work outside usual daytime hours and be available for\r\non-call assignments.� The work can\r\ninvolve periodic emergency duty any time, night or day. Employee is designated\r\nas essential personnel under Maryland State Foreign Animal and Emergency\r\nDisease Response Plan.� Some weekend and\r\nevening duty may be required.� May\r\ninvolve occasional overnight travel in and out of state.� This is a Continuity of Operations essential\r\nemployee.\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

As the Administrative Specialist I, this\r\nposition serves primarily to support the Agency mission to prevent and control\r\ninfectious diseases of livestock and poultry, and to assure consumer confidence\r\nby performing sample accessioning, receiving, processing and shipping in an\r\nAnimal Health Laboratory setting.� A\r\nvariety of animal specimens in various fields, such as bacteriology, serology,\r\nmolecular biology, histology and necropsy will be handled, assessed, and processed\r\non a daily basis per applicable standard operating procedure (SOP).� This position is considered an\r\nessential employee for continuity of operations purposes.\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

Processing\r\n& Distribution of Biological Specimens, Supplies, and Laboratory Results\r\nSupports\r\nand participates in the Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory (SAHL) accreditation\r\nprocess, follows ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and Laboratory Quality Manual\r\nsystems, including initiating Corrective & Preventive Action Reports and\r\nall required reporting and documentation in cooperation with the Quality\r\nManager and Quality Assurance Officer. Performs biological work per associated\r\ntechnical, quality, regulatory, and safety procedures.Learns\r\nand maintains knowledge of universal precautions in handling potentially�hazardous\r\nbiologic and chemical materials. Observes infection control precautions in�order\r\nto prevent contamination and the spread of disease. Uses protective equipment,�follows\r\nuniversal precautions for biological pathogens, and maintains and follows�laboratory\r\nchemical & disposal procedures.�\r\nLearns\r\nand maintains knowledge of veterinary, medical, and chemical laboratory terminology,\r\nas well as biology applicable to Animal Health Laboratory practices in molecular\r\nbiology, microbiology, serology, virology, and other applicable diagnostic fields.\r\nLearns and maintains knowledge of the basic theory and operation of common\r\nlaboratory equipment and instrumentation. Greets and interviews clients, animal\r\nhealth officials, vendors, or other visitors at the laboratory, by phone or via\r\nemail. Distributes supplies to agents of the state, veterinarians, poultry\r\ntesting agents, MDA field�veterinarians\r\nand federal veterinary medical officers upon request. Assures technically�appropriate\r\nsupply is provided and maintains accurate records of distribution.\r\nReceives\r\nspecimens submitted to the laboratory via in-person, drop off, or mail.\r\nInspects and opens specimen packages using appropriate protective equipment.\r\nDistributes non-specimen mail to appropriate parties and checks in supplies per\r\nSOP. Reviews submissions paperwork for completion and interviews or contacts\r\nclients who submit samples to obtain all necessary information as needed. Receives\r\npayments for laboratory services or confirms billing information. Processes payments\r\nper laboratory and State guidelines. Cleans and disinfects samples, selecting a\r\ndisinfectant and protective equipment appropriate to the task based on internal\r\nguidelines.\r\nIdentifies\r\nvarious sample types and associated sample containers. Conducts preliminary\r\ninvestigation of samples to ensure each sample is of sufficient volume and quality\r\nfor the requested tests. Initiates sample rejection process per SOP. Enters\r\ndata into the Laboratory Information Management System (VADDS) per applicable\r\nSOP. Labels biological specimens received with accession barcode labels and�distributes\r\nspecimens to the designated location in the required storage temperature for\r\nthe corresponding sample type.\r\nProofs\r\ncases entered into VADDS, reviews data, and updates accessions as necessary. Works\r\nwith clients to determine the technically appropriate subcontracted laboratory test(s)\r\nfor those tests not provided in-house. If needed, contact subcontracted\r\nlaboratories with technical questions to determine appropriate tests. Prepares\r\nassociated paperwork. Packages and ships samples & paperwork per applicable\r\nClass 6.2 Infectious Substance or Exempt Animal Specimen guidelines; obtains\r\nand maintains required Federal training for packing and shipping.\r\nPartners\r\nwith Federal counterparts to organize and submit specimens for transmissible spongiform\r\nencephalopathy (TSE) testing. Communicates with the necropsy team to ensure\r\nappropriate samples are collected. Works with State counterparts to organize\r\nand submit specimens to the Maryland Department of Health for human exposure\r\nRabies and Arbovirus testing. Cleans, disinfects, and properly stores or\r\ndisposes of materials, supplies, biological specimens prior to leaving for the\r\nday. Maintains office in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition.\r\nMonitors\r\nand records environmental & equipment conditions as required. Handles, contains, and disposes of hazardous chemical and biological waste per SOP. Receives\r\nlaboratory test results for in-house and subcontracted testing. Analyzes test records\r\n& reports for completion and to assure requested test and sample type have\r\nbeen tested. Promptly informs the appropriate party of any problems or errors\r\non laboratory records or test reports. Analyzes results to determine whether\r\nreportable diseases have been detected based on State & Federal reportable\r\ndisease lists. Reports detection of these diseases per SOP prior to release to\r\nthe client. Inputs subcontracted laboratory results into VADDS per SOP. Releases\r\nresults to clients and State & Federal animal health officials. Maintains laboratory\r\nrecords per SOP and retention guidelines. Develops and updates work\r\ninstructions & procedures for the front office per document control\r\nprocedures.\r\nProcurement\r\n& Fiscal\r\nParticipates\r\nin the bank deposit process per laboratory and Fiscal requirements. Proofreads\r\naccounts receivable source documents, ensures billable items are charged correctly\r\nand reports any discrepancies to the appropriate party. Receives invoices sent\r\nto the laboratory, verify charges are correct, and ensure associated cases are\r\ncharged correctly. Forwards invoices to Headquarters for payment processing.\r\nPrepares\r\npurchase orders, acquires price quotations and approvals, and places orders following\r\nlaboratory and State requirements. Maintains records per SOP and retention guidelines.\r\nReceives incoming supply orders & verifies accuracy. Distributes supplies\r\nto appropriate lab sections. Manages backordered, missing, or incorrect items.\r\nMaintains\r\ninventory for front office supplies, forms, federal supplies & reagents,\r\nand USPS postage stamps. Ensures in-date supplies are used efficiently and\r\nproperly disposes of expired supplies per laboratory chemical disposal\r\nrequirements. Contacts vendors to schedule appointments or to procure supplies.\r\nAssures appropriate services, reagents, or chemicals are obtained. When\r\nsubstitutions must be made, consult with the vendor & appropriate\r\nlaboratory scientist to assure the substitution is suitable. Specific duties\r\nare undetermined until assignment.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high\r\nschool equivalency certificate.\r\nExperience: Six months of experience performing administrative staff, clerical,\r\nclerical technical, or secretarial work.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours\r\nfrom an accredited college or university for the required experience.\r\n2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed\r\nForces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving\r\nstaff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in\r\napplying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws\r\nand policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience..\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in providing customer service and handling hazardous\r\nbiologic and chemical materials in a laboratory environment. \r\nExperience in providing procurement, budget management,\r\ninventory, and fiscal administrative support in a laboratory environment.\r\nExperience in entering and managing samples in a Laboratory\r\nInformation Management System (LIMS).\r\nExperience\r\nin performing basic sample preparation and laboratory techniques.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be\r\nassigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees\r\nassigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s\r\nlicense valid in the State of Maryland.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and\r\nselective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The\r\nevaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education,\r\ntraining, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.�Therefore,\r\nit is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your\r\napplication.��Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified,\r\nBetter Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the�eligible (employment)\r\nlist for at least one year.��The resulting certified eligible list\r\nfor this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State\r\nagencies.\r\nPlease report on all related education,\r\nexperience, dates, and hours of work.�Clearly indicate your college\r\ndegree, transcript, and major on your application, if applicable.�\r\nFor education obtained outside of the U.S.,\r\nyou will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as\r\ndetermined by a foreign credential evaluation service. If you possess a degree\r\nobtained outside of the United States, please submit a detailed,\r\ncourse-by-course evaluation report from one of the U.S. equivalences evaluating\r\nmembers identified at�http://www.naces.org/members.html.� Any job offer will be\r\ncontingent on the candidate providing an official evaluation for equivalency by\r\na foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may\r\nbe requested prior to interview).�\r\nComplete applications must be submitted by\r\nthe closing date.�Information submitted after this date will not be\r\nadded.� Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.�Resumes\r\nwill not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.��\r\n

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist\r\nof a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the\r\nrequirements of the position.�It is important that you provide complete\r\nand accurate information on your application.�Please report on all experience\r\nand education that is related to this position.\r\n

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

G\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is�STRONGLY�preferred.\r\nIf you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application\r\nto:�Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office - Room 304,\r\n50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD� 21401. All paper applications\r\nmust be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.\r\n(Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing\r\nthe online or paper application.\r\nIt is important that all experiences be fully\r\ndocumented. Failure to ANSWER ALL SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY AND\r\nACCURATELY may cause the candidate to be rejected.\r\nPLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY.\r\n➢�The application is part of the examination process. Your\r\nanswers will determine�your eligibility to participate in the next phase\r\nof the selection process.\r\n➢�Clearly describe your qualifications in detail. Credit\r\ncannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and\r\nabilities that you fail to indicate.\r\n➢�Do not leave any answer spaces blank; if a question does not\r\napply, write 'N/A'.\r\n➢�Although you may attach a resume to further describe your\r\nqualification, it does not substitute for completing the application form. An\r\nincomplete application form may result in disqualification. Do NOT write\r\n'see resume' in your work history or responses to supplemental\r\nquestions.\r\n➢�Failure to comply with these instructions may result in\r\ndisqualification.\r\n➢�Read the Job Announcement carefully for specific filing\r\ninstructions, supplemental questions, and final filing dates.�\r\nIf you are submitting additional information,\r\nsuch as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online\r\nwith your application.� If you are unable to upload, you may mail,\r\nhand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).\r\nFor questions concerning this recruitment,\r\nplease contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5840\r\nor�mda.humanresources@maryland.gov.� TTY Users: call via Maryland\r\nRelay.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is\r\ncommitted to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective\r\nof the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are\r\nencouraged to apply.�We thank our Veterans for their service to our\r\ncountry.\r\n